"Natalie Cole was in rare form in 1977 - she had three Grammys, four No. 1 R&B hits and three hit albums. With each, Natalie showed signs of real musical maturity. "Thankful," released in the latter half of '77 is, in my opinion, the best album she ever did. A gorgeous mix of soul, R&B, gospel and jazz, "Thankful" captured Natalie at her "R&B it girl" peak. Boasting a No. 1 smash in "Our Love" and another hit in "Annie Mae," "Thankful" is the earliest evidence of Natalie's trademark versatility, as well as her skill at leaning toward jazz. The former has since become a classic, with Natalie singing the praises of love and affection in all their glory. She really wraps herself around the lyric and gives it her all, pushing the song to a level she rarely reached after that. "Annie Mae" is the emotional tale of a runaway girl, which is grim territory compared to many of Natalie's flowery tales of love from that time. A driving melody takes the song to dramatic, sweeping levels, as Natalie's wails make the song almost palpable. The singles weren't the only treats on this album. The gospelish "Be Thankful" is Natalie at her soul shouting best. The upbeat, jazzy "Lovers" is one of my favorites. Natalie breezes through the song like she's having a ball, as she scats and dips through four minutes of jazzy fun. You can almost imagine her prancing around on stage and getting into it. She really hits her jazzy stride on "La Costa," a tropical journey complete with lush orchestration, birds chirping and ocean waves. That song, as well as many others is a prime example of what made this record work - it has a true ambience to it. It moves from track to track, and brings you in for a musical experience like no other. This is long out of print, but if you track down a CD copy, snatch it up. It's beautiful, simply beautiful!"
Memory Lane
Angel Crayton | Atlanta, GA | 08/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album was released when I was just 4 years old, but the words are as clear as if it was yesterday. This album brings back so many memories of my MOM and all I can do is smile. She would play this album every Saturday morning awaking us to get up and clean the house. We used brooms and kitchen utensils as our microphone to sing along. It is truly and inspirational album to remind me of "Love""
Natalie Cole-Thankful
Joy | Lakeland, Florida United States | 02/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was my favorite tape and I lost it. Been looking for a replacement ever since. What great music and what a great voice. Spent many hours singing my heart out and listening to this."
Quite simply, this is music!!!!
Joy | 06/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was about 10/12 when this "album" was out and disco was in. My oldest sister and her friends would listen to this and other artist of that era all the time!!! This was music and the songs on this "album" make you cry, laugh and remember the way it use to be. It is a must to this in your collection from the disco reign!!!! It's funny, because now, I listen to all of the songs from then wish I was grown then...smile."
Hopelessly searching!!!!
Felicia X | Lakewood, CA United States | 06/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the best album Natalie put out in her entire career. This album brings back so many memories.I had the album and played it up until the early 90's.It was water damaged in a fire in my home and I've been searching for it ever since.Track #6 I Just Can't Stay Away is the sweetest melody ever heard, you can just feel the love in her voice,it jumps right out and grabs you;kinda makes the hair on your neck stand up.Also there is a track on there it goes "I'm keeping a light shinining in the window, just in case he decides to come home." I remember being a little girl and singing this song in a Thanksgiving family talent show!I was about 10 years old and I won $10.00 from all my uncles.If anyone out there have a copy please e-mail me @ FHatter513@aol.com,I'm willing to pay via paypal!!"