Natalie Cole, “Inseparable” | Throwback Vibez

On the 8^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Inseparable” by Natalie Cole. 

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he vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! On the 8^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Inseparable”, performed by Natalie Cole.

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Theme & Lyrics

“Inseparable / That’s how we’ll always be / Inseparable / Just you and me.” Damn, I want a love like that Natalie Cole!  The late, great Grammy winner ranks among the most versatile musicians of the all-time encompassing jazz, pop, and R&B/soul. I previously swooned over her ‘ace in the hole,’ “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”, which won her a much-deserved Grammy. While she wouldn’t be nominated for the song at hand, “Inseparable” from the 1975 album of the same title, this record is considered one of her best.   I concur – it’s a gorgeous, love-filled ballad.

“Inseparable” wouldn’t reach the top 10 or top 20 like “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” or  other hits, but it did peak at a respectable no. 32.  As always, Cole sings with incredible authenticity and finesse – she’s a class act.  This soulful, well-written record was penned and produced by Charles “Chuck” Jackson and her ex-husband, Marvin Yancy.  Worth noting, Cole had her only son by Yancy. Sadly, both her ex-husband and her son died in their 30s.  Focusing on this brief, two-and-a-half-minute record, Natalie ensures we understand how deep this bond is.

“We’re like a flower to a tree

Like words to a melody of love

There’s no way we could break up

No words that could make us blow our thing

We are just

Inseparable.”

Other shout-outs include the lush backdrop (the keys, the strings), the harmonic progression, and the aesthetic and vibe.  An awesome song to sample, notably, Lloyd Banks ( “Karma”, featuring Avant) and Destiny’s Child ( “If”) utilize it superbly.

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Final Thoughts  

Inseparable is an awesome album! Furthermore, “Inseparable” is also an awesome song.  It starts and ends with the treasure that was Natalie Cole.  She was a once-in-a-lifetime musician who leaves an incredible legacy.

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Natalie Cole • Inseparable • Capitol • 1975
Natalie Cole, “Inseparable”: Throwback Vibez No. 8 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, Capitol, cotton bro,  The Musical Hype]

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