Description
Natalie Cole – Unforgettable With Love – Compact Disc
Released in 1991, Unforgettable… with Love is one of the most remarkable crossover successes in modern vocal jazz and pop, redefining Natalie Cole’s career while paying tribute to the legacy of her father, Nat King Cole. At a time when Natalie Cole was primarily known for R&B and pop hits, this album marked a bold and deeply personal shift into the Great American Songbook, blending nostalgia with contemporary production techniques.
The centerpiece—and most culturally significant moment—of the album is the reimagined duet version of “Unforgettable,” in which Natalie digitally performs alongside her father’s original recording. This innovative use of technology was groundbreaking at the time, creating the illusion of a cross-generational collaboration that felt both intimate and historic. The track became a massive success, winning multiple Grammy Awards and introducing Nat King Cole’s music to a new generation of listeners.
The album is rooted in lush orchestral arrangements, drawing heavily from the traditional pop and jazz standards associated with Nat King Cole’s era. Songs like “Route 66,” “Mona Lisa,” and “The Very Thought of You” are performed with a deep respect for their original style, yet Natalie brings her own phrasing and emotional nuance to each interpretation. Her voice—smooth, controlled, and expressive—bridges the gap between classic vocal jazz and contemporary sensibilities, making the material feel both timeless and accessible.
What sets Unforgettable… with Love apart is its balance between reverence and individuality. While the album clearly honors her father’s influence, it never feels like mere imitation. Instead, Natalie Cole inhabits these songs with her own identity, subtly modernizing them through vocal delivery and production choices. This approach allows the album to function both as a tribute and as a standalone artistic statement.
The album’s impact extended beyond its musical content. It played a significant role in reviving mainstream interest in traditional pop and jazz standards during the early 1990s, paving the way for other artists to explore similar material. Its commercial success—combined with its critical acclaim—demonstrated that there was still a large audience for this style of music when presented with sincerity and craftsmanship.
The project carries a deep sense of connection and legacy. The idea of performing alongside her father, even through studio technology, gives the album a poignant dimension that resonates throughout. It’s not just about revisiting classic songs; it’s about bridging time, memory, and family through music.
Ultimately, Unforgettable… with Love stands as a defining moment in Natalie Cole’s career and a landmark in vocal jazz-pop crossover. It demonstrates how tradition can be honored without becoming static, and how personal history can be transformed into something universally meaningful.
30th Anniversary Edition
This 2022 reissued-CD edition of the album is branded/billed by the Craft Recordings label as the “30th Anniversary Edition.” This edition includes two bonus tracks, ‘At Last’ and ‘Cottage for Sale,’ both of which were released as B-sides during the album’s original 1991 release.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
The Very Thought Of You
Paper Moon
Route 66
Mona Lisa
L-O-V-E
This Can’t Be Love
Smile
Lush Life
That Sunday That Summer
Orange Colored Sky
A Medley Of: For Sentimental Reasons, Tenderly & Autumn Leaves
For Sentimental Reasons
Tenderly
Autumn Leaves
Straighten Up And Fly Right
Avalon
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Too Young
Nature Boy
Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup
Almost Like Being In Love
Thou Swell
Non Dimenticar
Our Love Is Here To Stay
Unforgettable
Bonus Tracks:
At Last
Cottage For Sale
