Search - Nat King Cole :: Love Is the Thing/Where Did Everyone Go?

Quintessential Cole

The Quiet Reviewer | San Diego, CA | 08/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nat King Cole is probably best remembered for his ballad singing--and if you want to know why, listen to this CD. Accompanied by the lush string arrangements of Gordon Jenkins, the tracks on this set find Cole at his most heart-warming and heart-breaking.



The first twelve tracks come from Cole's first album in stereo, "Love is The Thing." Here we have ballads about the melancholy side of love, although any sadness is undercut by the optimistic tone in Cole's voice, and--strangely enough--by Jenkins' orchestrations, which are a touch lighter and a tad more rhythmic than his usual. (The product description says this is an album about falling in love; but the protagonists of these songs spend an awful lot of time alone.) All in all, the album is gorgeously conceived and Cole's voice has never sounded better; it is classic Nat King Cole.



The second half of the CD, "Where Did Everyone Go?" takes us into Sinatra-style saloon song territory. It may be Cole's best album, and "I Keep Going Back to Joe's" is one of the best records he ever cut. This album proves Cole was more than just a pretty voice; anybody who has ever endured the end of romantic love will recognize the emotional pain in these performances. The orchestral arrangements are appropriately morbid and depressing, something Jenkins excelled at.



Get this album now: it has some of the best singing Nat King Cole ever did, and we can be thankful Collector's Choice is bringing back these excellent albums."

The Greatest Songs You NEVER Heard!

G. W. Turner | Eugene, Oregon | 06/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a phenomenal compact disc!



I'm a long time Nat "King" Cole listener and my appreciation for the Nat's talent has been affirmed and even enhanced, if it were possible.



Two terrific collections on one compact disc! You will be pleased with this purchase and I'm sure it will be a treasured part of your music library.



"Love Is the Thing" is essentially a lyrically themed collection to share the joy of a relationship budding then blooming in song.



"Where Did Everyone Go?" is so good, it almost over-shadows the incredibly good "Love Is The Thing".



Don't get me wrong, I bought this compact disc for, "Love Is The Thing" and was absolutely blown away by "Where Did Everyone Go?"!



"Where Did Everyone Go?" is an album about reflection, saddness and dealing in the present with the memories of the past.



The two, together, make a powerful one-two punch about love and loss. This compact disc is a bargin that is a must have, even if you are only thinking of owning this wonderful CD.



This CD represents two of the three albums arranged by the fabulous Gordon Jenkins, the other is "The Very Thought of You", The Very Thought of You. Including "The Very Thought of You" (another album about how wonderful love is) would be a terrific way to have all three, Nat "King" Cole, Gordon Jenkins inspired, albums.



Indulge my enthusiasm for Nat, just a little more, by allowing me to refer you to at least one other neglected album Top Pops. You get "Top Pops" (an album name that doesn't do justice to it's content) and be completely surprised by the marvelous audio magic of Nat "King" Cole's song selection and ability to move you.



"Top Pops" and "The Very Thought of You" combined with the double album, "Love Is the Thing" and "Where Did Everyone Go?" would, I believe, make a small (certainly not complete) but enjoyable collection of the crooning talents of the incredible Nat "King" Cole. Enjoy hours of truly great music by a truly great and timeless singer."