Natalie Cole Unforgettable With Love 1991 Elektrarar

The Timeless Elegance of Natalie Cole’s Unforgettable… With Love (1991)

Released on June 11, 1991, Natalie Cole’s twelfth studio album, Unforgettable… With Love, stands as a monumental milestone in music history. It wasn't just a collection of standards; it was a deeply personal homecoming that bridged the gap between generations, cementing Natalie’s legacy while paying a heartfelt tribute to her father, the legendary Nat King Cole. A Debut on Elektra and a Departure in Style

Marking her debut for Elektra Records after her release from EMI, the album signaled a dramatic shift from Natalie’s previous R&B and pop hits like "This Will Be An Everlasting Love". Embracing the Great American Songbook, she collaborated with an elite production team including David Foster, Tommy LiPuma, and Andre Fischer to recreate the lush, orchestral sound associated with her father's era. The Magic of the "Virtual Duet"

The centerpiece of the album is the title track, "Unforgettable." In a feat of groundbreaking technology for the early '90s, engineers digitally blended Natalie’s voice with her father’s original 1951 vocal track to create a "virtual duet".

Technical Marvel: The track reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the Adult Contemporary chart.

Sentimental Impact: Natalie described the process as a "magical reunion" with her father, who passed away in 1965 when she was only 15. The "Unforgettable" Natalie Cole Arrangements

Why the "Elektrarar" Matters to Collectors Today

In 2025, Unforgettable... With Love remains a staple of thrift stores and bargain bins—standard copies are a dime a dozen. But the hunt for the 1991 Elektrarar represents a deeper truth about physical media: context matters.

  • Mastering Quality: Many believe the "Elektrarar" pressings were cut from the original analog tapes before heavy digital compression was applied for mass-market CDs. Audiophiles claim the vinyl version, specifically the promo copies, offers a warmer, more dynamic soundstage.
  • Provenance: Owning a promo or error copy ties the collector directly to the album’s release week—a specific moment in 1991 when Natalie Cole went from "comeback queen" to "legend."
  • Investment: While standard LPs sell for $10-20, verified "Elektrarar" white label promos have sold on eBay for upwards of $300. The misprinted CD has fetched $150 in sealed condition.

3. The CD "Manufacturing Error" Variant

Perhaps the most bizarre "Elektrarar" is a specific CD pressing from a plant in Terre Haute, Indiana. A handful of collectors have reported a misprint where the spine of the back cover reads "ELEKTRARAR 60999-2" instead of "ELEKTRA 60999-2."

This is likely a simple typesetting error from 1991 that was caught and corrected within a single day. Only a few hundred copies escaped into the wild, primarily in the Midwest. For "error sleuth" collectors, this is the Holy Grail of Unforgettable... With Love variants. The CD plays perfectly, but the misspelling makes it a conversation piece.

The Genesis of a Masterpiece

In 1990, Natalie Cole was at a crossroads. Despite early success as an R&B star ("This Will Be," "I've Got Love on My Mind"), the late 1980s had been less kind. Drug addiction and label disputes had stalled her momentum. Her then-manager, and future husband, Andre Fischer, proposed a radical idea: a tribute album to her father, who died of lung cancer in 1965 when Natalie was just 15.

The concept was risky. A pop/R&B singer tackling the Great American Songbook, backed by the London Symphony Orchestra? The label, Elektra Records, was hesitant. But Cole was determined. The result was a 22-track double LP (and later, a single CD) featuring classics like "The Very Thought of You," "Mona Lisa," "L-O-V-E," and the titular "Unforgettable."

Side C: Deep Cuts

9. Ave Maria

  • Genre: Classical/Operatic.
  • Significance: This shocked critics. It proved Natalie had classical vocal training. It is a solemn, religious high point of the album.

10. Too Young

  • Vibe: Gentle ballad.
  • Listen for: The acoustic guitar work in the background.

11. Nature Boy

  • Vibe: Mysterious, exotic.
  • Listen for: The flute arrangements. It captures the eccentric nature of the original 1948 hit.

12. Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup

  • Vibe: A French-influenced waltz.
  • Highlight: Soft, whispery vocals.

13. A Blossom Fell

  • Vibe: Tragic ballad.
  • Technique: This track is mastered very quietly. You have to turn your volume up to hear the nuance, which is a hallmark of high-dynamic range mastering (rare in modern music).

