Customer Reviews

Thankful

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Natalie Cole was in rare form in 1977 - she had three Grammys, four No. 1 R&B hits and three hit albums. With each, Natalie showed signs of real musical maturity. "Thankful," released in the latter half of '77 is, in my opinion, the best album she ever did. A gorgeous mix of soul, R&B, gospel and jazz, "Thankful" captured Natalie at her "R&B it girl" peak. Boasting a No. 1 smash in "Our Love" and another hit in "Annie Mae," "Thankful" is the earliest evidence of Natalie's trademark versatility, as well as her skill at leaning toward jazz. The former has since become a classic, with Natalie singing the praises of love and affection in all their glory. She really wraps herself around the lyric and gives it her all, pushing the song to a level she rarely reached after that. "Annie Mae" is the emotional tale of a runaway girl, which is grim territory compared to many of Natalie's flowery tales of love from that time. A driving melody takes the song to dramatic, sweeping levels, as Natalie's wails make the song almost palpable. The singles weren't the only treats on this album. The gospelish "Be Thankful" is Natalie at her soul shouting best. The upbeat, jazzy "Lovers" is one of my favorites. Natalie breezes through the song like she's having a ball, as she scats and dips through four minutes of jazzy fun. You can almost imagine her prancing around on stage and getting into it. She really hits her jazzy stride on "La Costa," a tropical journey complete with lush orchestration, birds chirping and ocean waves. That song, as well as many others is a prime example of what made this record work - it has a true ambience to it. It moves from track to track, and brings you in for a musical experience like no other. This is long out of print, but if you track down a CD copy, snatch it up. It's beautiful, simply beautiful!

I was about 10/12 when this "album" was out and disco was in. My oldest sister and her friends would listen to this and other artist of that era all the time!!! This was music and the songs on this "album" make you cry, laugh and remember the way it use to be. It is a must to this in your collection from the disco reign!!!! It's funny, because now, I listen to all of the songs from then wish I was grown then...smile.

Where do I began, The year was 1977 and I had just got my first serious job. I was a Detroit Fireman. That's when I first met my soon to be wife. She was a EMT for the fire department. Now this happened to be Natalie's fourth lp. The first four lp's are now known as the "Love Collection", and if you own them you will see why. This was the time when she met and married her producer. It was a splendid time indeed, those "70's". So she was so full of life & love to give and he brought out the best of her love in every project they did together. So, hence the "Love Collection". Now My wife to be was 25 and I was 24. We met at and audition for a singing group. She loved music and so did I. So, when I invited her to my bachelor pad for the first time the first thing she noticed was my extensive lp collection and the first thing she grabbed was this lp and wanted to hear it since it had just come out. She said she had all of Natalie's other lp's. Now this was the only one I had at this time. I was a P-Funk allstar at the time. We made sweet music I through the night and was married six months later. My wife has since passed on due to Cancer in 1999. But she would be so proud to know I found all four lp's plus the Live lp on disc.

this is her best album in my opinion. a true classic, a must have for any serious music collector or any one who enjoys REAL MUSIC! so many timeless cuts just can't stay away, la coasta, our love, nothing stronger than love...

I was 12 and it was 1977. "Our Love" was all over the radio waves and America was in love with the lady who had, in the previous year, walked away with her first couple of Grammy awards.

"Thankful" is a milestone in her early repertoire of 70's Soul albums and quite possibly the best one of the three which preceded it. It contains equal amounts of joy, pain and sensuality along with a gospel rouser in the magnificent title track, "Be Thankful." The true gems on this incredible recording include, "Lovers," a Big Band-styled opening track (which she RE-recorded in 1993 for her "Take A Look" CD,) the first single, "Our Love," "Nothin' Stronger than Love," the title track and "Can't Stay Away from You." There isn't a throwaway on this entire album, in fact. I'm also drawn to the second single, "Annie Mae" which tells a poignant story of a girl living on the streets. It's haunting and dramatic, and skillfully written, arranged and produced.

I highly recommend this album and to this day, 35 years later, it remains a beacon in my collection. I was fortunate enough to buy all of these when they were first reissued in 1996 on One Way Records (minus "Inseparable") which I now own anyway and I am so "thankful" to have been touched by this magnificent album/artist since I was an early adolescent. I will always love and applaud her earlier, more soulful efforts during her tenure with Capitol Records from 1975-1981. The lady is a LEGEND!

I use to own the album but it got away from me. I loved this album and I think it's the best that Natalie has ever done. I use to play it continuously, and now I'm trying to find it again because music these days just isn't like it was then in 1977 when this album was recorded. My ex-fiance used to play bass guitar for Nat and I was just in love with her music, especially this particular album - Thankful.

I Love it, this brings back so many memories

This was my favorite tape and I lost it. Been looking for a replacement ever since. What great music and what a great voice. Spent many hours singing my heart out and listening to this.

I luv this disc, from start to finish. The only disappointment is that it doesn't last longer. My favorite song is "Nothing Is Stronger Than Love." I listen to the title track often to lift my spirits when life gets to me! I wish that this CD was re-issued for those who haven't experienced it yet. I think this is Ms. Cole's 2nd best album (next to "Unpredictable"). This is a classic that shouldn't be ignored.

Once upon a time, well let's get to the point..... I had this LP when was overseas. I loved it!! to me this is one of her best. The way she effortlessly flows thorough the riddims, to me it seems like she enjoyed herself in the studio recording this album This album ranks up there with the best...