NATALIE COLE “Good to Be Back.” Capitol...

NATALIE COLE “Good to Be Back.” Capitol *** 1/2: POP STARS ***** Great Balls of Fire **** Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door *** Good Vibrations ** Maybe Baby * Ain’t That a Shame

Cole’s follow-up to her gold comeback album “Everlasting” incorporates a dazzling variety of styles. The songs range from the elegant, theatrical single “Miss You Like Crazy” to the spicy, Latin-tinged title song to a jazzy remake of the Ink Spots’ standard “Someone’s Rockin’ My Dreamboat.” Often when an artist tackles such a wide array of styles on an album, the results are self-consciously showy. But Cole makes it all seem natural and effortless. She can be hot and intense, but is equally convincing when she’s cool and sophisticated. Her purity and control bring out all of the beauty of the two Michael Masser ballads, but she can turn right around and be sassy and playful, as on the relaxed, finger-popping “As a Matter of Fact.” In the credits, Cole thanks her “rainbow coalition” of seven producers, each of whom specializes in a different style of music. The ultimate credit, however, belongs to Cole for holding it together.