14. Our Love Is Here To Stay

  • Vibe: A Gershwin

Released on June 11, 1991, Unforgettable... with Love was a career-defining, 7× Platinum album by Natalie Cole

that paid tribute to her father, Nat King Cole, and featured a famous "virtual duet" on the title track. The 22-track Elektra Records release swept the 1992 Grammy Awards and is credited with renewing mainstream interest in American songbook standards.

Released on June 11, 1991, by Elektra Records, Unforgettable... with Love is the twelfth studio album by American singer Natalie Cole. The album is a tribute to her father, Nat King Cole, and features her covering 22 of his classic jazz standards. Key Highlights

Virtual Duet: The album's centerpiece is the title track, "Unforgettable," which features a "virtual duet" between Natalie and her father by electronically mixing his original 1951 recording with her new vocals.

Chart Success: It spent five weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 during the summer of 1991 and has sold over seven million copies in the U.S. alone.

Awards: The album and its title track won a total of seven Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.

Personnel: Production and arrangements were handled by industry legends including David Foster, Andre Fischer, and Ray Brown. Track Listing

The original 1991 release includes the following tracks (standard 22-track version): Side 1 1. The Very Thought of You 1. Straighten Up and Fly Right 1. Almost Like Being in Love 2. Paper Moon 2. Lush Life 2. Thou Swell 3. Route 66 3. That Sunday That Summer 3. Don't Get Around Much Anymore 3. Non Dimenticar 4. Mona Lisa 4. Orange Colored Sky 4. Too Young 4. Our Love Is Here to Stay 5. L-O-V-E

5. Medley: For Sentimental Reasons / Tenderly / Autumn Leaves 5. Nature Boy 5. Unforgettable 6. This Can't Be Love 6. Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup

Note: Some CD and digital reissues include bonus tracks like "At Last" and "Cottage for Sale". The "Unforgettable" Natalie Cole Arrangements

Natalie Cole 's Unforgettable... with Love, released on June 11, 1991, by Elektra Records , stands as a landmark in music history as both a technical marvel and a deeply personal tribute. The album, her twelfth studio release, famously features Natalie covering jazz standards made popular by her late father, Nat King Cole. Production & Technical Innovation natalie cole unforgettable with love 1991 elektrarar

The album's centerpriece, the "Unforgettable" duet, was a groundbreaking technical achievement for the early '90s.

The Timeless Legacy of Natalie Cole's "Unforgettable" - A Love Song for the Ages

In the realm of music, there exist certain songs that transcend generations, cultures, and time. They become an integral part of our collective consciousness, evoking emotions and memories that linger long after the music fades. One such song is Natalie Cole's iconic duet with her legendary father, Nat King Cole, "Unforgettable." Released in 1991 on the Elektra Records label, this timeless classic has become synonymous with love, nostalgia, and the power of music to bridge generations.

The Story Behind the Song

"Unforgettable" was originally recorded by Nat King Cole in 1951, with lyrics by Robert Francis. The song's beautiful melody and poignant lyrics captured the hearts of listeners worldwide, making it a staple of American music. The song's enduring appeal lies in its universal theme of love and remembrance, which continues to resonate with audiences today.

In the late 1980s, Natalie Cole, Nat King Cole's daughter, was inspired to re-record "Unforgettable" with her father. The idea was born out of a desire to create a fresh and contemporary version of the classic song, while still honoring its original essence. Natalie Cole recalled, "I wanted to do something that would introduce my father's music to a new generation, while also showcasing my own style and interpretation."

The Collaboration of a Lifetime

The 1991 duet, released on Elektra Records, brought together two generations of Cole family talent. Natalie Cole's soulful voice blended seamlessly with her father's smooth, velvety tones, creating a mesmerizing harmony that redefined the song for a new era. The recording process was a labor of love, with both artists pouring their hearts into the project.

The result was a breathtaking rendition of "Unforgettable," which not only honored the original but also injected it with a new sense of vitality and emotion. The song's sweeping orchestral arrangement, produced by the legendary David Foster, added depth and grandeur to the performance.

A Love Song for the Ages

"Unforgettable" is more than just a love song; it's a poignant exploration of the human experience. The lyrics convey the bittersweet longing that often accompanies lost love, as well as the enduring power of memories to sustain us. Natalie Cole's emotive vocals bring a sense of vulnerability and intimacy to the song, while her father's contributions add a layer of warmth and gravitas.

