From UNFORGETTABLE (single)
Written by Larry Conley Music by Willard Robinson
“Unforgettable,” was made into a virtual duet between songbird Natalie Cole (1950-2015) and her legendary dad, Nat “King” Cole (1919-1965) with the wizardry of new technology way after Nat “King” Cole’s death. Produced by David Foster in 1991, “Unforgettable” became an unexpected and delightful hit.
The duet of father and daughter reached Billboard’s Hot 100 at #14, #10 on the Hot R&B chart and #3 on the Adult Contemporary chart. “Unforgettable” also won the 1992 Song of the Year and 1992 Record of the Year at the Grammys. The triumph of this song and its parent album, Unforgettable… with Love, revived Foster’s career and jumpstarted another spectacular decade for the Hitman.
A previous review of “Unforgettable” is available in the archives. This week, take a look at the single’s b-side. Here you will find a gorgeous rendition of the evergreen, “Cottage For Sale.” This gem was also produced by Foster and wasn’t originally included on Ms. Cole’s Unforgettable…with Love
“Cottage For Sale” was a classic of the American songbook with over 100 covers to its credit. The first performance of “Cottage For Sale” was by The Revelers way back in 1930. Ms. Cole’s version sported a finger-snapping arrangement written by Foster with maestro Johnny Mandel (1925-2020). “Cottage For Sale” was another showcase for the late singer’s amazing abilities. Ms. Cole naturally shined with her soulful, crystal-clear mezzo-soprano and her sublime phrasing accompanied by a fantastic jazz quartet with the added plus of a beautiful acoustic piano solo.
The quality of this killer number deserved inclusion on the original version of Unforgettable… with Love. With the recent release of the 30th anniversary edition, justice was finally served and “Cottage For Sale” was added to the tracklist along with “At Last,” another b-side gem produced by André Fisher.
Listen
- Lead Vocal: Natalie Cole
- Arranged by Johnny Mandel & David Foster
- Produced by David Foster
Lyrics
Our little dream castle with every dream gone
Is lonely and silent, the shades are all drawn
And my heart is heavy as I gaze upon
A cottage for sale
The lawn we were proud of is waving in hay
Our beautiful garden has withered away
Where you planted roses, the weeds seem to say
A cottage for sale
From every single window, I see your face
But when I reach a window, there’s empty space
The key’s in the mail box the same as before
But no one is waiting any more
The end of the story is told on the door
A cottage for sale
From every single window, I see your face
But when I reach a window, there’s empty space
The key’s in the mail box the same as before
But no one is waiting any more
The end of the story is told on the door
A cottage for sale, for sale
Just a cottage for sale