What is the best Nat King Cole album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Love Is the Thing" (1957). It's the most representative of what makes Nat King Cole worth hearing.

What are the best Nat King Cole albums?

The essential Nat King Cole albums include "20 Golden Greats", "The Beautiful Ballads", "Nat King Cole at the Piano" (1949), "Penthouse Serenade" (1952) and "Top Pops" (1952).

How many albums does Nat King Cole have?

Nat King Cole has 81 releases in their discography, including 57 albums and 6 EPs.

Photo: William P. Gottlieb · Public domain

Nat King Cole

Q: Who is Nat King Cole for?

If you're into jazz, Nat King Cole is worth your time. Each track unfolds with a gentle swing, layering smooth melodies over rich harmonic textures that breathe life into the listener's imagination.

Each track unfolds with a gentle swing, layering smooth melodies over rich harmonic textures that breathe life into the listener's imagination.

jazz

United States

Read about Nat King Cole on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Love Is the Thing album by Nat King Cole

Love Is the Thing (1957)

Showcases Cole's signature smooth vocal style with rich harmonies, providing a cohesive introduction to his romantic jazz sound.

The song

“Mona Lisa”

Instantly engaging with a memorable melody, it encapsulates Cole's charm and style, making it an ideal standalone introduction.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"September Song" — from Nat King Cole Sings/George Shearing Plays (1962)

establishes the emotional core of the record
2

"Cachito" — from Cole Español (1958)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"A Blossom Fell" — from Ballads of the Day (1956)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"La feria de las flores" — from More Cole Español (1962)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"Just You, Just Me" — from After Midnight (1957)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Day In - Day Out" — from Let's Face the Music! (1964)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole transformed the musical landscape with his smooth, velvety voice that transcended the boundaries of jazz, creating a timeless connection with listeners.

His presence in the music scene reshaped how artists approached vocal delivery, bringing an intimate warmth that made even the most complex arrangements feel accessible and relatable.

His presence in the music scene reshaped how artists approached vocal delivery, bringing an intimate warmth that made even the most complex arrangements feel accessible and relatable. Cole’s ability to appeal to a diverse audience opened the door for future generations of musicians to explore themes of romance and longing through a more personal lens. Cole's artistry was defined by an innovative blend of jazz harmonies and pop sensibilities, often featuring lush orchestration that complemented his signature vocal style. He embraced a sophisticated yet understated approach to performance, allowing the emotional core of each song to shine without overshadowing it with unnecessary embellishments. This restraint fostered a direct line between artist and audience, inviting listeners into his world while crafting a shared experience through song. Frequently delving into themes of love, nostalgia, and the passage of time, Cole’s songwriting captures both yearning and joy with an effortless grace. His voice carries a blend of sincerity and vulnerability that invites introspection, using storytelling techniques to create vivid imagery that resonates deeply. The tone often balances hopefulness with melancholy, capturing the complexities of human emotion in simple yet profound ways.

57 studio albums· 81 total releases· 7 decades· United States