since its release, "in the wee small hours" has been regarded as one of sinatra's best, often ranked with "songs for swingin' lovers!" (1956) and "frank sinatra sings for only the lonely" (1958). it is also considered by many to be one of the best vocal jazz releases of all time. it received immediate critical acclaim on its release. acclaimed music, a website which aggregates musical accolades, names "...hours" the 3rd most acclaimed album of the 1950s ("...swingin' lovers!" being one place behind it), with "kind of blue" by miles davis and elvis presley's self titled début album in front. it also names the album the 322nd most acclaimed album of all time.