20 Golden Greats
62 min · 20 tracks · jazz
A timeless collection of smooth jazz and pop standards showcasing Nat King Cole's velvety voice and romantic charm.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mona Lisa Start here — This track exemplifies Cole's ability to convey deep emotion through simple yet profound lyrics and an unforgettable melody. Its lush arrangement complements his smooth delivery, making it a signature song.
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Unforgettable — As perhaps Cole's most iconic piece, it showcases his rich baritone and the elegant orchestration that became synonymous with his style. The song's themes of lasting love resonate deeply with listeners.
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When I Fall in Love — This ballad captures the essence of romantic longing, with its tender lyrics and gentle instrumentation perfectly matching Cole's soothing vocal style. It remains a classic standard for many artists.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This compilation effectively highlights Cole's vocal charm and craftsmanship, though it lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.
What we noticed
- Each track is arranged with lush orchestration that complements Cole's voice, often featuring strings and soft brass.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady melodic journey throughout
- for relaxed afternoons
- sing-along classics with friends
- nostalgic warmth in every track
- smooth vocals for intimate moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer modern, experimental sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A retrospective collection that showcases his hits, but not a primary entry point.
- Themes
- posthumous legacy· romantic ballads
- Career context
- Released in 1978, '20 Golden Greats' came during Nat King Cole's posthumous career phase, celebrating his enduring legacy after his death in 1965. This compilation album features some of his most beloved tracks, highlighting his significant contributions to the jazz and pop genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Frank Sinatra· Ella Fitzgerald· Tony Bennett
Tracklist
- 1 Sweet Lorraine 4:37
- 2 Straighten Up and Fly Right 2:38
- 3 Nature Boy 2:55
- 4 Dance Ballerina Dance 2:42
- 5 Mona Lisa Start here 3:28
- 6 Too Young 3:26
- 7 Love letters 2:44
- 8 Smile 2:54
- 9 Around the World 2:34
- 10 For All We Know 3:16
- 11 When I Fall in Love 3:11
- 12 The Very Thought of You 3:49
- 13 On the Street Where You Live 3:10
- 14 Unforgettable 3:29
- 15 It's All in the Game 3:07
- 16 Ramblin' Rose 2:49
- 17 Portrait of Jennie 3:09
- 18 Let There Be Love 2:46
- 19 Somewhere Along the Way 3:01
- 20 Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer 2:23
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Songs for Young Lovers
Frank Sinatra
Shares a similar smooth vocal style and romantic balladry, capturing mid-century charm.
Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Irving Berlin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
Combines jazz standards with heartfelt vocals, echoing Cole's romantic appeal.
I Left My Heart in San Francisco
Tony Bennett
Features lush arrangements and sentimental themes, reminiscent of Cole's smooth delivery.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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