The Platinum Collection

Short of purchasing the entire EMI/Capitol Frank Sinatra set, it is very hard to argue with this three-disc collection of stone classics from the key years of 1953-1961. There are 51 cuts here, all in pristine remastered sound, with Frank fronting the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. The set might come at a small price premium, but given the extensive liner notes, sequencing, presentation, and wealth of music featured here, it becomes a nearly unbeatable collection against anything in comparable size or price range. Sinatra was at his absolute zenith here, finding not only the chops to match his confidence, but gaining so much ground as an interpreter of ballads. He moved sharply away from the soft crooning style of his days fronting the big bands to something far more emotive, dynamic, and communicative throughout the 1950s and on through the early '70s. This is a great set that can serve as a stellar introduction -- along with a single- or double-disc best-of from the Reprise years -- or top-choice nuggets pick for those looking to go deep but not exhaustive in his catalog.