Released 40 years ago
For Sentimental Reasons
Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra · 1986
42 min · 11 tracks
A lush orchestral arrangement that infuses classic standards with a romantic, nostalgic flair.
Top tracks — play these first
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My Funny Valentine — This track exemplifies Riddle's lush orchestration, transforming a well-known standard into a sweeping emotional experience that highlights the nuances of the melody.
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I Love You For Sentimental Reasons — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of nostalgia, with Riddle's arrangements complementing the heartfelt lyrics and creating an intimate atmosphere.
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'Round Midnight — 'Round Midnight stands out for its moody interpretation, allowing Riddle's orchestra to explore the song's intricate harmonies and deep emotional resonance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong orchestral arrangements and melodies but remains within established standards of its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features lush orchestral arrangements that emphasize strings and woodwinds, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.
- Each track is structured around a central melody, with instrumental interludes that showcase the orchestra's dynamics.
- The tempo varies slightly across tracks, but most maintain a slow to mid-tempo pace, enhancing the romantic feel of the music.
- Riddle's arrangements often include subtle shifts in instrumentation, allowing different sections of the orchestra to take turns leading the melody.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady melodic journey throughout
- heartfelt emotions in every note
- for intimate evenings
- timeless standards for nostalgia
- lush orchestral arrangements to savor
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
- seek modern, upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'For Sentimental Reasons' was released in 1986, Nelson Riddle had already established himself as a prominent arranger and conductor, known for his collaborations with major vocalists like Frank Sinatra. This album arrived as one of his later works, showcasing his ability to reinterpret timeless classics with an elegant orchestral touch, even as he neared the end of his career.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 When You Wish Upon A Star 3:46
- 2 Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered 4:24
- 3 You Go To My Head 3:36
- 4 But Not For Me 5:24
- 5 My Funny Valentine 3:00
- 6 I Get Along Without You Very Well 4:15
- 7 Am I Blue 2:54
- 8 I Love You For Sentimental Reasons 3:42
- 9 Straighten Up And Fly Right 2:15
- 10 Little Girl Blue 4:35
- 11 'Round Midnight 4:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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