Natalie Cole
Natalie Maria Cole was born on February 6, 1950, in Los Angeles, California, to the legendary jazz pianist and singer Nat King Cole and his wife, jazz singer Maria Cole. Growing up in a musically rich environment, she was one of five children and spent her formative years in the affluent Hancock Park neighborhood, where she was surrounded by a variety of musical influences, including prominent artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington.
Despite her musical heritage, Cole was initially hesitant to follow in her father's footsteps. However, she eventually embraced her passion for music and began her career in the early 1970s. In 1975, she gained widespread recognition when she won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, showcasing her versatility as a singer across genres such as R&B, pop, and jazz.
Throughout her career, Natalie Cole released a series of successful albums and singles, with hits like "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)," "I've Got Love on My Mind," and "Our Love." She was known for her emotive vocal style and ability to connect with audiences, which contributed to her lasting popularity.
In addition to her music career, Cole ventured into acting and appeared in several television specials and movies. She also faced various challenges, including struggles with substance abuse, but she managed to overcome these hurdles and continue her career
Natalie Cole's contributions to music and her efforts to honor her father's legacy were significant. She often incorporated his songs into her performances and released an acclaimed album titled "Unforgettable... with Love," featuring duets with her father's recorded voice.
Her remarkable career continued until her passing on December 31, 2015, leaving behind a rich legacy as a singer and a performer who carved her own path in the music industry.
I Love You So
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 4:49
A2 You're So Good
Written-By – F. Freeman, H. Nehls 3:23
A3 It's Been You
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 4:53
A4 Your Lonely Heart Written-By – N. Cole 4:45
A5 The Winner
Written-By – C. Jackson, G. Barge, M.Yancy 3:40
B1 Oh, Daddy
Written-By – C. McVie 4:03
B2 Sorry
Written-By – C. Jackson, J. Dixon, M. Yancy 4:45
B3 Stand By
Written-By – M. Yancy, N. Cole 4:19
B4 Who Will Carry On
Written-By – N. Cole 3:36
Label: Capitol Records – SO-11928
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Natalie Cole's 1979 album I Love You So is regarded by fans as a classic late-70s R&B/soul record, notable for its blend of disco and funk elements and for being certified Gold by the RIAA. While major music critic reviews are scarce in the search results, user ratings suggest a generally positive reception, with a current average of 4.1/5 on Discogs.
Overview of Critical and Fan Reception
The album is recognized for its quintessential late-70s sound, incorporating significant R&B, soul, and disco influences, produced by Chuck Jackson, Marvin Yancy, and Gene Barge. The production style is consistent with the successful formula of her earlier albums.
The title track itself is highlighted as a great disco song, and another standout track frequently mentioned is "Your Lonely Heart," which Natalie Cole penned herself. The album's only major single was "Stand By," which reached number 9 on the U.S. R&B chart. The album also features "Oh, Daddy," a song written by Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac.
I Love You So performed well commercially, peaking at number 52 on the Billboard 200 and number 11 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart. It was RIAA-certified Gold, though it didn't reach the Platinum status of some of her earlier works like Thankful.
The album is considered a must-have for fans of Cole's 70s output and great 70s music in general. It is sometimes packaged in compilation reissues alongside albums such as Thankful and Don't Look Back, where its production quality in remastered form is often praised.
In summary, I Love You So is a strong and enjoyable entry in Natalie Cole's discography, showcasing her powerful vocals within the popular R&B/disco sound of the era, even if it is less critically discussed in major publications than her Unforgettable... With Love album from the 90s. Fans appreciate the album's classic feel and several strong tracks.
Inseparable
Composed By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy
2:45
A2 Joey
Composed By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy
2:57
A3 Inseparable
Composed By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy
2:26
A4 I Can't Say No
Composed By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy
3:30
A5 This Will Be
Composed By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy
2:50
B1 Something For Nothing
Composed By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy
2:57
B2 I Love Him So Much
Composed By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy
3:24
B3 How Come You Won't Stay Here
Composed By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy
3:03
B4 Your Face Stays In My Mind
Composed By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy
2:45
B5 You
Composed By – Jackson, Butler, Yancy
3:30
Label: Capitol Records – ST-11429
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Natalie Cole's debut album Inseparable (1975) was a critically acclaimed, commercially successful R&B smash that launched her career, proving her own talent separate from her famous father, Nat King Cole, with hits like "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" and the title track, earning her Grammys for Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for its polished, soulful blend of funk, pop, and gospel. Reviews highlight its vibrant energy, strong vocal command, and versatile mix of uptempo soul and ballads, establishing Cole as a major force in 70s R&B despite some critics finding it slightly formulaic at times.
The album was an impressive start, showcasing Cole's undeniable voice and command, surprising many who expected her to follow her father's jazz path. Produced by Charles "Chuck" Jackson and Marvin Yancy, it blended upbeat soul, funk, gospel influences, and smooth ballads, establishing a distinct R&B identity.
Hit Singles: "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" became a signature song, bursting with joyful energy, while the ballad "Inseparable" also topped charts and showed her emotional depth.
The album received positive reviews and multiple Grammy wins (Best New Artist, Best Female R&B), cementing her status and leading to comparisons with Aretha Franklin. It's seen as a timeless classic that launched a phenomenal career, showcasing her versatility and power, and remains essential listening for 70s R&B fans.
Overall, Inseparable is celebrated as a powerful debut that perfectly captured the sound of mid-70s soul, featuring unforgettable hits and establishing Natalie Cole as a superstar in her own right, full of the vocal fire and personality that would define her career.