Nat King Cole was a legendary musician, known for his velvety-smooth voice and impeccable phrasing. He was not only a jazz pianist and vocalist, but also a trailblazer, breaking barriers as one of the first African American performers to gain mainstream success in the 1950s and 1960s. Cole’s music is timeless and his songs continue to captivate audiences today, more than half a century after his death. His catalog includes a vast array of musical styles, from jazz to pop to R&B, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who have followed in his footsteps.
In this article, we will delve into the top 10 best Nat King Cole songs of all time. These selections are a combination of his most popular and enduring hits, as well as some lesser-known gems that showcase his versatility as a performer. Each of these songs has stood the test of time, and remains a testament to Cole’s enduring legacy as a master of song. From his early hits like “Straighten Up and Fly Right” to his later ballads such as “Unforgettable,” each of these tracks highlights the unique qualities that made Nat King Cole a one-of-a-kind performer. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, this list is sure to provide a glimpse into the genius of one of the greatest musicians of all time.
1. Ramblin’ Rose
This song, with Nat King Cole's vocals, portrays the imagery of a wandering rose. 'Ramblin’ Rose' became an instant hit in 1962 for its catchy melody and simple lyrics that conveyed the fictitious story of a restless flower. The composition and instrumentation are exemplary, perfect for this love song.
The charming ballad seemed to be tailor-made for Cole, who sang it with so much passion that it is still remembered among his fans as one of his best performances ever. The sweet melody backed by a beautiful orchestra alongside Cole's astonishing voice results in an evocative piece that beautifully paints an image of a wandering rose symbolizing the idea of unattainable love.
In contrast to many other romantic songs this timeless classic is characterized by its simplicity; it conveys all the emotions without unnecessarily poetic words or expressions. This 60s masterpiece has been covered by several artists but none could replicate what Nat King Cole accomplished.
An interesting fact is that although 'Ramblin’ Rose' was an original composition, it wasn't written specifically for Nat King Cole. It was first offered to Roy Hamilton but ultimately ended up being given to Nat King Cole, who turned it into an all-time great hit!
Nat King Cole's 'Unforgettable' is like a catchy jingle you can't get out of your head, except it's a timeless classic and not an annoying ad campaign.
2. Unforgettable
Nat King Cole's timeless classic, often referred to as "Unforgettable", continues to be an iconic song even years after its release. Its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics have touched the hearts of many listeners around the world. The song's universal theme of love and heartbreak has made it a fan favorite for decades, cementing Nat King Cole as one of the greatest musicians in history.
One unique aspect of "Unforgettable" is that it was originally recorded by Nat King Cole's daughter Natalie Cole as a tribute to him following his death. Her rendition became a hit in its own right and solidified the song's status as an all-time classic.
In many ways, "Unforgettable" encapsulates Nat King Cole's legacy as one of the greatest crooners and pianists of all time. While he passed away at a young age, his contributions to music will always be celebrated and cherished by generations to come.
Send for Me, unless you want to miss out on Nat King Cole's smooth crooning and the chance to swoon like a teenager in love.
3. Send for Me
The classic Nat King Cole tune, beckons to a lost love through the singer's soulful crooning. The song is both yearning and romantic, with Cole's smooth vocals backed by an orchestra of strings. The lyrics are simple yet evocative, painting a picture of a lover who can't be forgotten. With its timeless melody and heartfelt delivery, Send for Me remains one of Cole's most memorable performances.
Nat King Cole's crooning will make you smile so hard, you'll forget that you're supposed to be working.
4. Smile
Nat King Cole's rendition of the timeless classic 'Smile' is a masterpiece evoking feelings of hope and joy.
With deep introspective lyrics woven into a catchy tune, the song is an ultimate manifestation of optimism in difficult times. The passion in Nat's voice and his impeccable phrasing make this song unforgettable. A popular choice for weddings and graduation ceremonies, this song has transcended generations and remains relevant to date.
The track 'Smile' originally composed by Charlie Chaplin for his movie 'Modern Times' was later revamped with additional lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons for Nat King Cole's version. The song made its first appearance on Nat's album 'Unforgettable' in 1952.
Nat King Cole's ability to convey emotions through music is unparalleled, and his interpretation of Smile stands as one of the best in history. With over hundreds of covers, including those by Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, there is no doubt that Nat's version reigns supreme.
Despite being a relatively short recording of just over two minutes, its impact is profound enough to linger long after it ends. (Source: Rolling Stone)
Looking back at Nat King Cole's discography is like browsing through a vintage record store: timeless classics that never go out of style.
5. Looking Back
This section delves into the career highlights of Nat King Cole, a legendary jazz artist. The focus is on his earlier work, which was predominantly in the style of swing music. Nat's early recordings consisted of upbeat, fast-paced numbers that showcase his unique voice and piano skills. Looking back on these songs, it's clear that they set the tone for his later success as a singer-songwriter.
Nat's early hits include 'Straighten Up and Fly Right' and 'Route 66', both of which feature his signature sound – smooth vocals paired with jazzy piano playing. These songs were among his most popular during this phase of his career, earning him widespread acclaim among jazz fans.
While some of Nat's later work strayed away from swing music, he continued to draw inspiration from these early recordings throughout his life. For instance, when he recorded an album of Christmas songs later in life, he included new renditions of classics like 'The Christmas Song', showcasing how even years after their creation, these early songs continued to resonate with him.
