I recently fell in love with "Fly Me To The Moon", then realized that there a number of Sinatra tunes that I have thoroughly enjoyed on an individual basis since the 70's. At some point I began to tabulate the Sinatra songs that I love, then bought this collection as a birthday present to myself, as I am a devote R&B, Jazz, Classical and Gospel music lover. Now, I listen to this collection and it ranks with all of my favorites. Great poetic lyrics, orchestration and smooth.

Simply a great CD which makes the memories of yesteryear come flooding back to one's childhood.

How does a forty-something end up utterly enthralled with the Sinatra phenomenon, a matter he knew only by name but had never paid much attention?

For one, he determines upon news of Mr. Sinatra's death that he'd better become acquainted with this matter. Secondly, he buys a used copy of the VERY BEST OF FRANK SINATRA from an Amazon book-dealer, then listens to it over and over and over again.

*Now* he begins to understand what the old fogies were talking about. Good grief, can this man *sing*!

But it's a different kind of singing than the varieties I have known. It is smooth, not technically impressive, but somehow a matter of timing and feeling so preternaturally well-synchronized that they leave one *feeling* things. Deep things, things that Sinatra declaims with silky knowledge and an occasional wink when he sees that you get it.

The Sinatra Machine, both authorized and otherwise, has spun off gazillions of versions of Sinatra tunes that you simply must know. You could begin with one of them.

But trust me, this stuff is so good that you might as well dive into the deep end right at the outset and purchase this two-disk anthology. Then you'll understand.

I'm a stickler for getting original recordings, preferably remastered. Still, there are lots of great song titles here.

A fan of Frank's could never be disappointed with this CD. It's everything we were looking for and is a great collection of our favorites.

This is the very very best of Frank Sinatra, NOBODY does it better!!!!!

This is excellent CD if you like frank sinatra. Has some of his best songs on that are well known along with others. I would definately recommend it.

A bit of nostalgia, some of the best recordings ever made. My children were totally speechless(unusually quiet)when I popped this CD into the car stereo on a long drive home from, ironicly, Las Vegas. The rich orchestral sounds accompanying Sinatra's smooth vocals, were a style they had never heard before. After our trip to Nevada, it somehow seemed the appropriate music at the time.

Frank is the master; this CD has some of his all time signature work.
If you want a wake up call for what we call music today just pick up
this CD and remember. While at it you might consider his ONLY THE
LONELY CD.

Though it wasn't as artistically impressive, as his ten year tenure at Capitol Records, Sinatra's longtime stint at his own Reprise record label provided some of the best music of Sinatra's career.

There are many collections that offer a generous selection of Sinatra's best work from this time period. There's the single disc "The Very Good Years", which is the album that turned me on to The Voice when I was just a toddler. Then there's the excellent 4 cd "The Reprise Collection", which is a bit pricey but entirely worthwhile. Finally, there's the mammoth "The Complete Reprise Studio Recordings", which clocks in at an astonishing 20 discs and costs about $ 300.00. Fantastic music, no doubt, but a bit overwhelming, especially for a beginner.

For those looking for a solid middle ground between these collections, look no further than the 2 cd, 40 song collection "The Very Best Of Frank Sinatra". Though it heavily relies on re-recordings of classics from his Capitol era, "The Very Best Of Frank Sinatra" still has a great amount of original material that Sinatra recorded at the label, and the sound quality is fantastic.

Disc 1 is of higher artistic quality, though in all honesty, the one that is less enjoyable. Not that it's bad. Here, you get excellent renderings of standards such as "Stardust", "A Foggy Day", a touching "The Girl Next Door", a swingin' "Nice Work If You Can Get It" and "Let's Face The Music And Dance". In addition to that you do get the usual timeless Sinatra classics, including "The Way You Look Tonight", "Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words)", "My Kind Of Town" and "The Best Is Yet To Come".