The song's timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and shared experience. For many listeners, "Unforgettable" is a personal and emotional touchstone, evoking memories of loved ones, special moments, and bygone eras. The song has become a staple of weddings, anniversaries, and romantic milestones, cementing its status as a classic love song.

Legacy and Impact

The impact of Natalie Cole's "Unforgettable" with love 1991 Elektra Records release cannot be overstated. The song spent 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and won multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

The song's success helped to introduce Nat King Cole's music to a new generation, while also establishing Natalie Cole as a talented artist in her own right. The duet has been certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA and has been named one of the greatest love songs of all time by various publications.

Conclusion

Natalie Cole's "Unforgettable" with love 1991 Elektra Records is more than just a song - it's a cultural touchstone, a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The duet's enduring appeal lies in its universal theme of love, its sweeping orchestral arrangement, and the unforgettable vocals of two generations of Cole family talent. As a love song for the ages, "Unforgettable" remains an essential part of our shared musical heritage, a reminder of the power of music to bridge generations and touch our hearts.

Additional Information

  • Album: Unforgettable (1991)
  • Label: Elektra Records
  • Producers: David Foster
  • Writers: Robert Francis
  • Original Recording: Nat King Cole (1951)
  • Duet Partners: Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole

Recommended Listening

  • Natalie Cole - "Unforgettable" (1991)
  • Nat King Cole - "Unforgettable" (1951)
  • Natalie Cole - "Love and You" (1991)
  • Nat King Cole - "The Very Best of Nat King Cole" (2000)

Sources

  • Natalie Cole's official website
  • Nat King Cole's official website
  • Grammy Awards website
  • Billboard charts
  • Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certification

Natalie Cole achieved what many in the music industry thought was impossible: she successfully transitioned from a contemporary R&B star to a jazz chanteuse by embracing the shadow of her legendary father, Nat King Cole . Her twelfth studio album, Unforgettable… With Love , released under Elektra Records

, became a cultural phenomenon that defined a new era of "virtual duets" and revived interest in the Great American Songbook. A Bold Departure

Before 1991, Natalie Cole had largely avoided her father's repertoire to establish her own identity in soul and pop. However, her debut for

saw her dive headfirst into his catalog. At a time when grunge and hip-hop were beginning to dominate the airwaves, a 22-track collection of mid-century jazz standards was a massive gamble that her own label initially feared would not sell. The Technological Marvel: "Unforgettable"

Album Review: Natalie Cole, “Unforgettable…With Love” (1991)

Natalie Cole 's 1991 album Unforgettable... with Love is more than just a tribute—it was a career-defining masterpiece that bridged two generations through the power of music. Released under Elektra Records, it marked a sharp departure from her established R&B sound, successfully reinventing her as a sophisticated interpreter of the Great American Songbook. A Masterful Tribute

The album features 22 tracks originally made famous by her father, the legendary Nat King Cole. Natalie avoids simple imitation, instead delivering the material with a smooth, effortless control that highlights her vocal versatility. Backed by lush, orchestral arrangements and exceptional production from David Foster and Tommy LiPuma, the record feels both timeless and impeccably polished. The Technical "Miracle" Why the "Elektrarar" Matters to Collectors Today In

The emotional and commercial centerpiece is the title track, "Unforgettable," a virtual duet between Natalie and her late father. In 1991, the technology used to blend Natalie’s live vocals with her father’s 1951 studio recording was revolutionary, creating a seamless, poignant performance that felt like a "miracle" captured on tape. Standout Tracks Album Review: Natalie Cole — Unforgettable…With Love

2. The Limited Japanese "Rarities" Pressing

Japan’s Warner-Pioneer (distributors for Elektra) famously produced limited-quantity "promo" and "high-fidelity" pressings for the Japanese audiophile market. In 1991, a very small run of the album was pressed on heavier 180g virgin vinyl with an obi strip. On certain databases, these are coded as "Elektra-Rar" (Rare Import). Over time, "Rar" and "Rarities" merged into the portmanteau "Elektrarar."

If you own a copy with Japanese liner notes and a catalog number like WPCP-4020 (CD) or JWL-110 (vinyl), check the matrix runout. It might contain "ELEKRAR" stamped in the dead wax, indicating a test pressing for the Japanese market.

The Legacy

Unforgettable… with Love did more than just revive Natalie Cole’s career; it paved the way for the "Great American Songbook" revival that would follow. It set a precedent that classic jazz standards could be commercially viable for contemporary artists—a path later walked by Rod Stewart, Michael Bublé, and Lady Gaga.

