Customer Reviews

Nat King Cole - Greatest Hits

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I've been reading several of the reviews here and there are complaints as to why certain songs aren't included. What you should know is this...The reason why these songs were chosen for this particular Nat King Cole CD is that these are Nat's HIGHEST CHARTING HIT SINGLES (with the exception of the non-inclusion of "The Christmas Song", a #3 hit in the fall/winter of 1946), according to Billboard Magazine. Most of the tunes on this CD made the Top Ten. So if you were looking for "When I Fall In Love", "L-O-V-E" and other popular tunes like that and didn't find them here - pay close attention, now - it's because they either weren't ever released as singles, or if they were, they didn't chart higher than a certain position to be considered to be one of "the greatest hits". Granted, they may have indeed been POPULAR, but they were not HITS.

As far as the complaint goes about the lack of stereo used on some cuts and the pitch of his voice, the originals were the versions of Nat's songs that became hits, NOT THE REMAKES. This is just what Capitol/EMI was aiming for, having the originals on one CD in a GREATEST HITS compilation. So don't complain! Wouldn't you agree that Nat's voice always sounded like heaven, no matter WHEN he recorded a tune??

If you're looking for other songs that weren't here, or aren't feeling these ORIGINAL VERSIONS Of Nat's hits where his voice wasn't as deep, then there are plenty of other CDs you can get by him that include those selections. But IMO, this and the UNFORGETTABLE (2000) CD are two of the best CDs you can own if you want the hits, plus other songs by Nat that are popular.

Though I own hundreds of CD's, this one is my favorite. His smooth crooning and romantic lyrics are just what I need when I have had one of those days. Almost all of his very best songs are on this album. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.

To begin with, the song "The Very Thought of You", one of his most beautiful songs, is not even included. Then, "Nature Boy" is not the stereo version, but a 1940's mono version in inferior sound. The whole cd is badly produced. After I bought this cd and found it sadly lacking, I purchased the cd titled "Unforgettable Nat King Cole" (on Capitol,released 2000). It has all of the great hits in stereo and in perfect sound. It should receive the 5 star rating. Why people should rate the "Greatest Hits" album 5 stars is beyond me. It should get at most 2 stars. I'm sorry I was snookered into buying it. I can always use it as a coffee coaster.

Nat King Cole is an American icon. Some sixty years later his early recordings with the King Cole Trio are still highly regarded by jazz afficianados around the world. And many of his solo efforts remain among the best loved songs of all time.
This collection contains some of both. If you have never heard the King Cole Trio, you are certainly in for a treat. Among the selections included here are the incredible "Straighten Up and Fly Right" from 1943 as well as other favorites like "You Call It Madness (But I Call It Love) and one of the great standards "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons)". This 22 track disc also includes some his biggest hits as a solo artist including "Mona Lisa", "Ramblin' Rose" and of course "Unforgettable". Also included here is the hit 1991 duet version of "Unforgettable" with his daughter Natalie where Nat's vocals were dubbed in from the original 1952 hit.
While one is hard pressed to criticize the music of Nat King Cole this collection does have some considerable flaws. First of all, there are absolutely no liner notes. Now I realize that there are literally hundreds of releases available by Nat King Cole but considering that this one is called "The Greatest Hits" you would think that Capitol might feel compelled to offer a short biography and/or discography of the man. After all, he spent his entire recording career on Capitol and was really that labels bread and butter for two decades. Secondly, it is worth noting that these recordings do not appear to have been remastered. Older fans would probably not have a big problem with this and may prefer to hear these songs the way they remember them. However, I mention it because it may well be an issue for some listeners.
But make no mistake about it, this is still a wonderful collection of the music of Nat King Cole. I was disappointed though that my very favorite Nat King Cole tune of all time "That Sunday, That Summer" was not included here. Nat King Cole died in 1965. I distinctly remember my mother crying when she heard the news. He remains one of the most beloved figures in American music history. So whether you choose this particular disc or decide on something else you will probably not be disappointed.

This was my first Nat King Cole CD. I am only 18, and most guys my age listen to rap (as do I) or rock. This is such a healthy departure. His gentle voice seems so comforting. Songs like "You Call it Madness..." and "Mona Lisa" almost always remain in my mind. This CD is not only great to listen to, but it opened me up to Cole's other work. Great Collection.

I love almost everything NKC ever made. I mean the man just could not make a bad song, and if he had a bad song, his voice could make you love it! If you're a beginner, then this collection is good to start out with, then you'll want to buy more of Nat's music as you familiarize yourself with his vast body of work. Glad to see "You Call It Madness", "Send For Me", and "Ramblin' Rose" (which was Cole's biggest hit in the '60s) included in this collection. But if you're used to hearing the polished versions of "Mona Lisa", "Straighten Up and Fly Right", "Route 66", "Orange Colored Sky" or "Unforgettable" you will be interested in hearing these takes from the original sessions. You can hear the difference. All in all worth checking out.

One of the delightful results of Natalie Cole's smash album "Unforgettable" was the renewed interest in her father's legendary recorded work. This was part of the result, an near-perfect collection of the ballads and finger-popping swingers that made Nat Cole's reputation as one of the greatest pop singers of all time (unfortunately, the second-best on his own label). I left out one star because Nat's last hit, "L-O-V-E" is not included, nor is the "Christmas Song" the sweet "That Sunday, That Summer," or the last, best rendition of "Nature Boy." Favorite songs: "Send For Me," "Ramblin' Rose," "Too Young."

A stupendous collection of music spanning the career of one of the greatest vocalists of all time. It is a definite must for anyone who even has remotely heard of or is a lifetime fan of NKC.

What makes a voice distinctive and memorable? Nat (King )Cole I believe had the smoothest voice of any male singer. Clarity and a sureness in phrasing was also gifts of his. Aside from 'Unforgettable' the songs I best remember are 'Mona Lisa' and 'Nature Boy'. But this recording also includes originals of the 'Nat King Cole trio'. It also includes the famous duet put together of 'Unforgettable' from his early version and his daughter Natalie Cole's recording made after he had passed on. That particular recording was a 'knockout' sentimental and beautiful.

This album is a must get. Nat King Cole's music will touch your soul like no other. The compilation of songs on this album will bring such smiles and warmth into your life. The crystal clarity and beautiful harmony of his voice will make you feel as though he's standing next to you in person singing into your ear. This album uplifted my spirits on a very down day in my life. And, whether or not you are a fan of the incomparable Nat King Cole, this album will surely take your spirits to higher heights.