Is Thankful a good place to start with Natalie Cole?

Yes, Thankful is recommended as a starting point for new Natalie Cole listeners. A lush blend of soul and pop, infused with funk grooves and heartfelt vocals that resonate with warmth and sincerity. Thankful marks Natalie Cole's debut album, released in 1977 when she was just beginning to carve out her identity as a solo artist. Following in the footsteps of her legendary father, Nat King Cole, this album set the stage for her successful career in music, showcasing her vocal prowess and unique style.

Thankful works well if you're into steady melodic exploration, uplifting moments of gratitude and warm reflections on love.

How many songs are on Thankful?

Thankful has 8 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Thankful

Natalie Cole · 1977

35 min · 8 tracks · funk

A lush blend of soul and pop, infused with funk grooves and heartfelt vocals that resonate with warmth and sincerity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Be Thankful — As the standout single from the album, Be Thankful captures Natalie Cole's ability to blend soulful melodies with uplifting lyrics about gratitude. Its catchy hook and heartfelt delivery helped it become a defining moment in her early career.
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Our Love — This track showcases Cole's smooth vocal delivery over a lush arrangement, embodying the romantic essence that characterizes much of the album. Its emotional depth resonates with themes of devotion and longing.
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Lovers Start here — Opening the album, Lovers sets a romantic tone with its sultry instrumentation and intimate lyrics, effectively introducing listeners to Cole's warm vocal style. This track highlights her ability to convey emotion through song.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Thankful showcases strong vocal performances and production but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

The album opens with a smooth, mid-tempo track that sets a warm tone, followed by a gradual build in tempo and energy through the first half.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly on the chorus sections.
The final two tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the more upbeat earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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 melodic exploration
uplifting moments of gratitude
warm reflections on love
for cozy evenings
engaging in heartfelt sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced experiences
seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This debut album helped establish Cole's reputation with notable hits.
Career context: Thankful marks Natalie Cole's debut album, released in 1977 when she was just beginning to carve out her identity as a solo artist. Following in the footsteps of her legendary father, Nat King Cole, this album set the stage for her successful career in music, showcasing her vocal prowess and unique style.
Stylistic neighbors: Aretha Franklin· Chaka Khan· Patti LaBelle