Frank Sinatra, Witchcraft | Throwback Vibez

In the 141st edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Witchcraft” by Frank Sinatra. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 141^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Witchcraft” performed by Frank Sinatra.

“Those fingers in my hair / That sly come hither stare / That strips my conscience bare / It’s witchcraft.” Those are some witchy lyrics that the late, great Frank Sinatra, aka ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes,’ (1915 – 1998) sings in “Witchcraft”.  The original version of “Witchcraft” that Sinatra recorded arrived as a single in 1957 and was released on his 1961 compilation album, All The Way. At the 1^st Annual Grammy Awards, “Witchcraft” was nominated for Record Of The Year and Best Vocal Performance, Male.  Interestingly, the talented musician won his first Grammy that night for Best Album Cover… Let that sink in. Refocusing on “Witchcraft,” it reappears in his 2015 compilation, Ultimate Sinatra: The Centennial Collection.  Carolyn Leigh and Cy Coleman penned the standard.

“Witchcraft” is heavenly for many reasons.  First and foremost, Frank Sinatra was the man.  His voice is buttery smooth.  He sings with ease never breaking a sweat.  The cool, poised energy is impressive.  He brings the lyrics and melodies to life marvelously.  In the verse (excerpted above), he continues singing, “I’ve got no defense for it / The heat is too intense for it / What good would common sense for it do?”  He has a point, considering she’s the witch casting the spells.  He sings in the chorus, “Cause it’s witchcraft, wicked witchcraft /… When you arouse the need in me / My heart says, ‘Yes, indeed’ in me.” Sinatra concludes, “There’s no nicer witch than you.” Aww.  Besides elite vocals and playful lyrics, the musical accompaniment is epic. The big band and orchestral arrangements are colorful and sophisticated. The articulated, sometimes muted, sometimes open horns provide bite, intensifying the song. The strings provide an angelic sound atop the accompaniment.  All parts of “Witchcraft” come together to produce a classic that will NEVER sound anachronistic.  This song is timeless.

Frank Sinatra // Ultimate Sinatra // Universal Music Enterprises // 2015

Frank Sinatra, Witchcraft: Throwback Vibez No. 141 (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Universal Music Enterprises; OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]