'The Voice': simply recorded, simply silky, simply great

This 97-song, 4-CD set includes a large 68-page handsomely illustrated booklet and contains the best of Sinatra's work, mainly ballads and some swingy tunes, of the period 1943-52. One can easily hear the smooth phrasing and pure tonal quality of young Sinatra's voice in the 1940's, the silky sound that made 'em swoon, a time before years of overuse and overdoing took their toll on his instrument.

Not Wonderfull, but its Still Sinatra

I'm no Sinatra expert, but this box set doesnt do much for me. His voice and phrasing are what you'd expect, but the songs are lacking, in my own opinion. However, this was well before my time and songs were different then. When it comes down to it, I find his Capitol and especially the early Reprise years much more exciting and enjoyable regardless if they are ballads or swinging numbers. In short, the Columbia box isnt that much fun to listen to. Historical, yes, but not that much fun.