A Man Alone

In 1969 Frank Sinatra branched out with A Man Alone, a very unusual and experimental album for Sinatra, subtitled "The Words & Music of McKuen." Rod McKuen was an extremely popular and successful poet and writer at the time and, after meeting him at a party, the singer decided to record an entire album of the poet's verse and music. Six tracks are actual songs, with the remaining tracks being spoken word pieces with instrumental backdrops, including one number that is half-sung and half-spoken. This is a remarkable collection, the conviction of Sinatra's performance, as well as Don Costa’s skilful arrangements make the album an intriguing and moving listen. Love's Been Good to Me reached No. 8 on the British charts and was also notably recorded by Johnny Cash, with a line from this song furnishing the title for Cash's late album – American V: A Hundred Highways.