You’ve heard of Frank Sinatra? It’s like that but it sounds like a teenage boy. It may be simple but it’s in simplicity that beauty lies. Vocal Jazz has many big pompous singers. Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday. While those artists can be incredible, there’s a certain tranquility that is unique to Chet Baker. The vocals are almost awkward, while still being incredibly technically impressive. Baker has a very unique quality to his voice, as all recognizable singers do. It truly keeps him from sounding like just another jazz singer. The playing is nothing that’s going to wow you, but it does know how to keep the focus on Baker. It mostly stays reserved, but when it does shine more (My Funny Valentine, Look For The Silver Lining) it manages to complement Baker’s style wonderfully. The album manages to melt into the background often. This melting quality means that each song doesn’t stand out much individually (with few exceptions). As simply a mood album, it perfects the art, but as an active listen it leaves some to be desired. It’s baby’s first Jazz album with some room for the adults to debate.