Album: Nice 'n' Easy

An Introduction to Nice 'n' Easy (1960) by Frank Sinatra
"Nice 'n' Easy" is a seriously acclaimed studio album by the legendary American singer Frank Sinatra, released in 1960 under the Capitol Records label. The album consists of 12 tracks, mainly focusing on ballads and slow swing tunes, which display the mellow, suave, and advanced side of Sinatra's tremendous singing talent. Produced by Dave Cavanaugh, the album includes the lush arrangements of the respected Nelson Riddle, who teamed up with Sinatra on many events. "Nice 'n' Easy" earned Sinatra three Grammy Award nominations and went on to become an enormous industrial success, peaking at number 1 on the Billboard album chart.

The Theme of Love
"Nice 'n' Easy" is often considered as one of Sinatra's finest romantic albums, diving into the styles of love, loss, and contentment. Most of the tracks paint emotionally evocative pictures of tender intimacy and romantic fond memories. Although some critics argue that the melancholy themes veer towards sentimentality, Sinatra's simple and easy shipment and Riddle's subtle arrangements guarantee that the album remains advanced and deeply interesting.

Track by Track
The album opens with the titular track, "Nice 'n' Easy", a breezy and carefree interpretation of a tune initially written for Peggy Lee. The tune sets the tone for the remainder of the album with its subtle swing rhythm and Sinatra's smooth and relaxed singing style. The second track, "That Old Feeling", is a lush, managed ballad that deals with the magic of recapturing a long-lost love.

Other standout tracks consist of "I've Got a Crush on You", a dreamy, wistful ballad devoted to the first flushes of infatuation, and "Fools Rush In", a heartfelt homage to love's impulsiveness. "She's Funny That Way" is an enchanting tale of an enthusiast's gratitude for their partner's quirks, while "Embraceable You" is a tender and heartfelt tribute to the reassuring power of love.

The album closes with 2 poignant ballads. "Mam'selle" is a wonderfully managed ode to a long-lost love, with Riddle's charming string plans including an additional layer of emotional depth to the song. "Dream", the album's last track, is a tranquil lullaby that invites the listener to get away to a world of dreams, supplying a fittingly calming conclusion to the record.

Legacy and Impact
"Nice 'n' Easy" is considered a benchmark of Sinatra's illustrious career, with the singer being praised for his flawless vocal control and emotive phrasing. The album's success even more cemented Sinatra's status as one of the leading entertainers of his period. In 1960, "Nice 'n' Easy" got three Grammy Award nominations, consisting of Album of the Year, and won the award for Best Vocal Performance, Male.

The album's influence can be heard in the work of various modern artists who draw motivation from Sinatra's signature design. Its classic appeal ensures that "Nice 'n' Easy" will continue to captivate listeners for generations to come.