What is the best Natalie Cole album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Unforgettable... with Love" (1991). It's the most representative of what makes Natalie Cole worth hearing.

What are the best Natalie Cole albums?

The essential Natalie Cole albums include "Inseparable" (1975), "Natalie" (1976), "Thankful" (1977), "Unpredictable" (1977) and "Natalie Live!" (1978).

How many albums does Natalie Cole have?

Natalie Cole has 43 releases in their discography, including 28 albums and 1 EP.

Photo: John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Natalie Cole

Q: Who is Natalie Cole for?

If you're into funk and soul, Natalie Cole is worth your time. A buoyant interplay of soulful melodies and rhythmic intricacies invites movement while enveloping listeners in rich vocal textures.

A buoyant interplay of soulful melodies and rhythmic intricacies invites movement while enveloping listeners in rich vocal textures.

funk · soul

United States

Read about Natalie Cole on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Unforgettable... with Love album by Natalie Cole

Unforgettable... with Love (1991)

Showcases Natalie's blend of soul and pop, featuring rich vocal textures and a cohesive set of classic standards.

The song

“This Will Be” from Inseparable

Immediate hook with infectious energy that exemplifies her soulful style and engaging melodies.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

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

1

"I Wish You Love" — from Take a Look (1993)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Sophisticated Lady (She’s a Different Lady)" — from Natalie Live! (1978)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"You Were Right Girl" — from Happy Love (1981)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Lovers" — from Thankful (1977)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"Don’t Look Back" — from Don't Look Back (1980)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Criminal" — from Leavin' (2006)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About Natalie Cole

Natalie Cole holds a significant place in the musical landscape, known for her ability to bridge generations and genres through her emotive vocal delivery and sophisticated interpretations of classic songs.

By deftly incorporating elements of jazz, pop, and rhythm and blues, she transformed the way audiences experience familiar standards, infusing them with a fresh yet timeless sensibility that resonates across demographics. Her work not only revitalized interest in traditional pop forms but also showcased the depth and versatility of female vocalists in an era increasingly dominated by commercialized sounds. Cole's approach often involved a masterful blend of heartfelt storytelling and infectious grooves, allowing her to engage listeners on both emotional and physical levels. Her use of rich orchestrations paired with rhythmic vitality created a sound that felt both polished and accessible, encouraging audiences to connect intimately with her music. This innovative melding of styles often resulted in tracks that seamlessly encouraged dancing while still inviting reflection. Lyrically, Cole frequently navigated themes of love, loss, and resilience, employing a sincere tone that strikes a balance between vulnerability and empowerment. Her storytelling approach is characterized by vivid imagery and poignant emotion, drawing listeners into her experiences while simultaneously evoking universal feelings. The combination of personal narrative with broad appeal forged an intimate connection that lingers long after the final note.

28 studio albums· 43 total releases· 3 decades· United States