20 Golden Greats [2004]

20 Golden Greats highlights recordings made by Nat King Cole for Capitol Records in the late '50s and early '60s. Spotlighting his chart-topping run of romantic ballads, these tracks have been reissued a zillion times over the years, so there is nothing here the collector doesn't already own in spades. Still, you can't argue with the combination of lush string arrangements and Cole's warm crooning on such timeless classics as "Nature Boy," "Mona Lisa," "Unforgettable," "Ramblin' Rose," "Too Young," and "Smile." Apart from the drab packaging, 20 Golden Greats is a solid mid-line collection that is perfect for the casual listener. ~ Al Campbell