Customer Rating:  
Summary: Rubin Continues to Serve Diamond Well
Comment: This followup to "12 Songs," also produced by Rick Rubin, is nearly as good as "12 Songs." Rubin is successfully doing for Diamond what he did for Johnny Cash. Diamond's writing is as strong as it has ever been, and Rubin's stripped-down "arrangements" suit the material and the artist perfectly. There is not a bad cut on this CD, and some of it, including the brilliant opening song,"If I Don't See You Again" is quite lovely. These two Rubin-produced CDs are Diamond's best sustained work since "Beautiful Noise." For those who like to trash Diamond, they should give a listen to these two CDs. These CDs are as good as any indy-alt work out there today, and better than most of it. Rubin understands that with many great artists less is more. That is certainly the case here. Listening to these two CDs, I only wish that Rubin would produce new work by Jerry Lee Lewis (who still seems to be in good voice) and the Everly Brothers. Now that would be a great treat for those who love great American music.
Customer Rating:
Summary: We all get better with age
Comment: If you're a true Neil Diamond fan, you will love this album. Yes his age is showing but in a good way. No more shouting or stretching his vocal cords. Just the beautiful tone of his voice shining through along with gorgeous instrumentals and the lyrics? Listen to them - inspiring!!
Neil, don't stop writing and keep going in this direction, beautiful, spiritual, sensual music that puts the listener into another world....a good world. I think this is your best work ever since you reached down into your soul and it shows!!!!!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Life Sung Blue
Comment: This album falls way short of my expectations hoping for a wise, mellowed, satisfied Neil singing about the blessings of life and love shared with his family of fans.
Home Before Dark??? A title of "Life on the Rocks" would be better suited.
This album is like reading a musical suicide note.
"Don't say I didn't warn you, my friends" is the lyric in Don't Go There - how appropriate...and unfortunate.
Customer Rating:
Summary: What A Diamond
Comment: Neil is the most prolific songwriter, music arranger, lyricsist an compser and arranger, and then after all of that he is the most fantastic entertainer and showman and even more; its his voice. He says, "his voice is gravael and low" it sure is, and how we love his baratone gravel voice.
When he comes out to entertain, boy does he do it, and do it well.....Now, for the best news of the day, his new CD/DVD "Home Beofore Dark" it is a wow! It is really one of his best and it seems that most of the world thinks so too. I would not be surprised if this CD goes to number 1, that is how beautiful his 14 songs are. He truly hit the high notes this time.
I adored "12 Songs", and still do, but "Home Before Dark" is so beautiful, sensitive, sensual and fun. The music and the words are so well choesn. He truly is the poet of our time in the music world.
I will be attending 2 shows; one in San Diego, CA and another at San Antonio, Tx. I can't wait to hear him sing his new songs.
He is no Diamond in the Rough any longer. He is now a Gem.
Customer Rating:
Summary: over 40 years and
Comment: still going strong! Home Before Dark proves again what a great lyricsist and singer Neil Diamond is!
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