Take a Look
Natalie Cole's "Take a Look" is neither a sharp departure nor a close copy of her eight-million-selling 1991 albumUnforgettable. She once again sings her daddy's songs, but this time she only does three of them, all obscure non-hits known only to the most fanatic Nat "King" Cole fans. The other 15 songs pay tribute to a wider circle of influences--Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson, Julie London and Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. The most welcome change is the new confidence the younger Cole now brings to the standard repertoire. Her voice has always had the satiny ease that makes listeners feel comfortable, but on this new album Cole reclaims some of the spunk and playfulness of her R&B; hits. --Geoffrey Himes