Is The Nat King Cole Story a good place to start with Nat King Cole?

Yes, The Nat King Cole Story is recommended as a starting point for new Nat King Cole listeners. A smooth blend of jazz and pop, showcasing timeless melodies wrapped in Nat King Cole's velvety vocals. Released in 1961, The Nat King Cole Story compiled some of Cole's most beloved tracks, solidifying his status as a leading figure in jazz and pop. This album came shortly after his successful transition from a jazz pianist to a celebrated vocalist, following hits like Mona Lisa and Unforgettable. It marked an essential moment in his career as he sought to reach a broader audience.

Who is The Nat King Cole Story for?

The Nat King Cole Story works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and contemplative evening ambiance.

How many songs are on The Nat King Cole Story?

The Nat King Cole Story has 36 tracks, running approximately 103 minutes.

The Nat King Cole Story

Nat King Cole · 1961

103 min · 36 tracks · jazz

A smooth blend of jazz and pop, showcasing timeless melodies wrapped in Nat King Cole's velvety vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Straighten Up and Fly Right Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Unforgettable — This track epitomizes Cole’s romantic vocal style, showcasing lush orchestration alongside poignant lyrics that resonate with themes of enduring love.
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(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 — With its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, this song captures the essence of American optimism and travel, delivered with Cole's signature charm.
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Nature Boy — This haunting ballad highlights Cole's ability to convey deep emotion through subtle phrasing and rich tone, making it one of his most memorable performances.
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The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) — A holiday classic, this track showcases Cole’s warm timbre and creates an atmosphere of nostalgia, becoming synonymous with Christmas celebrations worldwide.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends vocal and instrumental jazz with strong arrangements, though its compilation nature affects cohesion.

What we noticed

Several tracks showcase lush orchestral arrangements that complement Cole's voice, creating a rich soundscape.
The sequencing includes both upbeat numbers and slower ballads, allowing for dynamic shifts in mood throughout the record.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
contemplative evening ambiance
smooth transitions between tracks
sentimental and reflective moods

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Starting Point — This compilation introduces Nat King Cole's most beloved tracks to new listeners.
Themes: American optimism· nostalgic holiday warmth· romantic balladry
Moods: Chill· Introspective
Career context: Released in 1961, The Nat King Cole Story compiled some of Cole's most beloved tracks, solidifying his status as a leading figure in jazz and pop. This album came shortly after his successful transition from a jazz pianist to a celebrated vocalist, following hits like Mona Lisa and Unforgettable. It marked an essential moment in his career as he sought to reach a broader audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Frank Sinatra· Ella Fitzgerald· Tony Bennett