Why this album has been out of print for the better part of 15 years defies credibility. The album was a labor of love for Sinatra, who required 8 months and 5 recording sessions to make everything--the song selections, nuanced orchestrations, sensitive readings--just right. These are not the "suicide songs" of the better-known ballad collections such as "In the Wee Small Hours" and "Only the Lonely." The spare orchestration--usually string quartet with the addition of one other instrument, whether a French horn, clarinet, flute or oboe--complements the nuanced, ironical yet fully sincere, readings Sinatra brings to each lyric. The tunes range from the familiar ("It's Easy to Remember," "With Every Breath I Take") to the under-recorded ("Close to You") to the esoteric (Arlen/Capote's "No More Goodbyes," my personal favorite). As for "There's a Flaw in My Flue," the real gag here is that Sinatra is able to render the lyric with such persuasive emotional rhetoric that the listener doesn't know whether to laugh or cry--perhaps we just smile with deep appreciation, sensing that moments this intimate and revealing are hard to come by in American popular song. Even the best song lyrics can sound false and silly in the repertory of lesser singers, no matter how resplendent their vocal equipment. It's Sinatra's singular believability that makes these songs plus the delicate arrangements come to life, that makes them feel unbelievably close.

This album is the other book-end to go with "Only the Lonely". Frank Sinatra did much, much work, but never exceeded these albums in artistic quality, i.e. addressing the human condition in universal terms, and with a maximum of un-forced feeling. Sweets Edison, of course, is the constant commentator through his muted horn who never fails to synch in with judicious sensibility and right-on sensitivity. "Close to You" equals "OTL" in nostalgic chops, but floats more serenely above the depths. In this album the depths are plainly there to contemplate, while in the other one you are IN the depths.

What a masterful recording this is. Frank and Riddle in an intimate setting, singing songs that are not hits or even especially well-known. It matters little because the inimitable Chairman phrases every word beautifully and several of the songs will send shivers down your spine. Sinatra is in beautiful voice here, and the tender ballads are amazingly clear on this remastered disc. I would not recommend this CD if you're new to Sinatra or are just building a collection. Sample several greatest hits packages first, concentrating on his Capitol years. But if you've got everything else in your collection and are in the mood for some wistful, tender singing, spin this and you'll fall in love.

Often forgotten in the pantheon of great Sinatra albums, "Close To You And More" is in fact one of Frank Sinatra's most universally satisfying efforts. His voice is in great shape, the songs are excellent, and of course he's working with Nelson Riddle, who never recorded a bad album with The Master.

The environment for the record is very smooth and relaxed. In contrast to the larger array of musicians Frank was accustomed to recording with, the backing musicians for "Close To You" are the Hollywood String Quarter, a minimalist rhythm section, and a few guest musicians (including the famous Harry "Sweets Edison"). Frank's singing on the album is some of his best. His voice doesn't rise to the operatic peaks of later masterworks such as "Sinatra & Strings" and "The Concert Sinatra," but is very laid back and quiet. This style of singing that Frank adapts gives the song a more personal, almost conversational feel that makes the album all the more intimate.

As for the songs themselves? Excellent. "Close To You," Johnny Mercer's witty "P.S. I Love You," "It's Easy To Remember," and "I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night" are the standout tracks, while the rest of the album is comparatively solid. One song that deserves a special mention, as other reviewers have pointed out, is "There's A Flaw In My Flue," a witty ballad with outright silly lyrical touches that Frank somehow imbues with enough sincerity that it works.

Do not let "Close To You's" lack of attention among Sinatra fans dissuade you from purchasing it. It is in fact one of his most solid albums and on par with his many other classic releases between 1953 and 1967. Purchase it immediately.

If ever you needed take 1 album with you, this is the one.

The vocals are clear and pure...The orchestration, sparse but tight, and the arraingements---purely beautiful...

Other than Frank's Nice 'N easy album, you could not go wrong with this collection. Buy it... Listen to it... And most of all enjoy the pure beauty of Sinatra's voice...At his best.