Four classic songs from the Capitol years have been included in their Reprise versions. First is an updating of "I Get A Kick Out Of You". Cutting out the classic "My story is much too sad to be told..." intro is a crime, no doubt, but this version, with its fantastic Neil Hefti arrangement, great Frank vocal, and a great sax break, manages to hold its owns against its Capitol predecessor.

"In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning" is next, and the result is somewhat mixed. The arrangement of the song lacks the eerie starkness of the original, but Frank's vocal is superior to his original, as the deepening of his voice gives the words a more somber, longing feel, making its sentiments seem more endearing. If Frank did the 1955 arrangement with his 1963 voice, it would've been perfect.

Next comes "I've Got You Under My Skin", which is much livelier and grander than the rigid and stiff 1956 arrangement. The Capitol version was restrained and Frank sounded bored. This version is looser and Frank's clearly having fun on this one. Though the 1966 live version with Count Basie is the definitive performance of the song, this is probably the best studio recording Frank did of this Cole Porter standard. Next comes a 1965 reworking of "Come Fly With Me" that easily triumphs over the original. Like the original version of "I've Got You Under My Skin", the original was too laid back and stiff. Sinatra swings this one hard, and it makes for the definitive version.

Disc 2 is the artistically weaker but the more enjoyable. After starting off with his classic "It Was A Very Good Year", the disc tends to lean heavily on re-recordings. Most of them work (the versions of "Witchcraft" and "(Love Is) The Tender Trap" run circles around their Capitol predecessors, and "All The Way" receives a much more grander and romantic treatment), others are nice for comparison ("Young At Heart" doesn't touch the originals but is still serviceable renditions), while others fall flat ("All Or Nothing At All" is very good but should've been featured in the up-tempo version from 1966). The version of "Put Your Dreams Away" is pretty much essentially the Capitol version with a new vocal from Frank, so it's hard to compare.

Of course, the usual hits are here, including "Strangers In The Night", "The Summer Wind" and signature hits "My Way" and "New York, New York". Also included are the little known Antonio Carlos Jobim collaboration "Wave" and his classic duet with daughter Nancy, "Somethin' Stupid".

Overall, this is a fantastic introduction for Sinatra beginners who want the cream of the crop of his later years. It's reasonably priced, easy find, has great packaging and liner notes, and has a fantastic selection of songs. A must-have for fans of who I deem God's Gift To Music.

This is a Great Book , put together with alot of details. It made a Great Gift !

YES...This is "OLD BLUE EYES" at his very best. This 2CD set is just great...."THE VOICE" is just AMAZING. I am sure that new and old fans will not be disappointed...."SATISFACTION GUARANTEED".

If you purchased the single CD that Reprise issued, get this one. This is the only truly comprehensive
collection of the Chairman of the Board. Great song selections, great production, and that great voice. This
is THE CD to own by Frank Sinatra. Pure magic. Pure greatness. Every song is a classic. This CD includes 40
songs that clearly showcase the talent of one of the greateat pop singers of all time.

There are 40 great Sinatra songs here for the taking! I am by no means the authority on Frank Sinatra, but I know that I enjoy his music and it makes me feel better when I am down. It puts me in an even better mood when I am feeling pretty good already. Even though it is ultra old-school, Frank's music has a kind of timeless quality about it. On this double album, you get plenty of classics for your listening pleasure. Maybe this is the perfect thing for you!

Hunted every where for a particular song by Frank Sinatra that my mum wanted to play at her wedding, she is 78, only found it at Amazon. It is an original sound track and the quality is excellent, just what she was looking for...thank you!

Purchased this cd for my mom. She loved it! Had all the songs that she enjoys. Thinking about purchasing a second copy for myself.

My husband LOVES this cd. I bought it for him for Christmas. The only disappointment for him, is that I didn't buy the Dean Martin CD also!

Sinatra is arguably the greatest popular singer mankind has known. My brother Jakie Freedman loved his music deeply and played it all the time. Thus I was educated in it in childhood.
People talk about the phrasing of Sinatra, the precision and timing, the quality of his voice.
His power to evoke longing, dreams of love, to convey the whole repertoire of 'romance' is second to none.
I cannot compare versions and say whether the best have been chosen for this disk.
I only know it contains much of his greatest music.
The best of the best.

