Now, let’s address the keyword: "Natalie Cole Unforgettable With Love 1991 Elektrarar."
If you search for this exact phrase, you will find a fascinating subset of record collector forums (Discogs, Steve Hoffman Music Forums, and eBay listings) where users discuss a specific, rare pressing. The term "Elektrarar" appears to be a hybrid typo or a promotional abbreviation combining Elektra (the record label) with RAR (an abbreviation for "Rare" or possibly a reference to a specific pressing plant code, like "RCA Records Pressing Plant, Indianapolis").
In collector slang, the "Elektrarar" generally refers to one of three potential rarities:
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.
9. Ave Maria
10. Too Young
11. Nature Boy
12. Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup
13. A Blossom Fell
14. Our Love Is Here To Stay
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?” natalie cole unforgettable with love 1991 elektrarar
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.
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".
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)
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". Released on Elektra Records (9 61330-2)
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
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 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"
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
Released on June 11, 1991, Unforgettable... with Love is the twelfth studio album by Natalie Cole
and a tribute to the legendary standards made famous by her father, Nat King Cole. It served as her debut for Elektra Records and became the most successful album of her career, selling over 7 million copies in the US and more than 14 million worldwide. 🏆 Key Achievements
Grammy Success: Swept the 1992 Grammy Awards with 7 wins, including Album of the Year.
Historical Milestone: Natalie Cole became the first African-American woman to win the Grammy for Album of the Year.
Chart-Topper: Spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
The "Virtual Duet": The title track used multitrack technology to create a duet between Natalie and her late father, winning Record of the Year. 💿 Tracklist
The original release contains 22 tracks of jazz and pop standards: The Very Thought of You André Fischer Paper Moon Tommy LiPuma André Fischer David Foster André Fischer This Can't Be Love André Fischer André Fischer David Foster That Sunday That Summer David Foster Orange Colored Sky Tommy LiPuma Medley: For Sentimental Reasons / Tenderly / Autumn Leaves Tommy LiPuma Straighten Up and Fly Right André Fischer David Foster Don't Get Around Much Anymore André Fischer David Foster Nature Boy André Fischer Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup André Fischer Almost Like Being in Love David Foster Thou Swell André Fischer Non Dimenticar Tommy LiPuma Our Love Is Here to Stay André Fischer Unforgettable (Duet with Nat King Cole) David Foster 🎹 Musical Credits Producers: David Foster, André Fischer, and Tommy LiPuma.
Special Guest: Natalie's uncle, Ike Cole, provides piano accompaniment on several tracks.
Style: Features lush orchestration, big band arrangements, and intimate small-group jazz settings. 💡 Looking for something specific? I can help you find:
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. Natalie stood at the podium
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
Released on June 11, 1991, Unforgettable... with Love served as a watershed moment in the career of Natalie Cole. Departing from the R&B and pop sounds that defined her earlier success, Cole turned toward the standards of the Great American Songbook, specifically the repertoire of her father, the legendary Nat "King" Cole. The result was an artistic and commercial triumph that reshaped her musical legacy. Production and Creative Vision
The album marked Natalie Cole's debut for Elektra Records after leaving EMI. It was produced by a high-caliber team including André Fischer, David Foster, and Tommy LiPuma. For the first time in her professional life, Cole fully embraced her father's musical heritage—a move she had resisted for nearly 20 years.
A hallmark of the album was its lush, orchestral production, featuring arrangements by industry giants such as Ray Brown, Bill Holman, and Michel Legrand. Personal family touches further grounded the project, with her uncle Ike Cole providing piano accompaniment on several tracks. The Groundbreaking "Unforgettable" Duet
The centerpiece of the album was the title track, a "virtual duet" between Natalie and her late father. The "Unforgettable" Natalie Cole Arrangements
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 Unforgettable... with Love is the twelfth studio album by American singer Natalie Cole
. It serves as a comprehensive tribute to her father, jazz legend Nat King Cole
, featuring 22 of his standards. The album marked a major career reinvention for Cole, moving from her R&B and pop roots toward the Great American Songbook Production and Technical Innovation
The album is renowned for its lush orchestral arrangements and then-revolutionary technology. Musoscribe The title track, " Unforgettable
," was electronically engineered to blend Natalie’s new vocals with her father’s original 1951 recording, creating a "virtual duet" that became a global sensation. Producers: The project was helmed by major industry figures, including David Foster Tommy LiPuma , and Cole's then-husband André Fischer Personnel: It features top-tier jazz musicians, such as bassist , and personal family contributions from Natalie's uncle, , on piano. Tracklist Highlights
The album covers a vast range of her father's repertoire, from upbeat swing to intimate ballads:
Natalie Cole - Unforgettable… With Love – Elektra Records
Natalie Cole's Unforgettable... with Love, released on June 11, 1991, by Elektra Records, stands as a landmark "virtual reunion" and a career-defining tribute to her father, jazz legend Nat King Cole. A Technical and Emotional Milestone
The album's centerpiece is the titular track, "Unforgettable." In a revolutionary move for 1991, engineers used multitrack technology to splice Nat King Cole's original 1951 vocal recording with Natalie's new studio performance. This digital duet created a "sonic bridge" between eras that resonated deeply with audiences. Critical and Commercial Success
Sales Performance: The album became a massive crossover hit, spending five weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard charts. It has sold over 14 million copies worldwide and is certified 7x platinum in the U.S..
1992 Grammy Sweep: The project dominated the 34th Grammy Awards, winning seven trophies, including: Album of the Year Record of the Year ("Unforgettable") Song of the Year ("Unforgettable") Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance
Other Honors: It also earned the Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album, Female. Musical Direction
Moving away from her earlier R&B and pop roots, Natalie embraced the Great American Songbook for this project. The album features 22 standards, including classics like "Mona Lisa," "L-O-V-E," and "Route 66," with lush arrangements by renowned producers André Fischer, David Foster, and Tommy LiPuma. The Tracklist Highlights
Released on Elektra Records (9 61330-2), this album is considered an audiophile reference disc.