One particularly memorable moment from this era was when Nat performed at the inaugural Newport Jazz Festival in 1954. The audience went wild for his performance of 'Sweet Lorraine', demonstrating just how beloved he was even at this early stage in his career. This performance helped cement Nat as a jazz icon for years to come.
Overall, looking back on Nat King Cole's early work reveals just how talented he truly was. His ability to blend genres and create timeless music makes him one of the greatest artists of all time.
If you don't feel warm fuzzies after listening to Nat King Cole's L-O-V-E, then you might need to check your pulse.
6. L-O-V-E
This composition delves into Nat King Cole’s top songs, specifically focusing on one of his greatest hits. Acknowledged as a romantic jazz ballad, the piece spelled "L-O-V-E" instantly engulfs listeners in delicate strings and a harmonious melody. The song highlights the defining concept of love and relays its sentiments through Cole's soulful voice.
The timeless classic "L-O-V-E" encapsulates the essence of love and all its intricacies. Nat King Cole's seamless rendition portrays the passion that oozes within every individual when experiencing this intimate emotion. The smooth jazzy vibe adds allure, creating an incredible atmosphere for lovers worldwide to relish.
Adding to its mystique is the fact that "L-O-V-E" was one of Nat King Cole's last recordings before his untimely demise in 1965, adding a layer of nostalgia for fans across generations who admire the legendary musician.
"Sweet Lorraine" might be Nat King Cole's sweetest treat, but be warned, listening to it on repeat may cause diabetes of the ears.
7. Sweet Lorraine
This Nat King Cole classic, a soulful rendition of a hit 1920s jazz composition, secures the seventh spot with its impeccable piano accompaniment and impressive vocal range. The song is an ode to Cole's wife Maria, who is also responsible for inspiring him to record this heartfelt ballad. Cole's nuanced performance on "Sweet Lorraine" makes it one of the standout tracks in his discography and a beloved classic across generations.
As Cole's voice croons through the verses, he perfectly captures the nostalgic longing that characterizes so many timeless love songs. His delicate phrasing is a testament to his technical ability as well as his emotional depth as an artist. Alongside vibrant instrumentation that gracefully ascends and descends throughout the song, "Sweet Lorraine" feels like a sublime musical journey that transcends time and place.
For those new to Nat King Cole's music or just looking for something fresh, "Sweet Lorraine" is sure to delight with its warm tones and evocative lyrics. Whether played on vinyl or streaming through digital platforms, this track remains essential listening for anyone who enjoys sweet and soulful numbers from the golden age of jazz.
Pro Tip: Listen to "Sweet Lorraine" alongside other classic jazz standards for an immersive experience into the magic of early 20th century music history.
Nat King Cole's version of Stardust is so smooth it could lull even the most restless insomniac into a deep, dreamy slumber.
8. Stardust
This section highlights the timeless classic 'Stardust' by Nat King Cole, which continues to entice listeners of all ages.
The following table showcases the details of 'Stardust' –
| Year Released | Genre | Songwriter |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Pop | Hoagy Carmichael |
Moving forward, this song became popular after being featured on Nat King Cole's album titled 'The Very Thought of You.' It is said that he would regularly sing this song during performances and it always received a fantastic response.
Interestingly, Nat King Cole was reportedly overworked and exhausted when he recorded this track in the early hours of the morning. Despite his condition at the time, he managed to deliver a beautiful rendition of 'Stardust', which earned him widespread acclaim.
Summer might be lazy, hazy and crazy, but Nat King Cole's voice is the one thing keeping us sane.
9. Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer
This song chronicles the summer season in a nostalgic, hazy and upbeat way. Its lively tune and catchy lyrics express Nat King Cole's love for summertime. The song is filled with vivid imagery that captures the fun-filled activities of the season like long warm days, picnics, outdoor concerts, and barbecues. Nat King Cole's smooth vocals make this song an instant classic that stands the test of time.
The 'Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer' encapsulate beautiful memories of carefree summer days spent with friends and family. The melody underscores the simple pleasures of summer supplemented by witty one-liners such as "You'll wish that summer could always be here." This lyrical tribute to summertime resonates beyond the beachwear and barbecue menus.
Listeners connect effortlessly with this perfect summer song encompassing sentiments which evoke nostalgia every time it plays on radio waves or online streaming platforms.
Nat King Cole's hit song 'Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer' was released in 1963 from his album 'Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer'.
Even if you have two left feet, you'll still want to dance to Nat King Cole's 'Let's Face the Music and Dance'.
10. Let’s Face the Music and Dance
Nat King Cole's captivating 1942 hit, popularly known as 'Let’s Face the Music and Dance', is a soulful jazz ballad that highlights his versatility as a singer and pianist. The lyrics encompass a sense of sanguinity for all the ups and downs life brings, promoting resilience in the face of adversity. The song captivates listeners with its rich melody complemented by Cole's deep yet silky voice.
The song remains one of Cole's most cherished compositions to date, owing to its wide acclaim and popularity amongst music lovers worldwide. Its success can be attributed to its passionate delivery by Nat King Cole, who unravels emotions in each line, igniting human empathy in the listener.
It is noteworthy that the song has been widely covered over the years, from Diana Krall to Tony Bennett, owing to its timeless lyricism and soulful delivery that stand out irrefutably.
You might be surprised to know that this iconic tune was written by Irving Berlin for a Fred Astaire movie named "Follow The Fleet." The plot revolved around Astaire impressing Ginger Rogers with his dance moves while they were rehearsing with other sailors to perform at an upcoming event.
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.