Music is suppose to transport you in a sense, and alter your mood. These discs have that effect. I have to admit I am a little dismayed with today's musicians, many of whom focus on bitter, or degrading lyrics. This classic CD set is filled with romance, hope, optimistism and a classic voice that resonates beautifully. These are definitely Frank's best and I was not disappointed. Every song is complete hit.

I have a very little daughter and we like dancing while we're listening to Frank. Well, try with "That's life" or "Strangers in the night": you won't be able to stay without them !
Moreover, the sound is really good.
You won't regret !

Nobody has or had a voice like Sinatra. "The Very Best of Frank Sinatra"
is a fantastic collection. I really like it and you get quite a few songs. I enjoy at listening to it at home, work or in the car. He just makes my day.

I already had this double disc cd. But unfortunatly disc two got stolen. I guess thats a good testiment by itself. The chairman sings almost all of his cherished hits. My personal favorites "The Lady is a Tramp" "New York, New York" and "Witchcraft". This is music you could listen to over and over. I became a Sinatra fan strangly enough by watching SNL. Phil Hartman does an amazing Frank. "Who'd you rather bang? Lana Turner or Rita Heyworth? I disqualify myself because I did them both!"

Saw dances to some of the music from this CD at Pacific Northwest Ballet and loved it. Bought the CD and love it even more.

I love Frank Sinatra's songs so I bought this CD thinking that it will have all my favorite music. But I am quite disappointed because some of the songs in this CD did not have those songs that I want to hear over and over again.

The Very Best of Frank Sinatra in my mind is his best greatest hits compilation.
This is his music from the Reprise years, which in my mind are his best recordings.
Sinata like Elvis and the Beatles has an extensive catalog of music.
I would list the songs but the list is simply too long.
I will simply hit the hightlights instead.
Come Rain or Come Shine is included as well as I Get A Kick Out of You, All the Way, I've Got You Under my Skin, My Kind of Town (Chicago is), Strangers in the Night, Summer Wind and his signature song, My Way and it ends with his classic, New York, New York.
Sinatra was voted the finest singer of the 1900's and this CD will tell you why.
This takes you back to an era that has almost passed, and Thank God we have Sinatra to preserve it.............

I've been a huge Beatles fan all of my life and my father has been a huge Sinatra fan all of his life. I can't say that I was a Sinatra fan way back but I grew to learn and love the music. I had to buy the CD set and I'll tell you, it is surely enjoyable!!

Sinatra is the class of swing music, but the man can belt out any type of tune, and put his stamp of authenticity to it. Certain songs just have "it" Like "the Way You Look Tonight" and "Summer Wind". There's a reason they called him chairman of the board!

Buy this album...you won't be sorry.

My favorite arrangement: It Was A Very Good Year. Listen to the bittersweetness of the string section...and, especially now with Frank gone, listen to chilling words that are resoundingly portentious.

I can tout each and every song, but surfeit to say, all of these beautiful standards are delivered in superb Sinatra fashion.

'Great American Songbook? Save your Rod Stewart (Mr. Sandpaper) money and buy this album with it.

On the liner notes, Stephen Holden wrote, "It's impossible to listen to a recording, any recording, by Frank Sinatra and not be made more aware of time. Our knowledge that Sinatra is the longest-running superstar in the show business has something to do with it. And so does the fact that many of his songs stand as markers in millions of people's lives."

He's absolutely right, Sinatra is synonymous with the word "forever" - yes, indeed, Sinatra is forever! His music and his songs will always be remembered and will stay in our hearts and minds thru the years. It's so impossible to talk about music without the mention of the legendary Entertainer of the Century.

This double-CD set is one of the best collections of Sinatra songs ever recorded. You can't go wrong with forty of his greatest songs with arrangements by the finest arrangers and conductors - Nelson Riddle, Don Costa, Johnny Mandel, Gordon Jenkins, Quincy Jones, Count Basie and His Orchestra, Eumir Deodato, Billy May, Ernie Freeman and Neil Hefti.

