Natalie Cole was an American singer, songwriter, and actress whose career spanned over four decades. She was known for her versatile vocal range, which allowed her to excel in various genres, including R&B, soul, jazz, and pop. Natalie Cole’s legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians today, and her music remains timeless and beloved by fans around the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at Natalie Cole’s discography and highlight the top 10 best songs of her career. From her early hits like “This Will Be” to her soulful covers of classic standards like “Unforgettable,” Natalie Cole’s music has touched the hearts of millions of fans. We will delve into the stories behind these songs, exploring their lyrics, melodies, and the emotions they evoke. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to Natalie Cole’s music, this list is sure to showcase the breadth and depth of her talent as an artist. Join us as we celebrate the life and music of one of the greatest voices of our time, and discover or rediscover the top 10 best Natalie Cole songs of all time.
1. I Live For Your Love
“I Live For Your Love” is a romantic ballad from Natalie Cole’s 1987 album “Everlasting.” The song features a beautiful piano melody and Cole’s emotive vocals, as she sings about the depth of her love for someone special. The lyrics express a desire to give oneself completely to another person, to cherish and protect them, and to live only for their love. The song’s powerful chorus is a testament to the strength of the singer’s feelings, as she declares, “I live for your love, every breath that I take.” The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. “I Live For Your Love” remains a beloved classic in Natalie Cole’s discography, showcasing her talent for creating emotionally resonant and memorable love songs.
2. I Miss You Like Crazy
“I Miss You Like Crazy” is a heartfelt ballad that showcases Natalie Cole’s powerful and emotive vocals. The song was released as the lead single from her 1989 album “Good to Be Back,” and quickly became one of her most popular hits. The lyrics express the pain of missing someone deeply, and the longing to be reunited with them. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Cole singing, “I miss you like crazy, ever since you went away, every hour of every day.” The song’s lush production, featuring soaring strings and a memorable saxophone solo, adds to the emotional impact of the track. “I Miss You Like Crazy” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The song remains a favorite of fans and a testament to Cole’s ability to deliver powerful and emotional performances.
3. Our Love
“Our Love” is a classic song by Natalie Cole that was released in 1977. It features a smooth and groovy arrangement with a catchy chorus that showcases her soulful voice. The lyrics express a deep love and devotion for someone special, with Cole singing “Our love will stand tall as the trees, our love will spread wide as the seas.” The song’s memorable melody, backed by a lively funk beat, makes it a perfect dance floor anthem. “Our Love” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard R&B charts and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. It remains a beloved track among fans of soul and disco music, and a testament to Cole’s vocal prowess and ability to deliver uplifting and feel-good performances.
4. Inseparable
“Inseparable” is a timeless ballad from Natalie Cole’s 1975 album of the same name. The song opens with a soft piano melody that sets the mood for Cole’s tender and emotive vocals. The lyrics describe a deep bond between two people that cannot be broken, with Cole singing, “Inseparable, that’s how we’ll always be, inseparable, just you and me.” The song’s slow and steady rhythm, combined with Cole’s expressive singing, creates a powerful and moving emotional impact. “Inseparable” was a major hit for Cole, reaching the top 10 on both the Billboard R&B and pop charts. It also earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of love and devotion, and Cole’s ability to deliver a heartfelt and captivating performance.
5. I’ve Got Love on My Mind
“I’ve Got Love on My Mind” is a soulful ballad by Natalie Cole that was released in 1977 as a single from her album “Unpredictable”. The song was written by legendary songwriters Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy, who were also responsible for writing many other hits for Cole. The track features a mellow groove with a catchy melody and Cole’s rich, velvety vocals that perfectly capture the song’s romantic and passionate lyrics. The song’s opening piano chords immediately set the mood for a love song that is both nostalgic and hopeful.
The song became a big hit for Cole, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reaching number one on the R&B chart. It also earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. “I’ve Got Love on My Mind” remains one of Cole’s most beloved and popular songs, and it has been covered by several other artists over the years. Its timeless quality and universal themes of love and longing have ensured its place as a classic of the soul and R&B genres.
