Album Information Section

Album Title: Unforgettable: With Love

Artist: Natalie Cole

Original Release Date: June 11, 1991

Label: Unknown Label

Genres: Jazz, Vocal Jazz, Pop

Track Listing:

• 1. The Very Thought of You (4:17)
• 2. Paper Moon (3:25)
• 3. Route 66 (3:01)
• 4. Mona Lisa (3:46)
• 5. L-O-V-E (2:32)
• 6. This Can’t Be Love (2:14)
• 7. Smile (3:38)
• 8. Lush Life (4:21)
• 9. That Sunday That Summer (3:32)
• 10. Orange Colored Sky (2:28)
• 11. A Medley Of: For Sentimental Reasons, Tenderly, Autumn Leaves (7:33)
• 12. Straighten Up and Fly Right (2:41)
• 13. Avalon (1:51)
• 14. Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (2:35)
• 15. Too Young (4:33)
• 16. Nature Boy (3:24)
• 17. Darling, je vous aime beaucoup (3:25)
• 18. Almost Like Being in Love (2:11)
• 19. Thou Swell (1:51)
• 20. Non Dimenticar (2:57)
• 21. Our Love Is Here to Stay (3:30)
• 22. Unforgettable (3:29)

Recording Information

The album “Unforgettable: With Love” was recorded at the Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California, a renowned location known for its history with some of the greatest artists in music history. The recording sessions took place primarily in the early months of 1991, leading up to the album’s release in June of the same year.

This project was produced by Natalie Cole herself, along with the guidance of several talented engineers, including Al Schmitt, who is celebrated for his work with a wide range of iconic artists. The recording techniques utilized included traditional studio methods, emphasizing live instrumentation and the warm tones characteristic of the era’s jazz standards. Notably, the album featured a mix of both orchestral arrangements and small ensemble performances, allowing Cole’s vocal prowess to shine throughout the project.

A particularly interesting production note is the album’s homage to Cole’s late father, Nat King Cole, whose timeless classic “Unforgettable” is featured as the title track. This connection was a driving force behind the album, blending nostalgia with modern interpretations of classic songs.

Band Context

At the time of the release of “Unforgettable: With Love,” Natalie Cole was navigating a significant resurgence in her career. Following a period of personal struggles and a decline in commercial success, Cole had found renewed appreciation in the music industry. This album marked a pivotal moment, as it showcased her versatility and artistry, bridging the gap between contemporary pop and traditional jazz. During this period, she was not only the daughter of Nat King Cole but also an established artist in her own right, earning accolades for her powerful voice and emotional delivery.

The lineup for this recording included a mix of seasoned jazz musicians and orchestral players, contributing to the rich texture of the album. The release came after a series of successful albums in the late 1980s, including “Everlasting” and “Natalie,” but “Unforgettable: With Love” was uniquely positioned as a tribute to her father’s legacy while allowing her to explore her musical roots. The album’s success reinvigorated her career, leading to Grammy Awards and significant chart performances.

Track Commentary

“Unforgettable: With Love” features a blend of classic standards and lesser-known gems, all expertly interpreted by Cole. The album opens with “The Very Thought of You,” a romantic ballad that sets the tone for the rest of the collection, showcasing Cole’s emotive vocal style. The upbeat “L-O-V-E” and “Route 66” provide a lively contrast, embodying the carefree spirit of jazz and pop.

Tracks like “Mona Lisa” and “Lush Life” highlight Cole’s ability to convey deep emotional resonance, while the medley of “For Sentimental Reasons, Tenderly, Autumn Leaves” stands out as a breathtaking centerpiece, allowing her to weave together themes of love and nostalgia. The title track, “Unforgettable,” is particularly significant, featuring a posthumous vocal duet with her father that was created using advanced audio technology, further enhancing the emotional weight of the album.

Critical reception of the album was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Cole’s ability to honor her father’s legacy while also carving her own path in the music world. “Unforgettable: With Love” not only solidified her standing as a leading vocalist but also left an indelible mark on the jazz and pop landscape, ensuring that both Natalie and Nat King Cole’s legacies would endure for generations to come.