And to think that it has a line-up of a variety of songs to suit your moods, songs that you can relate to, songs that speak of the many experiences in life that only the Chairman of the Board can interpret with heartfelt emotions and any listener can't help being affected.

Feeling the need to be footloose and jetset? Listen to George and Ira Gershwin's "A Foggy Day In London Town," Sammy Cahn/Jimmy Van Heusen's "Come Fly With Me," Fred Ebb/John Kander's "Theme From New York, New York." Or you can even shoot for the moon and enjoy Bart Howard's "Fly Me To The Moon."

Feeling bubbly and swingy? Listen to Irving Berlin's "Let's Face The Music And Dance," Jerome Kern/Dorothy Field's "The Way You Look Tonight," Cole Porter's "I Get A Kick Out Of You," Gershwins' "Nice Work If You Can Get It" and "They Can't Take That Away From Me."

Feeling the need to break the ice to your loved one when the relationship is on the brink of falling into pieces? Listen to Hal Shaper/Antonio DeVita/Giorgio Calebrese's "Softly As I Leave You."

Finding true love for the second time? Then there's Sammy Cahn/Jimmy Van Heusen's "The Second Time Around" and Harold Arlen/Ted Koehler's "Let's Fall In Love." And that true love leads to the ultimate - the "M" word, then listen to "All The Way" and "Love And Marriage."

Or simply listen to the songs that express a deeper commitment to the love of your life - Antonio Carlos Jobim's gem "Wave," Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "Night And Day."

Feeling sad and melancholy? Listen Dave Mann/Bob Hilliard's "In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning." All you need to hear is this one song that Mr. Sinatra interpreted effectively and making it his own.

"When your lonely heart has learned its lesson
You'd be his if only he would call
In the wee small hours of the morning
That's the time you miss him most of all."

According to Mo Ostin on the liner notes, "It really goes without saying, of course, that Frank Sinatra has always been the greatest singer around, the Babe Ruth and the Muhammad Ali of his craft, if you will."

Yes, truly, he was an artist for all seasons. One-of-a-kind, without a doubt!

Why buy imatators when you can buy Frank? He was and is the best!

If you're a Sinatra fan - this is a must have. 2 cd's with all of his best...

I'm just getting into Frank and I find this CD great. It has all the classics.

This is a great CD set, especially if you are a Frank Sinatra fan and don't already own a lot of his stuff. I only have one complaint (which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5). When I listened to these CDs on my stereo at home, the balance between Sinatra's voice and the band was fine. But when I listened to it with headphones on my commute (on an MP3 player), the band way overpowered Sinatra. But this flaw outweighs the overall quality and enjoyment of the CDs.

Best Sinatra CD that I have. It is really something-has Wave on it. Great.

This is a very good sampling of the popular hits of Sinatra and an excellent introduction to the "Rex Supremis" of popular voice phrasing and styling.But to say that this CD contains all of his greatest music would be unfair to this master crooner.My top twenty list for either his best performances or those featuring his "mood stirring" greatness are as follows,not in any particular order:1)You`ll never walk alone"(mid-1940`s)2)"The nearness of you" mid fifties 3)Young At Heart"1954 4)I`ve got you under my skin"(ANY OF HIS VERSIONS)5)"When no one cares" from the late fifties off of the rare album by the same name.6)"Learnin` the blues" mid fifties 7)"September of my years" mid sixties 8)"Moon light in Vermont"late fifties 9)"It happened in Monterey" late fifties 10)"It gets lonely early" the mid sixties 11) "A cottage for sale" mid fifties 12)The Summer Wind" mid sixties 13)"It was a very good year"mid sixties 14)"When your lover has gone" mid fifties 15)I`ll never be the same"mid fifties16)"This love of mine" mid fifties 17)"Hello young lovers"mid fifites18)"In the wee small hours of the morning"mid fifties 19)"Night and Day" Early forties 20)"Are you but a dream"-late fifties