Album: Neil Diamond - 12 Songs

I know what most of you are thinking, why is an alternative music site reviewing a Neil Diamond album?

Well, apart from the fact he’s one of our—or should I say, your parents’ generation’s—finest songwriters, there’s something else about this album that might make you want to give it a listen.

After the success of the Johhny Cash cover version of Hurt, many younger music fans got turned on to the genius of Johnny. One of the big selling points of that song, and his last few albums, was the amazing talent of producer Rick Rubin, who has been in great demand since and who produced this album for Mr Diamond.

When listening to 12 Songs you can hear the similarities in production to Rubin’s work on the Johnny Cash albums. There’s something in the feeling of warmth and closeness in the recordings that grabs you. You know there’s been a lot of work done to bring it to this final stage, but still somehow it seems to hold on to that feeling of a raw sound.

Production aside, the songs themselves are works of art. Most of the tracks are just Neil and a guitar, maybe a little acompaniment in the background—a couple of them being a bit more uptempo with more instrumentation. There are at least five real stand out tracks and nothing that I’d call an album filler.

Give it a try, then go home and shock your parents by telling them you’ve been listening to Neil Diamond.

12 Songs is out now on BMG.

[darth_haggis]

one of my favourite musicians ...
he is "da man" and is great live ...a true master ...

was discussing/listening to the album with mr Henry Chinaski last week in his motor ...
better than half the "arctic monkey" bollocks kicking about ...

"love music ...not the scene ..."

[Ziggy_Stardust]

Good songwriter, shame he's such an arse.

[Henry Chinaski]

Aye, as Mr.Haggis pointed out up there ^^, I already have this album, and it is class from start to finish. Hell Yeah and the Brian Wilson version of Delirious Love are stand-outs for me.

[xph0ria]

I love Neil Diamond. Aint got the album yet, but I'll definately be buying it the next time I'm out picking up CDs.

[Boydy]

Evil Woman / Saving Silverman inspired me to listen to some of his stuff ....

If u aint seen it yet ... go find it, fuckin hilarious

[Charlie Parker]

I like this record

[Zippy]

Got it on now, loving it already