More Cole Español cover

More Cole Español

Nat King Cole · 1962

28 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A smooth blend of romantic ballads infused with Latin rhythms and Cole's velvety vocals creates an inviting atmosphere.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    La feria de las flores Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its vibrant rhythm and showcases Cole's ability to effortlessly navigate the passionate melodies characteristic of Latin music.
  • →
    Vaya con Dios — The heartfelt delivery of this classic standard highlights Cole's emotive vocal style, making it a standout moment that resonates with listeners seeking deep emotional connection.
  • →
    Solamente una vez — This track exemplifies the romantic essence of the album, where Cole’s rich baritone brings a nuanced interpretation that elevates the song beyond its original form.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends romantic ballads with Latin influences, showcasing strong arrangements and smooth execution.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of lush orchestration, with strings and brass complementing Cole's vocals throughout.
  • Each track maintains a moderate tempo, creating a smooth flow that emphasizes the romantic themes.
  • Several songs incorporate traditional Latin rhythms, which are evident in the percussion and arrangement choices.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • romantic moments by candlelight
  • short bursts of melodic charm
  • smooth background for intimate gatherings
  • easy listening during leisurely afternoons

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking long, complex narratives
  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Popularized Latin music within American jazz, enhancing Cole's recognition.
Themes
Latin romanticism· vibrant rhythms· emotive ballads
Moods
Romantic· Chill
Career context
By 1962, Nat King Cole was transitioning from mainstream pop success to embracing his Latin influences, as evidenced by this album which followed his previous release 'Nat King Cole Sings for Two in Love'. This marked a significant moment in Cole's career, showcasing his versatility as he began to explore and celebrate the Latin music genre more deeply.
Stylistic neighbors
Frank Sinatra· Ella Fitzgerald· Tony Bennett

Tracklist

  • 1 La feria de las flores Start here 1:49
  • 2 Tres palabras (Without You) 2:07
  • 3 Las chiapanecas (While There's Music There's Romance) 2:34
  • 4 Adiós Mariquita linda (Adios and Farewell, My Lover) 2:52
  • 5 Aquí se habla en "amor" (Love Is Spoken Here) 2:00
  • 6 Vaya con Dios (May God Be With You) 2:31
  • 7 Las golondrina (The Swallow) 2:56
  • 8 No me platiques 3:01
  • 9 A media luz (When Lights Are Soft And Low) 2:10
  • 10 Guadalajara 2:01
  • 11 Solamente una vez (You Belong To My Heart) 2:47
  • 12 Piel canela 2:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata