Nat King Cole, an iconic figure in the realm of jazz and popular music, left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions with his velvety voice and unparalleled talent. From his smooth crooning to his captivating piano skills, Cole’s music has stood the test of time and continues to enchant listeners to this day. In this article, we delve into the realm of nostalgia and celebration as we explore the top 10 best Nat King Cole songs of all time. Each composition on this list showcases Cole’s masterful ability to weave emotion into every note, drawing listeners into a world of love, longing, and heartfelt reflection. Whether it’s his enchanting renditions of timeless classics or his own original works, Cole’s unique style and artistry shine through, captivating audiences with his impeccable phrasing and soulful delivery. Join us on this musical journey as we traverse the rich tapestry of Nat King Cole’s discography, paying homage to the songs that have resonated deeply with listeners across generations. From heartfelt ballads to infectious swing tunes, each entry on this list represents a shining example of Cole’s enduring musical legacy. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be immersed in the timeless melodies and enchanting voice of the one and only Nat King Cole.
1. “When I Fall in Love”
This classic song, infused with Cole's velvet vocals, is a perfect blend of romance and sophistication. The melody, composed by Victor Young and lyrics by Edward Heyman, has been covered by numerous artists but none can match Cole's distinctive style. With each note and chord delicately crafted, it remains an enduring love ballad that resonates with generations.
Cole's rendition of “When I Fall in Love” exudes his smooth and buttery vocal range while communicating the message of genuine love through its definitive tone and pitch. This song showcased not only his extraordinary voice but also his ability to connect with his audience’s heartstrings.
Interestingly, this ballad was recorded twice during his career – the first version was in 1956 for the movie "Sleepless in Seattle" soundtrack while the second version can be heard on his posthumous album "Love is the Thing".
Fun fact: “When I Fall in Love” won a Grammy Hall of Fame award in 2000 for being culturally significant and historic.
Pro Tip: To experience the full effects of this timeless track, listen to it on vinyl or lossless streaming services to embrace its richness and depth.
Listening to Nat King Cole's 'The Very Thought of You' makes me want to fall in love, or at least drink a bottle of red wine and pretend I am.
2. “The Very Thought of You”
Nat King Cole's soothing voice left an indelible mark on music lovers, and his song "The Very Thought of You" is undoubtedly one of his best. With its timeless melody and gentle tenor, this 1934 classic has stood the test of time. In the lyrics, Cole's emotive performance brings to life the feeling of love and longing. This song speaks to the heart and captures the essence of romance with every note.
"The Very Thought of You" has been covered by numerous artists since its first release, but none have quite captured the magic that Nat King Cole brought to it. The orchestration was delightful, with subtle violins in harmony with Nat's vocals making it feel like a warm embrace from start to finish. The most remarkable feature is how effortlessly he delivers every lyric while connecting with his audience.
One interesting aspect about "The Very Thought of You" is how it became a significant influence on Natalie Cole's career. As his daughter, she drew inspiration from her father's music growing up and later created her rendition of this classic jazz staple in dedication to him. It just goes to show how different generations can appreciate this timeless tune.
If Nat King Cole's voice was a constellation, 'Stardust' would be its brightest star.
3. “Stardust”
This timeless classic by Nat King Cole, which could mildly be expressed as "3. Stardust", is a soothing blend of romantic lyrics and soft melody that has enamored fans for generations. The song highlights Cole's suave vocals and his ability to tell a story through music. Its quiet intensity slowly builds up, stirring emotions when the saxophone takes over in the latter half of the song. This mesmerizing tune is an enchanting tableau that leaves listeners spellbound with its beauty and elegance.
At the heart of “Stardust” lies its profound significance in keeping alive the essence of Jazz standards. It reinforces its place among timeless classics that have been immortalized by some of the greatest performers in history. While paying respect to early Jazz greats, Nat King Cole gives this rendition his signature touch of class, adding layers of complexity to create an unforgettable listening experience for all generations.
Nat King Cole's style sets him apart from other musicians due to his unparalleled versatility and soulful expression, enhancing even simple lyrics to become memorable anthems. “Stardust” provides us with candid insight into his musical genius – it showcases a rare talent who had an innate understanding of what makes music so universal and special.
If you haven't listened to "Stardust" yet, it is an absolute must-listen! You wouldn't want to miss out on the enchanting blend of wonderment that has fascinated audiences since its release 70 years ago. Nat King Cole's 'Unforgettable' is like a fine wine – it only gets better with age, just like your mom's dating pool.
4. “Unforgettable”
Nat King Cole's timeless classic, a love ballad that defines his legacy and career with "4. A Song that Captivates Hearts and Minds" has fascinated listeners for decades. Cole's soulful voice in "Unforgettable" is a tribute to those who hold significant meaning in our lives. The song was initially performed by his own daughter named Natalie Cole as a posthumous duet with her late father, Nat King Cole.
The refined melody and intricate lyrics of "Unforgettable" have stood the test of time, influencing popular music across generations. Cole's ability to create an emotive connection with his audience resonates within the hearts of many, which is why this song truly stands out among Nat King Cole's repertoire.
Beyond its artistic references, it is worth noting that the song made history as one of the first-ever posthumous duets between a father and daughter duo. The creation process that allowed this technology to take place has since influenced various artists around the world to collaborate using similar techniques, highlighting how this iconic performance still influences popular music today.
Overall, Nat King Cole's unique talent and remarkable ability to convey emotions through his music are highlighted in "Unforgettable", resulting in a timeless individual piece that continues to charm its way into the hearts and minds of many listeners worldwide.
Nat King Cole's voice can make you smile even in the saddest of moments, and 'Smile' is the perfect example of his emotive powers.
5. “Smile”
This iconic Nat King Cole ballad is a timeless masterpiece that invokes deep emotions and nostalgia. With its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Smile” has been a fan favorite for generations. The song's powerful message of finding hope and joy in the midst of adversity resonates with listeners across the globe.
As one of Nat King Cole's most beloved songs, “Smile” is a perfect showcase of his smooth and silky voice. The song's simple yet profound lyrics remind us to keep smiling even during life's toughest moments. The haunting piano melody only adds to the song's emotional impact.
What sets “Smile” apart from other Nat King Cole classics is the sense of empathy it evokes. By encouraging listeners to embrace positivity amidst challenges, this song has helped people overcome various difficulties over the years. It continues to remain a popular choice for weddings, graduations, and other special occasions.
To get the full experience of “Smile”, it must be listened to with someone you love or appreciate. The music captures the beauty in pain while simultaneously urging you to move forward despite your struggles.
Don't miss out on experiencing the magic of “Smile” by Nat King Cole – listen now and let it inspire you towards happiness and resilience.
Nat King Cole's voice can make even the Grinch feel warm and fuzzy during Christmas, and “The Christmas Song” is the perfect tune to get you in the holiday spirit.
6. “The Christmas Song”
With the festive season around the corner, Nat King Cole's 'The Christmas Song' sets an unparalleled mood of warmth and love. Cole's tender jazz vocals transcend time in this holiday classic and evoke warm memories of a bygone era. The song's poetic lyrics such as "Jack Frost nipping at your nose" whisk listeners away into a snowy wonderland, while the emotional depth rooted in nostalgia and family traditions leaves an everlasting impact on our hearts.
'The Christmas Song' has been covered by various artists since its release in 1946, but nobody quite matches the charm of Nat King Cole's version. His timeless rendition earned him his fourth gold record shortly after its debut and has been played countless times across radio channels as part of festive programming.
Chesney Henry Baker Jr., known as Chet Baker, reportedly played trumpet on Nat King Cole’s ‘The Christmas Song.’
Listening to 'A Blossom Fell' is like watching a flower gracefully wither away – it's sad but mesmerizingly beautiful.
7. “A Blossom Fell”
This Nat King Cole classic tells the story of a falling flower, inspired by a Japanese haiku. “A Blossom Fell” is a beautiful and haunting ballad that showcases Cole’s smooth and sensual voice as he sings about the fragility of life. With poignant lyrics and a delicate melody, this song will leave listeners captivated and moved. As one of Nat King Cole’s most acclaimed works, “A Blossom Fell” is truly unforgettable.
If you don't shed a tear while listening to Nature Boy, you're either heartless or tone-deaf.
8. “Nature Boy”
This soulful track, infused with orchestra and choir elements, stands out as Nat King Cole's most iconic song. It recounts the story of a mystical "nature boy" who imparts his wisdom about love and life. The gentle sway of the melody and lyrics' heartfelt message have made it a classic that remains relevant today. Its ethereal quality inspired David Bowie to cover it in 2003, adding electronic touches that further enhanced its allure.
Interestingly, this song was written by eden ahbez – known for his long hair and flowing robes – a prototypical hippie who lived under the LA Hollywood sign and championed vegetarianism during a time when such practices were rare. Despite not being well-known as a songwriter, he managed to pitch "Nature Boy" to Cole's manager while spouting words of wisdom about self-realization. This oddball character cultural influences helped create one of the most soulful songs in history.
Nat King Cole's smooth voice could make anyone fall in love, and “L-O-V-E” is the perfect soundtrack for that hopeless romantic in us all.
9. “L-O-V-E”
This hit song provided a pulsating romantic feel with its bouncy tempo, luscious strings and of course, Nat King Cole's evergreen voice. The memorable lyrics interplayed with Mr. Cole’s iconic piano playing adding to the exuberant mood. Its musical versatility, staying power and cultural significance has made it one of the most recognizable songs in his repertoire.
In “L-O-V-E”, Nat King Cole sings about love's simple pleasures and the joy it brings. The song was written by Bert Kaempfert as an instrumental track for his album ‘Blue Midnight’ which was later adapted into a song by Milt Gabler adding lyrics penned by American songwriter, Rudy Vallee. It is said that before recording the song, Nat King Cole asked Vallee if he could add the word 'L-O-V-E' to the chorus section during his performance. This spontaneous addition became so popular that it became a highlight of the song and inspired its title.
This legendary hit keeps being "the one you crave" as told in its lyrics even after almost six decades since its first release. It spent 26 weeks on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 1965 and has been covered numerous times over the years including renditions performed by Michael Buble and Joss Stone among others. Its popularity can be attributed to its energetic, yet heartwarming melody that never fails to make listeners swoon even today.
Listening to Nat King Cole's 'Pretend' is like being transported to a time when love was simple and heartache was just a song away.
10. “Pretend”
This song, featured on Nat King Cole's album "The Very Thought of You," is a timeless classic. The soulful ballad describes the singer's desires to be with the one he loves and how they could pretend that their love is perfect.
With its soft melody and sincere lyrics, “Pretend” has become one of Nat King Cole's most beloved songs.
Nat King Cole's smooth vocals are highlighted in this emotional song as he croons about the beauty of love and the power it holds. The impactful lyrics, combined with his velvety voice, make this song stand out in both the artist’s career as well as in music history.
What sets this song apart from others is its ability to take listeners back in time to a bygone era. It tugs on their heartstrings in an indescribable way while igniting nostalgic feelings from the start of the instrumental introduction. For these reasons, 'Pretend' will forever be cherished by Romantics across generations.
Legend has it that this song was inspired by Nat King Cole himself! It is believed that the famous musician had fallen in love with someone who was already taken and wanted to express his longings through his music. Regardless of its origins, "Pretend" remains a masterpiece appreciated for years to come.
Samuel Moore 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.
