Nat King Cole & Me
Gregory Porter · 2017
49 min · 12 tracks · blues
A heartfelt homage blending smooth jazz with soulful interpretations of classic Nat King Cole standards.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Mona Lisa — Porter’s interpretation of this classic showcases his ability to convey deep emotion through phrasing and subtle vocal nuances, paying homage while making it his own.
-
→
Nature Boy — This track features a haunting arrangement that highlights Porter's vocal range and storytelling ability, bringing fresh life to the well-known standard.
-
→
L‐O‐V‐E — Porter's joyful rendition captures the playful spirit of the song, demonstrating his skill in infusing warmth and charisma into each note.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends classic standards with modern interpretations, showcasing Porter's vocal prowess and stylistic choices.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of lush orchestral arrangements that complement Porter's deep, resonant vocals throughout.
- Each track maintains a slow to mid-tempo pace, creating a relaxed and reflective atmosphere across the entire record.
- Porter often employs subtle vocal embellishments and phrasing that pay homage to Nat King Cole's style while adding his own interpretation.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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 pacing for relaxed listening
- heartfelt tribute to classic standards
- smooth vocals for intimate moments
- rich instrumentation for cozy evenings
- melodic journey through nostalgia
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2017, Nat King Cole & Me marks Gregory Porter's third studio album, following his Grammy-winning breakthrough, Liquid Spirit. At this point, Porter had solidified his presence in the jazz and soul scenes, celebrated for his rich baritone and emotional delivery.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Michael Kiwanuka· Leon Bridges· Andra Day
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mona Lisa 4:20
- 2 Smile 4:18
- 3 Nature Boy 3:46
- 4 L‐O‐V‐E 2:09
- 5 Quizas, Quizas, Quizas 4:31
- 6 Miss Otis Regrets 4:32
- 7 Pick Yourself Up 3:12
- 8 When Love Was King 7:46
- 9 The Lonely One 4:35
- 10 Ballerina 2:51
- 11 I Wonder Who My Daddy Is 3:49
- 12 The Christmas Song 3:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.