Since the 1960’s, one of the most talented and exciting female American musical artists has been, and still is, Nancy Sinatra. Daughter of legendary American singer Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra has created her own signature sound, a fresh, snappy and sexy dynamic, that is accented by her utilization of well- written songs and excellent musicians, especially the gifted Lee Hazlewood. Even after multiple listenings, many of her songs retain an air of freshness, sensuality and excitement. Although she has recorded many different songs, perhaps the most well- known Nancy Sinatra song of all, would have to be “These Boots Are Made For Walkin. With the release of 2004’s “Nancy Sinatra” album, this dynamic singer demonstrated that she sounds better than ever. Presented here, is a compilation of one music reviewer’s top ten songs by Nancy Sinatra.
“Sugar Town”
The audio equivalent of a big glass of lemonade, a giant lollipop and a spread of cupcakes, Sugar Town is a playful piece of work from 1967’s “Sugar” album that is simutaneously sexy and innocent. With a refrain of “Sh, sh, sh, sh, sh, sh, sh Sugar Town”, this memorable Nancy Sinatra song evokes images of playfulness and warm, sunny days. In classic form, Nancy Sinatra projects an sense of sultry sexiness that is combined with a Daddy’s little girl type of innocence.
“These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ ”
Considered by this reviewer to be one of the sexiest songs ever recorded, bar none, These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ is a truly timeless work of art that is often imitated, yet never matched in effectiveness by any American female singer since Nancy Sinatra first recorded and released this song on 1966’s “Boots” album. Featuring some of the most famous Electric Bass work in rock amd pop music history, These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ displays Nancy Sinatra at her slinky, classy, 1960’s- private plane at the airport- secret agent- fishnet stockings woman at her sultry and powerful best. Even in the 2000’s, this song is as popular as ever and retains a timeless freshness that keeps this song sounding exciting, no matter how many times it has been heard.
“Lay Some Happiness On Me”
A bright and happy song, Lay Some Happiness On Me is chock- full of 1960’s daisy- flower power and upbeat optimism. This country- flavored song features a peppy rythym section accented by excellent steel guitar work. Nancy Sinatra exudes an aura of cheerful optimism on this song, that is seldom heard in the 2000’s.
“Jackson”
Jackson is one cool breeze of a song that Nancy Sinatra recorded with the late, great Lee Hazlewood. This song is actually a classic Mega- Hit originally made famous by Johnny Cash and June Carter. While Nancy Sinatra’s version of this song is not the original, it is every bit as toe- tapping and hummable as the original. Superb rythym section work on this song, propels it along at a horse gallop- like speed. Nancy Sinatra’s vocals in this song are sprightly and sexy, an ideal match for Lee Hazlewood’s clear, melodic voice. The under- rated Mr Hazlewood’s vocal work on this Country Classic is as always, excellent.
“Not The Lovin’ Kind”
A smooth- as- silk jazzy song, that conjures up images of a smoky nightclub in the city, Not The Lovin’ Kind is a great song from 1966’s How Does That Grab You ? album. The first- rate bass work in this song climbs and sprawls like a fuzzed- out spider and the excellent jazz guitar work is comfortable, yet exciting.
“Ain’t No Easy Way”
This song, from 2004’s Nancy Sinatra album, is a funked- out, soulful work that sounds fresher, more vital and exciting than any other female musical artist’s work in many years. Great lyrics, which state “There ain’t no easy way to let your lover down” segue into a funky- monkey, quiverin’ and quakin’, shimmying and shaking lowdown vocal part by Jon Spencer that is startling fresh and original. Almost Gospel- like in some ways, this phenomenal Nancy Sinatra song features superb musicianship and backup vocals. Nancy Sinatra out- does herself on this steamy number. In this reviewer’s humble opinion, this song is nothing short of incredible.
“Help Stamp Out Loneliness”
A swinging, country- inflected song from 1967’s Country My Way album, Help Stamp Out Loneliness features a very hummable melody, accented by excellent steel guitar work and background vocals. When she sings ” I go search every tavern and nightspot in town, ’cause that’s where the most of the lonely are found”, it’s easy to visualize Nancy Sinatra in 1960’s- style Go- Go Boots, getting out of a Lear Jet or limousine, before entertaining a packed barroom full of lonely souls. Although this song is not one of her better- known works, it certainly shows off Nancy Sinatra’s unique musical personality.
“Some Velvet Morning”
Truly ahead of its time, Some Velvet Morning is a breezy, ethereal song in which Nancy Sinatra duets with Lee Hazlewood. A spacey, trippy, arid- soundscape wherein Lee Hazlewood intones “some velvet morning when I’m straight, I’m gonna open up your gate” and Nancy Sinatra sings about about flowers growing on a hill, Some Velvet Morning centers around a mysterious woman named Phaedra. This gentle, spooky, psychedelic song from 1967 can still be heard occasionally as bumper music on the phenomenal overnight talk show “Coast to Coast AM with George Noory”, which features Art Bell as host on the weekends. Coast To Coast AM is a hugely- popular talk show that “pursues the unexplained” and Some Velvet Morning provides an ideal aural background.
“How Does That Grab You ?”
This out-a-sight song from 1966’s How Does That Grab You ? album sounds remarkably similar to, yet not an outright copy of These Boots Are Made For Walkin’, due to the predominant bass line, tempo and backbeat. In this slinky, sexy song, Nancy Sinatra is a pussycat on the prowl, looking for fun and excitement. As mod as a pair of Go- Go boots and every bit as sexy as Stiletto heels, How Does That Grab You ? is a timeless song that displays the classic Nancy Sinatra sound.
“Burnin’ Down The Spark”
As with many other Nancy Sinatra songs, this song, from 2004’s Nancy Sinatra album is packed- full of imagery. Showing that she is as vital a performer in the 2000’s as she was in the 1960’s, Nancy Sinatra never sounded better. This catchy, intelligent song features mariachi- like horns and riveting lyrics, such as “taste the stinging rain, falling on my tongue”. Horse gallop- like rythym and great musicianship are also present in this fresh, yet somewhat haunting song.
