Unpredictable cover

Unpredictable

Natalie Cole · 1977

39 min · 10 tracks · funk

A smooth blend of soul and pop, infused with funk grooves and heartfelt vocal delivery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    This Heart Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    I've Got Love on My Mind — This track features an infectious melody paired with Cole's warm vocals, capturing the essence of love and desire that resonates throughout the album.
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    I Can't Breakaway — With its catchy chorus and rhythmic groove, this song highlights Cole's ability to merge funk influences with pop sensibilities, making it a standout track.
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    I'm Catching Hell — This emotionally charged ballad showcases Cole's vocal prowess, conveying deep feelings of heartbreak and longing through its poignant lyrics.

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

The album blends funk and soul effectively but lacks a strong cohesive arc across its tracks.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a lively tempo with upbeat grooves, while the subsequent tracks gradually shift to more introspective themes.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional delivery of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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 mid-tempo groove
  • heartfelt vocal performances
  • suitable for relaxed gatherings
  • vibrant instrumentation throughout

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced tracks
  • looking for experimental sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Cole's presence in the music industry with notable chart success.
Career context
By the time 'Unpredictable' was released in 1977, Natalie Cole was establishing herself as a prominent solo artist following her successful debut album 'Natalie'. This album marked her third studio release and showcased her growing artistic confidence, allowing her to explore more personal themes in her music.
Stylistic neighbors
Aretha Franklin· Chaka Khan· Patti LaBelle

Tracklist

  • 1 This Heart Start here 4:07
  • 2 Still in Love 3:43
  • 3 Party Lights 4:09
  • 4 I’ve Got Love on My Mind 4:20
  • 5 Unpredictable You 3:40
  • 6 Peaceful Living 4:19
  • 7 Be Mine Tonight 3:22
  • 8 I Can’t Breakaway 3:04
  • 9 Your Eyes 2:41
  • 10 I’m Catching Hell 6:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata