Watertown by Frank Sinatra released on the Reprise Record label in 1970, value £70-£100

THIS is the only album Sinatra ever voiced over pre-recorded orchestral tracks, writes MICHAEL BROOKS. It was released to mixed critical reviews leading to poor sales. Only 30,000 copies were sold on its release but since being rediscovered after Sinatra's death it has been critically acclaimed as one of the greatest emotional albums he has ever made. Originally put together and offered to Sinatra by Bob Gaudio of the Four Seasons, who provided the orchestration together with lyricist Jake Holmes, it relates the story of a middle aged man whose wife has left him with two small children, struggling to come to terms with his loss, writing letters to her that he never sends, always hoping that one day she will return. Sinatra's own life was going through a personal crisis at this time; his marriage to actress Mia Farrow had come to an end, though they did remain on good terms. Possibly because of the hit song My Way, which remained in the UK charts for 122 weeks with Sinatra embarking on a series of 'comeback concerts,' it led to this album being virtually ignored and almost forgotten about. After Sinatra's death in 1998, Reprise re-released his greatest recordings and distributed them in a remastered format, including Watertown which generated interest and became known as the 'lost album.' Side one tells the story of the man's disbelief in his wife leaving; side two tells of his desperation, heartache and struggle to go on without her, culminating with one of Sinatra's finest songs that we never seem to hear, I Would Be In Love Anyway. The album does end with a surprise 'twist in the tail' though.

This has to be one of the most beautiful albums Sinatra has ever recorded. He sings this with so much passion you can feel the anguish and longing in his heart. Listen to it quietly without interruption, it will put you in touch with your own humanity and make you aware of the things that really matter in your life.

Frank Sinatra's career began in the forties and remained successful right up until his death, never losing his appeal to the public amassing record sales of 150 million. His musical style was often referred to as staid, old fashioned but often he could change the mood to incorporate energetic song and dance numbers, including many jazz standards. Every vinyl record collector should have at least one Sinatra album in their collection. Do look out for this one, it really is a forgotten gem.