Natalie Live!
Natalie Cole · 1978
87 min · 16 tracks · funk
A vibrant showcase of Natalie Cole's vocal prowess blending soul, pop, and funk in an unforgettable live performance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sophisticated Lady (She’s a Different Lady) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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This Will Be (an Everlasting Love) — This track exemplifies Cole's ability to deliver joyful energy and heartfelt emotion, making it one of her signature songs that resonates with audiences.
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I’m Catching Hell (Living Here Alone) — A powerful ballad that showcases Cole's vocal range and emotional depth, reflecting themes of loneliness and heartache that deeply resonate.
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Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds — Cole’s interpretation adds a soulful twist to this classic, demonstrating her versatility while also infusing it with an engaging rhythm that captivates listeners.
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Inseparable — This song highlights her smooth vocal delivery paired with lush arrangements, making it a standout representation of her romantic style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
A vibrant live performance that showcases Cole's vocal range but lacks a strong cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The live setting allows for audience interaction, with Cole frequently engaging with the crowd between songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- vibrant live performance energy
- wave-like emotional dynamics
- celebratory sing-along moments
- cathartic vocal showcases
- intimate storytelling through song
Maybe skip if you
- dislike lengthy live recordings
- prefer studio polish over spontaneity
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — First live album showcasing her vocal prowess and solidifying her appeal.
- Career context
- Released in 1978, 'Natalie Live!' marked a significant moment in Cole's career as her first live album following the success of her breakthrough studio albums. At this time, she was solidifying her status as a top female artist in the soul and pop genres, building on hits like 'This Will Be' and 'Inseparable'. The album captures her dynamic stage presence and musical versatility during the height of her popularity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aretha Franklin· Chaka Khan· Patti LaBelle
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Sophisticated Lady (She’s a Different Lady) Start here 3:35
- 2 Que sera, sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be) 7:36
- 3 Lovers 3:10
- 4 I’m Catching Hell (Living Here Alone) 7:28
- 5 Mr Melody 3:33
- 6 This Will Be (an Everlasting Love) 3:16
- 7 Party Lights 4:58
- 8 I’ve Got Love on My Mind 7:52
Disc 2
- 1 Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds 8:06
- 2 Inseparable 2:51
- 3 Cry Baby 5:09
- 4 Can We Get Together Again 4:00
- 5 I Can’t Say No 6:28
- 6 Something’s Got a Hold on Me 4:32
- 7 Be Thankful 7:32
- 8 Introduction / Our Love 7:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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