Collection
In the aftermath of her multiplatinum success with 1991's groundbreakingUnforgettable, it's easy to forget that Natalie Cole played a pivotal role as a consistent pop and R&B; hitmaker from 1975 to 1981. Her first work for Capitol Records reflected the influence ofAretha Franklinmore so than Natalie's famous father (Nat "King" Cole), who ironically made his own first recordings for the L.A.-based label. Produced by the team of Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy, former members of early-'70s R&B; group the Independents, Cole exploded onto the music scene with immediate hits like "This Will Be," "Sophisticated Lady," and "Inseperable" (the title track for the first of six successive bestselling albums for Capitol). This particular compilation wisely includes not only Cole's biggest recordings of the '70s, such as "Our Love," "I've Got Love on My Mind," and "Mr. Melody," but also features classic album cuts like "I'm Catching Hell" and "I Can't Say No," both firm favorites of longtime Cole fans.--David Nathan