1954: Frank Sinatra and the Beginning of Concept Albums
A “concept album” is an album in which its tracks hold a larger meaning together than they do on their own. This is usually done with a central narrative or theme, whether it’s instrumental, compositional, or lyrical.
Source: prostudiomasters.com
Frank Sinatra decided that his 1954 album “ Songs for Young Lovers ” should be built around a central theme, which was essentially the first time an artist did such a thing. And thus this album was the first popular concept album. It included the songs “ My Funny Valentine ” and “ They Can’t Take That Away from Me .”
Fun fact: In the Great Depression, Frank’s mother would give him money to buy expensive clothes. And so, people often described him as the “best-dressed kid in the neighborhood.”