6. Unforgettable – virtual duet with Nat King Cole
Natalie Cole’s virtual duet with her late father Nat King Cole on the timeless classic “Unforgettable” is a standout track in her career. The song combines the smooth and velvety voice of Nat King Cole with Natalie Cole’s powerhouse vocals, creating a beautiful and emotional performance. The arrangement is elegant and the orchestra creates a lush, romantic atmosphere that perfectly complements the lyrics about enduring love. The seamless integration of the two voices, along with the creative use of modern technology, makes it feel like the two are singing together in the same room. “Unforgettable” earned Natalie Cole multiple awards, including a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance, and it has become a beloved classic. The song also serves as a touching tribute to her father, who passed away when Natalie was just 15 years old, and showcases her incredible talent as a singer and performer.
7. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)
“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” is a vibrant and upbeat song that features Natalie Cole’s powerful and soulful vocals. The song starts off with a lively horn section that immediately sets the tone for a feel-good love song. As the song progresses, the rhythm section comes in with a groovy bassline and upbeat drums that make it impossible not to dance along. The lyrics express the excitement and joy of falling in love and the promise of a love that will last forever.
Natalie Cole’s vocal performance on this track is outstanding, showcasing her impressive range and ability to infuse emotion into every note she sings. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious energy make it an instant classic and a perfect addition to any feel-good playlist. “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” has stood the test of time and remains one of Natalie Cole’s most recognizable and beloved songs.
8. When I Fall in Love – virtual duet with Nat King Cole
“When I Fall in Love” is a classic song made popular by Nat King Cole in the 1950s. In 1996, Natalie Cole recorded a virtual duet with her late father, using his original recording and adding her vocals. The result is a heartwarming rendition that beautifully blends the voices of father and daughter. Natalie’s sultry and soulful vocals complement Nat’s smooth crooning, creating a mesmerizing duet that captures the essence of the original song while adding a new layer of emotion. The seamless blend of the two voices creates a touching and nostalgic moment, and the virtual duet feels like a touching tribute to Nat’s legacy. Natalie’s ability to connect with her father’s music in such a meaningful way is a testament to her talent as an artist and her deep love for her father’s music. “When I Fall in Love” is a timeless classic that is sure to continue to be a beloved favorite, and this virtual duet is a beautiful tribute to the power of music to transcend time and bring generations together.
9. Jump Start
“Jump Start” is an upbeat and funky track by Natalie Cole, released in 1987 as the lead single from her album “Everlasting”. The song is characterized by its catchy hook and lively rhythm section, with Cole’s powerhouse vocals shining throughout. The lyrics speak of the excitement and thrill of a new romantic relationship, with Cole’s passionate delivery adding to the overall energy of the song. The production features a blend of electronic and acoustic instruments, with prominent synthesizer and guitar lines adding to the upbeat feel of the track. “Jump Start” was a commercial success for Cole, reaching the top ten on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the top of the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song’s infectious groove and Cole’s dynamic performance make it a standout track in her discography, and a must-listen for fans of 80s pop and R&B music.
10. Pink Cadillac
“Pink Cadillac” is a funky and upbeat track by Natalie Cole that features a driving bassline, catchy horns, and spirited vocals. The song was originally written and recorded by Bruce Springsteen but became a hit for Cole in 1988, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The lyrics of the song compare a woman’s love to a pink Cadillac, a symbol of luxury and desire. Cole’s powerful voice adds to the song’s energetic feel, and the catchy chorus makes it an instant classic. The track is a great example of Cole’s ability to take a song and make it her own with her dynamic vocals and unique style. The production of the song is also notable, with a polished sound that incorporates elements of pop, rock, and R&B. Overall, “Pink Cadillac” is a fun and memorable track that showcases Cole’s talent and versatility as a performer.
Erica Henderson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
