Natalie Cole - Still Unforgettable (2008)

When I heard that Natalie Cole was recording the sequel to the multi-platinum, Grammy award winning Unforgettable With Love, I thought to myself, "Oh goodness, not again!"  I was not feeling another duet with dear old dad, Nat "King" Cole and the rejuvenating of more American classic standards. But then reality kicked in.  When Cole made a solid return to R&B and pop on her previous release, Leavin, the music industry practically ignored what should have been a huge hit.  The fact is, veteran artists are basically invisible in today's youth saturated musical arena.  Natalie Cole wisely taps into what has made her a household name and I cannot fault her for that.  So being the Natalie Cole fan that I am, I was more than willing to give Still Unforgettable a listen.  It did not take much time to realize that Natalie Cole has done it again.  Still Unforgettable is not just a sequel to a multi-platinum phenomenon, but Cole has once again managed to record another masterpiece that possibly trumps its predecessor.

Still Unforgettable is easy like sipping a fine wine in an easy chair by the fire place.  It is beautiful like a sunset on a chilly fall afternoon.  It is an escape from today's musical madness into a world of smooth jazz, big band grooves, and poignant, moving standards.  Through stellar musical arrangements and impeccable vocal phrasing Cole continues to possess the ability to make this genre of music relevant and new.  Whether it is the foot-tapping, thigh-slapping grooves of "Why Don't You Do Right?" and "Coffee Time" or the perfectly crafted torch songs "You Go to My Head" and "Here's That Rainy Day," Cole delivers 100%.  As for the duet with dad, Cole shows no regrets.  This time around Cole seems to be enjoying herself immensely on "Walking My Baby Back Home," a duet with Nat "King" Cole.

Still Unforgettable is a must have for your musical collection. Once again Cole takes you on a pleasant, enlightening journey of music that is lyrically and vocally breathtaking.  Cole looks beyond songs made famous by her father and interprets the likes of Lena Horne, Frank Sinatra, and Peggy Lee just to name a few.  With over 30 years of experience under her belt, Cole continues to astound with her vocal dexterity and makes the old fresh and new. Highly recommended

By Steven Riggs