Love songs from Natalie Cole

A year ago at around this time, I came out with a piece that listed down what I thought were the most beautiful love songs of all time. Topping the batch was Celine Dion’s recording of My Heart Will Go On from the soundtrack of the biggest grossing motion picture of all time, Titanic.

A reader then sent me a request, could I also list down the most romantic albums of all time? I replied, that it would be difficult because the choices would depend not only on taste but also on memories. That means that even if you claim to adore Aerosmith, but you got your heart broken in the 70’s, then you will surely get the heartaches to the tune of Barry Manilow’s Even Now.

Still I continued to check out albums. Kenny G might be a good choice. It must be the Lettermen for those who romanced in the 60’s, Bacharach in the 70’s and maybe Josh Groban in more recent times. And then there is also the make-out factor. If this comes with the romance, and it usually does, then you might lean towards Frank Sinatra or Johnny Mathis or in later dates, Babyface or Brian McKnight.

So if you want to narrow down the list and combine the appeal of Manilow with soulful R&B, then I guess the choice should be Love Songs an excellent compilation by Natalie Cole. She might not be today’s diva in the mold of Mariah, Celine or Christina, but Natalie still has a lot of great things going for her.

For one she soars without having to strain the vocal chords. For another, her tones come across as round and full-bodied even in the lower register. Then I have been on a Natalie mode since the Holidays when I found myself listening to her Christmas CDs more than others because her singing is simply perfect. And probably because she grew up at a time when impeccable phrasing can turn a simple ballad into a masterpiece, she conveys so much meaning into every word.

Besides, Natalie will be in town next month on her Still Unforgettable Tour to drum up interest in her latest album, another collection of songs first popularized by her father, Nat King Cole. Dubbed An Unforgettable Evening with Natalie Cole, the show will be held at the Araneta Coliseum on March 11. Check out SM Ticketnet outlets for tickets or call 374-2222, 374-9999 or 911-5555. If I am not mistaken, this is her second time in Manila. Her first though was a long time ago during her Mr. Melody days.

Then of course as the title says, Natalie’s Love Songs album does contain some of the most beautiful love songs of all time, several of which also happen to be among her biggest hits.

All brought up to date by clever remastering are Unforgettable, Miss You Like Crazy, Angel on My Shoulder, When I Fall in Love, A Smile Like Yours, I Live for Your Love, Inseparable, Too Young, I Can’t Say No, Starting Over Again, More Than The Stars, I’ve Got Love on My Mind, The Very Thought of You, As Time Goes By, Our Love, Snowfall on the Sahara, Our Love is Here to Stay, This Will be an Everlasting Love and Livin’ for Love.

There are at present a lot of “Love” albums available in the stores, many of them, various artists collections. I prefer the ones by a single artist though, because the sound comes off even and sustains a definite mood.

Some that you might want to consider are those by Frank Sinatra, his In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning is great for wallowing in heartbreak; Ballads by Kenny G, a gorgeous 2-CD set; Love Songs by Chicago, those guys must have pioneered emo; Love Songs also by the Bee Gees, the great trio asks What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? and you want to give an answer.

The Retro Collection Series of Johnny Mathis because it has everything from My Love for You to Chances Are to Warm. Torch, go in search for this one because Carly Simon really gives heart-wrenching meaning to the term torch; Josh Groban because it has You’re Still You; Michael Buble because he has The Way You Look Tonight; and also Love Songs by The Beatles.