![Nat King Cole Popular Song Rankings [2025]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JErVP6xLZwg/hqdefault.jpg)
Nat King Cole Popular Song Rankings [2025]
The singing voice of this American jazz pianist and vocalist continues to be loved by many people even today, transcending time.
It’s a voice that surely everyone has heard at least once.
His songs, which are even featured in commercials, could rightly be called legendary.
We’ve put together a ranking of his popular tracks, so take this opportunity to give them a listen!
Nat King Cole Popular Song Ranking [2025] (1–10)
The Christmas SongNat King Cole1rank/position
The scent of chestnuts roasting on the fireplace and children playing in fresh snow—the song conjures warm, Christmassy scenes.
Nat King Cole’s rich, resonant voice wraps around you.
Surprisingly, the song was written in the sweltering heat of July 1945, intended to evoke wintry images that would make one forget the heat.
A fun bit of trivia, isn’t it? It was first recorded in 1946, but the most widely known version is from 1961.
It reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has remained a beloved Christmas classic.
It’s the perfect track to create a romantic mood for a Christmas night spent with your sweetheart.
Autumn LeavesNat King Cole2rank/position
Many artists sing “Autumn Leaves” as a jazz standard.
The original is a classic French chanson composed by Joseph Kosma, and this is the version by American jazz artist Nat King Cole.
He beautifully captures the song’s lyrical world.
The lyrics evoke heartbreak, which feels fitting for the chilly days of October.
It’s poignant how time seems to stretch when you can’t see someone.
I think this song will stay close to those unresolved feelings, alongside the autumn leaves and fall colors.
Happy New YearNat King Cole3rank/position
While many jazz standards celebrate the New Year, the “Happy New Year” introduced here was composed by American songwriter Gordon Jenkins.
Jenkins not only led his own band and worked as a conductor, but also backed illustrious singers such as Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.
His “Happy New Year” first appeared in 1949, apparently in a recording with his own orchestra.
Among the singers who have performed this piece, Judy Garland is likely the most famous, but this time we’re highlighting Nat King Cole’s version, which offers a gently rendered, classic jazz arrangement.
Since the song depicts spending New Year’s Eve alone after a breakup, it’s worth noting that it isn’t exactly a bright or cheerful tune.
I Love You For Sentimental ReasonsNat King Cole4rank/position
Nat King Cole, the great jazz singer with a warmly enveloping voice, is as famous as Frank Sinatra and a bona fide, powerhouse jazz vocalist.
One of his underappreciated gems is “I Love You (For Sentimental Reasons).” It’s a laid-back jazz standard that’s perfect for falling asleep.
While the melody is relaxed, the lyrics surprisingly portray a steadfast, no-nonsense man—so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.
Fly Me To The MoonNat King Cole5rank/position
This song was used in a 2013 commercial for Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki featuring Shun Oguri and Kiko Mizuhara.
It was a very simple, grown-up ad, and the clink of ice together with this song made it the perfect choice to convey how adult-oriented the product is.
(I Love You) For Sentimental ReasonsNat King Cole6rank/position
Released in 1946 by the great jazz vocalist Nat King Cole, (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons is a jazz ballad that superbly expresses a declaration of love.
Its lyrics reflect the richness of romantic feelings that transcend logic, and Nat King Cole’s smooth vocals bring that quality into even sharper focus.
The melody flows with an easy grace, stirring deep emotion in listeners.
Chosen by many couples as a love song, it remains a timeless classic, cherished to this day.
Though somewhat formal for jazz, the lyrics are profoundly romantic—well worth checking out.
StardustNat King Cole7rank/position
If you spent your youth in the 1960s, you might remember The Peanuts singing it on the music show “Shabondama Holiday,” and if you came of age in the ’80s, perhaps you recall it as the song used in the commercial for Toyota’s first-generation Carina ED.
The world-famous jazz standard “Stardust” was composed in 1927 by American songwriter Hoagy Carmichael, known for pieces like “Georgia on My Mind,” and it was originally an instrumental.
A few years later, in 1929, lyricist Mitchell Parish added words to it, and in 1931 Bing Crosby’s rendition became a hit, bringing the song widespread recognition.
Since then, it has become a beloved classic performed by many jazz musicians, both as an instrumental and as a vocal number.
Among the versions especially well-known in Japan is Nat King Cole’s cover.
The commercial mentioned earlier also used Cole’s version, and even the great Hibari Misora featured “Stardust” as the opening track on her 1965 album “Hibari Sings Jazz — In Memory of Nat King Cole.” The lyrics, which seem to reminisce about a past romance, have a gently bittersweet touch—not exactly a sad song, but one that evokes sweet memories, which is a lovely mood indeed!