AMG Review of Complete Capitol Singles Collection

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

The Complete Capitol Singles Collection is exactly what it says it is -- all of Frank Sinatra's singles for Capitol Records, both the A-sides and B-sides, as well as duets with artists like Jo Stafford, June Hutton, and the Nuggets, presented in chronological order. Although the majority of these tracks have been collected on other compilations, this four-disc box set is the first time all of the singles have been collected on one set. It also represents the first time many of these tracks -- over 20 -- have appeared on disc, and quite a few haven't been reissued since their original release. Arguably, Sinatra was at his creative peak during his tenure at Capitol, and while he did release carefully considered albums, his singles -- which never appeared on the albums -- were just as electrifying and satisfying as the full-length LPs. In other words, it's an essential set.