The Hit Years

Nancy Sinatra

Rhino Records, 1986

http://www.nancysinatra.com

REVIEW BY: Eric E5S16

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 02/25/2003

Like parent, like child. It is often that a son or daughter follows in their parent's footsteps in recording music. Frank Sinatra's daughter Nancy was famous for her #1 hit, "These Boots Were Made For Walkin'," one of the most enjoyable tunes of the 1960s. Rhino Records released my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250 The Hit Years, a 1986 greatest hits compilation.

"So Long Babe" is another good hit, as it describes the pop sound of the 1960s. It's much different than what follows. With "These Boots," there were other tunes with the somewhat similar melody, like "How Does That Grab You Darlin," with a good dose of country guitar and horns. Even "The Last Of The Secret Agents" has the "These Boots" sound, as well as a James Bond atmosphere. She would later record the title song to the James Bond film, "You Only Live Twice."

"Friday's Child" has the blues/soul sound, and while Sinatra doesn't actually sound like a blues singer, the music is quite impressive. "Sugar Town" is a great pop record, having a very bouncy, happy-go-lucky sound. Another impressive tune is Sinatra's duet with Lee Hazlewood, "Summer Wine," which has a more adult country sound. Her more typical female pop sound with a blues twist is heard on "Love Eyes."

Nancy's 2nd #1 hit was a duet with her father, "Somethin' Stupid," another great song, best described as easy listening. Nancy does a great part in "Jackson," a duet with Hazlewood and a song that was also popular for Johnny Cash and June Carter. "Lightning's Girl" has a more adult pop sound. Another standout is her duet with Hazlewood on "Some Velvet Morning," a song with a mysterious atmosphere that still easily fits the late-1960s pop sound.

A little bit of country, a little bit of pop rock and roll best defines Nancy Sinatra's The Hit Years. One artist comes to mind to compare her to -- Dusty Springfield. Nancy Sinatra's music may be overlooked, but her greatest hits are very enjoyable. She may not have been as popular as her father, but she did prove that the child of a popular singer can follow in his footsteps for a time.

Rating: B

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