At first, the concept seemed questionable: Folk legend Bob Dylan recording an entire album of Frank Sinatra covers. Then the lead single "Full Moon and Empty Arms" surfaced, causing some naysayers to second guess their initial judgments. Dylan has followed the tune with "Stay with Me," another sublime cut from the upcoming Shadows in the Night LP.
Dylan is apparently not just a Sinatra fan — he is also an admirer of the 1963 film The Cardinal. "Stay with Me" is a pleading love song used as the theme for the movie. Now, we are dealing with two different voices at different points in their careers — Sinatra would have been 49 whereas Dylan is now 73.
First, there is the timeless crooner, smooth and heartbreaking. Then there is Dylan's signature nasly, sandpaper vocals that inspired an entire generation. Each singer has his own uniqueness, and each singer brings different elements to the tune.
Sinatra's version is meant to enchant. I highly doubt there were too many women back in the mid-1960s who would have left the singer had he belted out this number with that crisp delivery and his hat at a slight tilt. "Till I find to my wonder every path leads to thee / All that I can do is pray, stay with me / Stay with me," he sings with confidence.
Dylan attacks the tune with less orchestration and more tired grit. The singer's narrator is an elderly gentleman speaking tenderly to the love of his life. Instead of Sinatra's "hey, let's get old together" vibe, Dylan brings a "we're already old so let's finish the journey together" aspect.
It is sad at parts, but mainly the tune is out-of-this-world sweet. "Should my heart not be humble, should my eyes fail to see / Should my feet sometimes stumble on the way, stay with me," he coos.
Listen to Sinatra's version below, then head over to NPR for Dylan's take.
Shadows in the Night is due Feb. 3.
