Search - Nat King Cole :: Top Pops

Outstanding ballads by the great Nat King Cole

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 03/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Top Pops is a fine, comparatively new CD release by Nat King Cole from the Collector's Choice CD label. The sound quality is excellent and I love that artwork! The assortment of numbers impresses me, too.



The track set begins with Nat King Cole performing "Somewhere Along The Way." The strings are lovely and Nat's voice sounds terrific! Nat delivers this with all his signature style and grace; he never sings a superfluous note and this romantic ballad sounds like silk when Nat sings it. "Walkin' My Baby Back Home" is a number I have heard Nat perform before; but I could never tire of listening to Nat do this fine tune. Nat sings this in grand style and the big band style arrangement adds to the beauty of this ballad.



"Funny" is another gorgeous ballad in Nat's capable hands; he delivers this well as he sings about a love gone wrong. The piano arrangement is subtle but very elegant as well. Listen also for "Teach me Tonight;" I have heard Dinah Washington perform this and when Nat sings this number it shines every bit as bright! Nat makes this song all his own with his singularly beautiful timing and diction. The brass also makes the melody very pretty for this romantic number. "The Ruby And The Pearl" is another amorous ballad that Nat sings beyond perfection!



"Papa Loves Mambo" is a tune that is so joyful I practically laugh with pleasure every time I hear it; and Nat's interpretation lacks nothing--it's THAT good. I predict that you'll enjoy "Papa Loves Mambo" very much.



"If I Give My Heart To You" is a sensitive ballad that Nat sings with all his heart and soul; he wonders if his one true love will love him in return and this all works very well. "How (How Do I Go About It?)" features Nat squarely front and center and the horns on "How (How Do I Go About It?)" sound just right. All good things must come to an end, unfortunately, and so this album ends with Nat King Cole singing his heart out on "A Fool Was I." "A Fool Was I" is a type of torch ballad that is beautiful despite its melancholy nature; and it makes a strong ending for this CD.



Naturally, Nat King Cole fans will enjoy this CD; but they may have many of these songs in their collections already. Fans of classic pop vocals will be delighted with this excellent album; and people who enjoy the oldies will not be disappointed.

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