The Ultimate Collection

Nat King Cole is always great, as the CD contains some of his wonderful Classics.

22 tracks (including the bonus track) performed by one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. Despite the early hiccups in his career, mostly his unacceptability because of his colour, he is now ranked alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bing Crosby. The warm rich tones make him a perfect balladeer, although his initial success came as a Jazz performer, with the Nat King Cole Trio.The memorable `When I Fall In Love`, `Unforgettable` and `Mona Lisa` are all included. The arrangements and his song styling make his recordings as relevant today as they were 60 years ago. Indeed occasionally, his music often pops up as background music to TV adverts. This is a collection to be appreciated and enjoyed, although calling it `Ultimate` is unfortunate, for example where is `Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer`?

I was so relieved when this CD arrived. It had taken almost two weeks and I was getting a little concerned; it was still well within the delivery date but I think shopping on Amazon tends to spoil us all as items can arrive as early as the following day.Having said that, this CD was well worth waiting for. The 21 tracks are pure gold and the sound reproduction is amazing considering that some of the recordings go back as far as 1946.The first track kicks in with 'Let There Be Love', which gives only a taste of the delights yet to come. Next is 'When I Fall In Love' and here is Nat King Cole at his very best with a voice smooth like velvet. Following this is another classic, 'Mona Lisa'. It's brilliant just how easily this singer could move from jazz through to romance without any problem whatsoever.Listening to the tracks it's understandable why his songs have been used in so many films and commercials. And the next track; number 4, is no exception. There are many people who will recognise this music while picturing a beautiful woman reclining with a certain bar of chocolate; 'Unforgettable', and that's the only word for this piece of music. Recorded in 1951 it's as timeless as ever.The list continues with 'Smile', and 'On The Street Where You Live'. That rich voice that you feel almost melting around you as the problems of the day disappear. 'Pretend' and 'Nature Boy' are followed by track 10; 'Love Letters' which has been recorded by numerous artists over the years but none as good as this.Track 11 is the old London classic; 'A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square', but any nightingale would be easily outshone by the beautiful tones of Nat King Cole.The delights continue with 'Answer Me', The Party's over' and 'You'll Never Know'. The next track will be instantly recognisable to anyone who has watched the Tom Hanks film, 'Sleepless In Seattle'. It's the moment when mister Hanks has put his son to bed and lies down on the settee with a cold beer. Suddenly the ghost/memory of his dead wife walks into the room and casually sits down beside him where he holds a conversation with her telling her just how much he misses her. Then she's gone and he's alone once more. And all this to the breathtaking melody of 'Stardust'. No one could possibly sing this like Nat.Track 16 is 'It's All In The Game', followed by a song that I haven't heard in years; 'Autumn Leaves'. This deserves far more recognition than it ever got.'The More I see You', definitely reflects this CD with it's second line; 'The more I want you', recorded in 1958 it shows the versatility that Nat King Cole had with that soft baritone voice of his. Listening to his music it is easy to understand just why he was one of the first black Americans to host his own television show.The final tracks on this CD are; 'You Made Me Love You', 'Because You're Mine' and 'Let's Face The Music And Dance', an Irving Berlin song written in 1936 for the film 'Follow The Fleet', which was notable for the dance routine by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Nat recorded this in 1962.Finally the bonus track is; 'The Christmas Song', and I hope that like me you'll definitely be feeling a rich and warm glow after listening to this, The Nat King Cole; Ultimate Collection.

This is probably the best one disc compilation from the finest vocalist of his generation, Nat King Cole. With a voice as smooth as silk and as sweet as honey, he put out track after track of some of the greatest romancing music ever committed to vinyl. This collection concentrates on his big easy listening hits from the fifties and sixties, and ignores his more jazz based band work from earlier decades. It is 22 tracks of some of the most expressive and romance laden tracks you are ever likely to hear. It's all classic stuff.This compilation has a nicely mastered sound that sounds clean and bright on my stereo, much better than some other budget release compilations that I have owned. An excellent set, five stars.

A perfect collection of Nat King Cole's finest recordings, well mastered. The booklet is low on information but well illustrated. What else can I say? If you don't think Nat King Cole had one of the finest voices of the last century, you wouldn't be reading this! Exquisite, ideal for romantic and/or late night listening.

I saw this CD and reminded me when parents and older sisters would listen to his music. I thought I would order this as it contains a good variety of his songs. It is lovely and relaxing to listen and in the car.