Frank Sinatra
's final studio album of the '80s -- arguably the last true original album
Sinatra
recorded -- was an uneven but surprisingly enjoyable set that tried to adapt the singer's style to contemporary
pop
standards
. Under the direction of arranger/producer
Quincy Jones
, the album incorporated more synthesizers and slick production techniques than any previous
album, but the result usually doesn't sound forced, especially on the hit title song. When the album does fail, it is because
Jones
' overly ambitious and commercial production -- such as the insistent
dance
beat of
"How Do You Keep the Music Playing"
-- prevents the song from taking root. Nevertheless, everyone involved, from
and
to the band themselves, sounds like they're having fun, and that sense of joy effortlessly translates to the listener. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine