Producers: Chuck Jackson, Marvin Yancy, Phil Ramone, Peter Wolf, David Foster.

Compilation producer: Bill Schnee.

Engineers: Eric Schillng, Jeremy Elgueta.

Personnel: Natalie Cole (vocals); John hiodini, Dean Parks, Michael Thompson, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Rob Mathes (electric guitar, keyboards, programming); Stacy Shames (harp); Abe Appleman, Barry Finclair, Donna Tecco, Regis Landiorio, Marti Sweet, Joyce Hammann, Paul Peabody, Richard Sortomme, Avril Brown, Ann Leathers, Jan Mullen (violin); Sue Pray, Crystal Gamer, Carol Landon, Juliet Haffner (viola); Pamela Sklar (flute); Virgil Blackwell, John Moses (clarinet); Diane Lesser (oboe); John Clark , Chris Komer, Bob Carlisle (French horn); Charles Floyd, Mike Lang, Mike Melvoin, Robbie Buchanan, Terry Trotter (piano); Clifford Carter (Fender Rhodes piano); Claude Gaudette (keyboards); Jeff Porcaro, Mike Baird, Steve Gadd (drums); Jan Folkson (programming); Rodney Jerkins (drum programming); Cindy Mizelle, Deborah Cooper, Owen Waters, Mendy Lee, Julie Tillman, Gia Chiambotti, Alfie Silas, Maxine Willard Waters, Siedah Garrett (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Eric Schilling ; Calvin Harris ; Jeremy Smith ; Mick Guzauski.

Recording information: Chartmaker Studios, L.A; Coco-Butt Studio; DreamHouse Studios, London, England; Embassy Recording Studios; Ocean Way, Hollywood, CA; Schnee Studio; Soundcastle Studio Center LA; Treehouse; Village Recorder.

Arrangers: Paul Jackson, Jr. ; Rob Mathes; Peter Wolf ; David Foster.

Even if you're one of those who finds Natalie Cole's chart-topping duet with her late father on "Unforgettable" (naturally included here) unforgivable, this collection makes an excellent case for Cole as a pop/R&B songbird of rare quality, on par with Gladys Knight, Whitney Houston, or anyone else you care to name. Cole's chops are established from the start, with an energetic live version of "Mr. Melody" that finds her soaring through her stratospheric range.

Such Cole hits as the bouncy, Pointer Sisters-like "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" and the sultry "I've Got Love on My Mind" serve to remind the casual listener of the singer's substantial chart presence over the years. A luxuriant take on the Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and a funky, synth-charged version of Bruce Springsteen's "Pink Cadillac" show Cole's eclectic range. This retrospective closes on a contemporary note with the danceable "Livin' for Love," powered by electronic club-beats.