For fans of the "Elektra" era of Cole, the album stands as a testament to her artistry. It proved that she was not just "Nat King Cole's daughter," but a formidable interpreter of song in her own right. The album remains a masterclass in production, vocal performance, and the enduring power of family legacy.

Verdict: Unforgettable… with Love is a rare instance where marketing concept, technological innovation, and emotional sincerity aligned perfectly. It is, true to its name, unforgettable.

Unforgettable... With Love: Natalie Cole’s Masterpiece Released on June 11, 1991, Unforgettable... With Love stands as the definitive tribute to the legendary Nat King Cole by his daughter, Natalie Cole. This 12th studio album marked her debut with Elektra Records after her release from EMI, fundamentally shifting her career from R&B and pop toward the standards of the Great American Songbook. A Revolutionary Duet

The album's centerpiece is the titular track, "Unforgettable," a "virtual duet" that electronically blended Natalie’s contemporary vocals with her father’s original 1951 recording. Produced by David Foster, this innovative track created a bridge across generations, becoming a massive commercial hit and reaching #14 on the Billboard Hot 100. Critical and Commercial Success

The album was a juggernaut during the 1991–1992 awards season:

Grammy Sweep: It won seven Grammy Awards in 1992, including the "Big Three": Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.

Chart Dominance: It spent five weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200.

Sales: Certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA, selling over seven million copies in the U.S. alone. Track Highlights

The album features 22 tracks (plus bonus tracks on certain reissues) of standards immortalized by Nat King Cole: The "Unforgettable" Natalie Cole Arrangements

Natalie Cole's Unforgettable... with Love, released on June 11, 1991, by Elektra Records, remains her most successful and culturally significant album. A departure from her previous R&B/pop style, this project served as a deep homage to the jazz standards made famous by her father, Nat King Cole. Key Highlights and Impact The "Unforgettable" Natalie Cole Arrangements

Released on June 11, 1991 Unforgettable... with Love Natalie Cole

is a landmark tribute album that redefined her career and the concept of posthumous musical collaborations . Produced under the Elektra Records

label, the album features 22 tracks—24 in the 30th Anniversary reissue—where Cole performs the standards made famous by her father, the legendary Nat King Cole. A Career-Defining Comeback

Before this release, Natalie Cole had carved a path in R&B and pop with hits like "This Will Be" and a cover of "Pink Cadillac". Unforgettable... with Love

marked a radical shift toward traditional pop and jazz, a move some critics initially viewed as a commercial risk. Instead, it became her most successful work, selling over 7 million copies in the U.S. alone and reaching number one on the Billboard 200. The "Virtual Duet" Innovation

The album’s centerpiece is the title track, "Unforgettable," a "virtual duet" between Natalie and her father. Technological Feat:

Using what was then revolutionary multitrack technology, engineers isolated Nat King Cole’s 1951 vocal track and layered Natalie’s voice over it, creating the illusion of them singing together. Emotional Impact:

Producer David Foster recalled that when Natalie and her mother first heard the finished track, they were moved to tears, feeling as though Nat was "right over her shoulders".

You're referring to the album details for Natalie Cole’s Unforgettable... with Love (1991).

Here’s a breakdown of your note:

  • Artist: Natalie Cole
  • Album: Unforgettable... with Love
  • Year: 1991
  • Label: Elektra Records (often stylized as Elektra; "Elektrarar" appears to be a typo or shorthand for Elektra + "rar" maybe referencing a rare edition or pressing).

Key context:
This album featured her famous duet with her late father, Nat King Cole, on the title track “Unforgettable,” using technology to blend her live vocals with his 1961 recording.
It won Album of the Year at the 1992 Grammys, plus several other Grammys.

If “Elektrarar” was meant to point to a specific rare Elektra pressing, no widely known “rar” edition exists — it may be a catalog code or personal shorthand. The standard catalog numbers for the original CD/vinyl are:

  • CD: 9 61049-2
  • LP: 9 61049-1

Would you like a full tracklist, Grammy details, or info on pressing variations? Natalie stood at the podium

In the winter of 1991, the music world was still recovering from a seismic shift. Grunge was crawling out of Seattle, hip-hop was claiming its throne, and the glossy pop of the '80s was crumbling like old paint. It was an odd time for a 41-year-old singer to release an album of her dead father’s old standards.

