Rating: 
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Words you can actually hear and sentiments you can appreciate.
Unlike most performers of Neil Diamond's age and beyond, who constantly, it seems, have a wish to show just how far past their 'sell-by-date' they are, this is as good as it gets.
Anyone who saw his performance at this years Glastonbury Festival, live if they were lucky, will agree that he still has what it takes - in spades.
Rating: -
I'm going to ruin the end of this cd for everybody without a care in the world... The last track is called ''Home Before dark''. There I did it. Oh no he didn't, oh yes he did.
Rating: -
I was going to start with the cliche "a return to form", but frankly this offering is so far beyond Neil Diamond's previous achievements for a studio album that the phrase doesn't fit. A collection of lyrical, thoughtful, poignant songs musing on life, lost love, faith, hope and fear, it well deserves its number 1 slots. None of the real anthems of the past, in favour of solid vocals and sharp backings, with a few melodic gems including "Pretty Amazing Grace" and "Don't Go There", these songs have stories to tell and do so beautifully. Far from being too long, the six minute opener "If I Don't See You Again" is worth every second. "Act Like a Man", "The Power of Two" are other highlights and the superb title track, "Home Before Dark" is one to make you want to start all over again. Have a glass or two of Mr Diamond's red wine and let these beautiful songs wash over you...
Rating: 
-
A coulpe of years ago I was seeing a friend who works in the music business. I asked him what the album of the year was. He looked slightly shame faced and said "12 Songs, by Neil Diamond" NEIL DIAMOND? I cried. Surely you're having me on, that guy's rubbish. "Well, Rick Rubin has stripped away everything that makes him rubbish, leaving everything that makes him great".
And, sure enough, 12 Songs is one of the best records of recent times. Without the bombast and the, well, rubbish, that obscures everything, it was a revelation. Simple, raw and honest. Genius. Seriously.
And so when I heard he'd made a follow up, with Rubin again, I bought it. Only this one's not as good. For one thing, all the songs seem to be five - six minutes long (one is more than seven). Too many are flabby, compared to the tightness on 12 Songs. It's a good record, but not as good. It doesn't feel as personal. 12 Songs sounded like a man who was forcing himself to rediscover himself as a song writer. In comparison, this sounds knocked out - the songs lack the honesty.
Which is not to say it's bad - just not as good. Although judging by the other reviews, this one seems to be more popular with his long standing fans, so if you're one of those, perhaps you'll actually like it more.
But 4/5 from me
Rating: 
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Do I need to play this more than 3 times to give it 5 stars?..Maybe
for me, its an ok album, some nice tunes here and there. I think I got caught up in the hype.
In the end, its all down to personal taste. and I'm afraid it wasn't my "cup of tea" sorry.
Hey! no big deal..I hope you enjoy it..which I see everybody did.
I'll play it again, ok.
Must go, got to be home before dark! :>)
