From the opening notes of the title track’s legendary refrain, it is apparent that a state of composed delight is easily acquainted with this record. Going through the latest set of re-releases from Collector’s Choice has certainly been a treat (there are a lot more to come, too!) and rediscovering the magic that is Nat King Cole has been a delight.

Something about The Very Thought of You seems to reach above and beyond the norm and into the stratosphere where most great love songs live.

With The Very Thought of You, Cole is joined once again with Gordon Jenkins. Jenkins, renowned for his blossoming string arrangements, is the perfect companion for Cole’s velvety-smooth voice. The arrangements on this recording are charming and light, the ideal escort for such silky songs.

The original album, released in 1958 and recorded over three sessions in May of that year, contained sixteen tracks. As with other re-releases in the series, Collector’s Choice has added some bonus tracks, including “Don’t Blame Me” and “There is No Greater Love.” Both were withheld from the original LP and were not issued until the album was expanded for its original CD release. True to the integrity of the release, the tracks are intact on this reissue.

The Very Thought of You is a very string-based recording, save for occasional splashes of percussion and rhythm. For the most part, this is a crooner’s album. Filled to the brim with slow songs and cooing vocals, the record is the perfect backing music for a night of tender romance. “The Very Thought of You” may well be the quintessential love song, flowing softly to the breezes of Jenkins’ lovely string arrangement.

Other tracks, such as Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke’s “But Beautiful,” use Cole’s humble baritone smartly with the backing strings to create magic not easily emulated. The name of the game is “smooth” on songs like “My Heart Tells Me” and “Making Believe You’re Here.”

Some songs journey down different paths, like the sombre and resentful “Happy New Year,” another bonus track. The Gordon Jenkins composition is presented for the first time in the U.S. as originally recorded. It is a bit of a dark ride, but the composition is stunning and Cole’s evocation of sadness is matchless. One other bonus track, “Farewell to Arms,” is a charming tune with unique “military taps” from a violin as an introduction.

The Very Thought of You is the finest pairing of Cole and Jenkins. The compositions are graceful and absorbing, Cole’s vocals are stellar, and the content of the songs runs the gamut from love to heartache with ease. This is a must-have for Nat King Cole fans and is another beautiful reissue from Collector’s Choice.