Home Before Dark (Deluxe Edition with DVD)

There is no one singer like Neil Diamond. I enjoyed this newest CD with only one reservation...he needs to put more "life" into his music. I've given it a four star rating because it's Neil but I hope his next endeavor will have some of his earlier "life."

Home Before Dark (Deluxe Edition with DVD)

True Diamond fans will enjoy this album . " If I Don't See You Again" especially touched my heart . Keep them coming Neil - I will always want to see you again!!!! I am very pleased with my purchase , CD and DVD.

Neil Diamond has done it again. It's been awhile since I've loved an entire CD and this is it. Beautifully written and sung, it will lift your heart with the lyrics and music. Pretty Amazing Grace can mean a lot of different things to different people and that is the beauty of that song. Another Day with Natalie Maines astounds me with the beauty of the lyrics, music and one of the best piano parts I've heard in a long time. Hearing a piano sound exactly like the words just spoken is pure genius. Whether you get the special edition or not. This CD is REAL music.

His creativity is very unique and this recording is another example. From the first piece that begins with a single instrument and Neil's voice, the entire album comes alive with numerous rhythms and creative text. The harmony of the guitars and synthesizer is fantistic and a pleasure to experience.

This was a longed for comeback album, though it can be paired with 12 Songs, as both were influenced totally by Rick Rubin. And the songs have a Johnny Cash/Rick Rubin produced sound. Almost as if Neil sat there and wrote songs and arranged them according to Rick's specifications. Something was just off for me, and the overall tone was - and I hate to say this, but it was indulgent. I could see Rick telling Neil to just let it all hang out, so this does not seem like Neil's own idea. I love Neil Diamond, and have for over 40 years, but in buying these 2 latest albums I realized I loved Cherry Cherry, Solitary Man, Forever in Blue Jeans, Kentucky Woman, and about 5 other songs, but the rest, not so much. Why? I find these new songs are not so memorable. Yes, they are deeply philosophical and confessional, but it is not enjoyable listening to them. It's uncomfortable, for the most part. So I won't say anymore. I'll just play my Solitary Man - one of the most perfect songs ever written - and put the new ones back on the shelf for now.

What I did enjoy on 12 Songs was the duet with Brian Wilson, and on this one, Pretty Amazing Grace. It's a beautiful song and the only truly memorable one. I was blown away by it. Maybe if I listen a few more times the rest will grow on me?