Description
Nat King Cole – Unforgettable – Vinyl Record
Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable is not just an album, it’s a statement of timeless elegance and emotional resonance from one of the most iconic vocalists in American music history. Originally released in 1954 as a 10-inch LP on Capitol Records, and later expanded and reissued in various formats, Unforgettable is a collection of romantic ballads that showcases Cole’s velvety baritone, impeccable phrasing, and graceful emotional control. The title track, “Unforgettable,” became synonymous with Cole himself, representing not only the peak of his artistry but also a defining standard in the Great American Songbook.
At a time when Cole was transitioning from jazz pianist to full-fledged vocal star, Unforgettable marked a turning point. While he had already achieved significant success with his Nat King Cole Trio, this album confirmed that his smooth, refined vocal style could stand alongside—and even outshine—the top pop crooners of the day. Backed by lush arrangements, often provided by Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins, Cole moved seamlessly between torch songs, show tunes, and jazz standards, elevating each with a quiet power that drew listeners in rather than overpowering them.
The title track, “Unforgettable,” originally composed by Irving Gordon, is a masterclass in subtlety and emotional nuance. Cole’s version transforms a simple love song into an eternal expression of devotion. It would later be famously reimagined as a posthumous duet with his daughter Natalie Cole in 1991, winning multiple Grammy Awards and introducing the song—and Nat himself—to a new generation.
Other highlights on the album include “Too Young,” a poignant ballad that became one of Cole’s biggest hits, and “Mona Lisa,” which had already won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1950 and solidified his reputation as a crossover star. Each track on Unforgettable reflects the mid-century ideal of pop sophistication, but with an emotional warmth and intimacy that’s uniquely Cole’s.
The arrangements are carefully crafted, often featuring strings, subtle brass, and restrained rhythm sections that allow Cole’s voice to remain front and center. He rarely leaned into dramatic flair or vocal pyrotechnics—instead, his delivery was marked by control, depth, and a conversational tone, which made his interpretations feel both universal and deeply personal.
Unforgettable has been lauded as one of the great vocal pop albums of its era, a touchstone for generations of singers who followed. It represents not only the artistic heights of Cole’s career but also a moment in time when popular music embraced elegance, sincerity, and a sense of timelessness. The album has been reissued numerous times, often as part of anthologies or expanded editions, and remains a cornerstone in any serious collection of classic American music.
In the broader cultural context, Unforgettable helped cement Nat King Cole’s legacy as a trailblazing African American artist who achieved mainstream success in a racially divided America—breaking barriers not just musically, but socially. His success paved the way for countless artists, and his voice remains a symbol of dignity, class, and enduring artistry.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Unforgettable
Portrait Of Jenny
What’ll I Do
Lost April
Answer Me, My Love
Hajji Baba
Too Young
Mona Lisa
(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
Red Sails In The Sunset
Pretend
Make Her Mine
