These past several years, there really hasn't been all that much when it comes to good greatest hits records. Although many have been fairly adjusted, there are others that just should've brought in more for die hard fans. That has been the case with performers like U2 with last year's U218 Singles, and R&B singers like Luther Vandross and Patti LaBelle, who have had greatest hits records that simply could've been a lot more definitive to fans all over. That has also been said with Natalie Cole as well. Although she hasn't had a major hit in yeras on the Billboard charts within the past several years, she continues to stretch herself as a soulful R&B singer. Now, another hits album his shown itself to die hard Natalie fans, but does it delievr in love?

Love Songs, Natalie Cole's collection of her enchanted ballads, which was released overseas six years ago, has finally made its way onto the U.S. markets. The collection consists of 19 tracks from her career, reflecting her at her ballad best. The songs have all been remastered well, but the feeling from this record doesn't actually feel as different as her other hits records, including 2000's Greatest Hits Volume 1. The collection still includes a lot of great tracks including I Live For Your Love, Miss You Like Crazy, the soulful and romantic Unforgettable with her father Nat King Cole, and her R&B breakout This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) which has been used as the spokesong in ads for commercials. The album does try to stand out though, by including tracks that haven't been highlighted in other hits packages like As Time Goes By from the overlooked Take A Look, and When I Fall In Love, another collaboration with Nat.

All in all, Natalie Cole's Love Songs still isn't a bad hits record for die hard fans, as well as a simple glimpse of soul from one of the most soulful singers in R&B. While we often seem to be more interested in acts these days that are more about image like Fantasia and Beyonce', it is simply nice to get away from those acts and try something different, which Natlie tries to deliver. Although newcomers might not be interested in this, as they might be with the 2000 hits package, I still recommend her music a whole lot, because it still is Unforgettable.



Album Cover: B

Songs: B-

Price: C+

Remastering: C+

Overall: B-

There are mostly beautiful tracks on this album, which contains a generous number of songs--about 20. Two are duets with her father, touching in their digital arrangement, and amazing that they were done decades apart. One is a repeat of "Unforgettable," while the new one is "When I Fall in Love"--outstanding. This is a love album and should be soothing. However, about five tracks are shrill, reducing the overall experience. It's worth it though, to experience the rest of the album. Just press "skip" on your CD player.

Love Songs shows just how well Natalie Cole can sing out a love song alongside the best of them! Natalie makes it all seem easy but of course we know it really isn't that way; her talent always carries her through. The quality of the sound on this CD is excellent and the artwork reflects good judgment.

The CD starts with the incredible mixed duet between Natalie and her late father, Nat "King" Cole; "Unforgettable" is very sweet and poignant; Natalie's love for her father makes her performance very special. "Miss You Like Crazy" was a big hit for Natalie when it was first released; and it still sounds every bit as good today! The music that accompanies Natalie when she sings this fits in perfectly; and that's grand. "Miss You Like Crazy" is a stunning love ballad. "Angel on My Shoulder" has great percussion and this number lacks nothing--this music is all THAT good.

"When I Fall in Love" gives us another mixed duet between father and daughter; Natalie has it mixed so well that it truly seems as if she and her father were standing right there together singing this in perfect harmony. Excellent! Their voices sound so good together on this romantic duet. In addition, there's another gem in "I Live for Your Love." "I Live for Your Love" is quite strong in its own way; and Natalie handles those complex tempo changes like the pro she is and always will be! Natalie didn't really need the backup vocalists; but they do sound good any way you slice it. "Inseparable" is very sweet and easy on the ear; I love every minute of this tune.

"Too Young" gets such a fine treatment that her father and Johnny Mathis would certainly be proud; and listen for Natalie to outdo even herself on the magnificent "I Can't Say No." "I Can't Say No" stuns me with its beauty; the keyboard work is just perfect and this all holds its own very well. "I've Got Love on My Mind" is also well done; this dynamic love song manages to stay smooth at the same time and I'm truly amazed at just how well Natalie pulls this off without a hitch.

"As Time Goes By" sounds fresh and new when Natalie sings it with panache; the piano arrangement is very elegant and it's a major highlight of this CD. "Our Love" is also very pretty; I really like that keyboard work. Listen also for another masterpiece when Natalie performs "Our Love Is Here to Stay." "Our Love Is Here to Stay" has Natalie never sounding better and she gives this ballad a very sensitive treatment. We then have a sharp turn into a very upbeat, relentlessly happy number, "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love);" I could never tire of hearing Natalie sing "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)." It's just so perfect. The CD ends well with "Livin' for Love;" and this'll make you want more!

And more is precisely what you can get with the numerous other CDs by Natalie Cole out there. This is a must-have for her fans and people who enjoy classic love songs. This album also makes the perfect starter CD for newcomers to the captivating artistry of Natalie Cole.

This is the CD I was looking for...All of them have what I was looking for. My IPOD and I are happy to have them.

Wonderful songs and you can't go wrong with Natalie Cole. I am very pleased with this CD. If you are a Natalie fan, I would highly recommend this one.