But Natalie Cole had a ghost to chase.

The project was titled Unforgettable… with Love. Elektra Records, her label, had initially balked. "Standards?" the executives asked. "Nat, you’re a funk-soul diva. You gave us 'This Will Be.' You don’t do Cole Porter."

Natalie just smiled. She knew the ghost.

The studio was a dimly lit room in Los Angeles. A 24-track analog board hummed with warmth. Natalie stood behind a vintage Neumann microphone, wearing a simple black dress and her father’s old signet ring on a chain around her neck. The producer, Tommy LiPuma, nodded from the booth.

"Let's try 'Unforgettable' again," he said softly. "But this time, don't sing at him. Sing with him."

They rolled tape. The orchestra—arranged with lush, romantic strings by Nelson Riddle’s old protégé—began the familiar, slow climb of chords. Then came Nat King Cole’s voice, isolated from a 1961 master tape, warm as bourbon, floating through Natalie’s headphones: “Unforgettable… that’s what you are…”

Natalie closed her eyes. She was five years old again, sitting on the living room floor of the Hancock Park house, watching her father practice at the piano. She remembered the way his hands hovered over the keys like they were blessing them. She remembered the Camel cigarettes and the quiet cough he tried to hide. She remembered December 15, 1965—the day the man with the velvet voice went silent.

She opened her mouth.

“Unforgettable… though near or far…”

Her voice entered the left channel. His voice lived in the right. The engineer, Al Schmitt, had worked magic—aligning the tempos, matching the keys, making a dead man breathe again. But the real magic was Natalie’s restraint. She didn’t imitate. She didn't compete. She leaned into the space between their voices like a daughter leaning in for a hug.

Halfway through the song, she hit the line: “Never before… has someone been more…”

Her voice cracked—just a hair, just a human moment of grief. She didn’t stop. She let the tear fall onto the mixing console. In the booth, LiPuma took off his headphones and wiped his own eyes.

When the final note faded—“in every way… and forever more…”—silence filled the room. Not the silence of a mistake. The silence of something finished.

Natalie opened her eyes and whispered to no one: “Did I get it right, Daddy?”

The engineer played back the take. And for three minutes and twenty-nine seconds, Nat King Cole was alive again, duetting with his daughter across the divide of death.

The album was released on June 11, 1991. It debuted at number 65 on the Billboard 200. Critics were kind but cautious. Then something strange happened. Word of mouth spread. Grandparents bought it. Their children borrowed it. College students who had never heard of "Straighten Up and Fly Right" found themselves humming it.

By Christmas, Unforgettable… with Love was number one. It sold over seven million copies in the U.S. alone. It won seven Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for that impossible duet.

At the Grammy ceremony, Natalie stood at the podium, holding the gold gramophone. She looked up at the ceiling—or beyond it.

“This is for you, Daddy,” she said. “For teaching me that a song isn’t just notes. It’s a place where people who love each other never have to say goodbye.”

And somewhere—in the grooves of a vinyl record, in the static of an old radio, in the quiet of a living room where a daughter sang with her father’s ghost—the music played on.

Unforgettable… that’s what you are.

Natalie Cole's Unforgettable... with Love , released on June 11, 1991, under Elektra Records

, is a tribute album where she covers jazz and pop standards previously performed by her father, Nat King Cole. Key Album Details Significance:

It served as Natalie's 12th studio album and her debut for Elektra after leaving EMI. Commercial Success: The album spent five weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over seven million copies in the U.S.. Award Recognition: It won seven Grammy Awards

in 1992, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. Production:

Features arrangements by David Foster, Andre Fischer, and Ray Brown, among others. Track List The standard version of the album contains 22 tracks: The Very Thought of You (It's Only A) Paper Moon This Can't Be Love That Sunday That Summer Orange Colored Sky Medley: For Sentimental Reasons / Tenderly / Autumn Leaves Straighten Up and Fly Right Don't Get Around Much Anymore Nature Boy Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup Almost Like Being in Love Thou Swell Non Dimenticar Our Love Is Here to Stay Unforgettable (Duet with Nat King Cole) — Uses electronic mixing to pair their vocals Audiophile Audition Recent Reissues A 30th-anniversary reissue was released by Craft Recordings in 2022, featuring remastered audio and bonus tracks like " Cottage for Sale Audiophile Audition vinyl availability background stories on a particular track from this album?