CD-Charts Position 1
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Hot August Night Vol.2

by: Neil Diamond

Release Date August 30, 1993
Hot August Night 2, is the follow up album to Hot August Night 1 which was one f the best and highly acclaimed live albums in the 70's.
The sequel recorded in the Greek Theatre in LA, maybe not as good as the original, but still contains some of Neil's early greats like Cracklin Rosie, Sweet Caroline and I am I Said amongst others.

Over all this album is ok but as it gets going Neils voice begins to get tired and very rough indeed spoiling some of his great tracks, however this is a bad thing its just putting more of Neils emotion into the tracks, something wich Neils live perfomances are famed.

If you like Neils Live albums then get this one, it may not be his best but Its very good all the same!

Craig ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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Love at the Greek: Recorded Live at the Greek Theatre

by: Neil Diamond

Release Date March 01, 1999
Love at the Greek is the culmination of energy and vocal maturity at the peak of his career. The Jonathan Livingston seagul medley is in my view the highlight of the album and certainly a valuable add-on to the original album. In this masterpiece he touches the audience with his heart, singing with sheer emotions, true to the sticky note that said "Remember Hal, I don't only want to be his voice, but his heart." Of course, the other songs, such as Glory Road are valuable to any ND collection too.

CD-Charts Position 3
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Home Before Dark

by: Neil Diamond

Release Date May 12, 2008
I know Mr Diamond lets do another album together, says Mr Rubin and like the last one strip it back and bore everyone to death.

Dull, dull and dull. What are you all talking about i was asleep quicker this time than last time. Even live he tries to liven them up a bit.

I have seen Neil Diamond live many times and own all his albums including this one JUST BECAUSE YOU FEEL YOU HAVE TOO. Please bring back the old Neil Diamond maybe not the Heartlight one but the Forever in Blue Jeans one would be nice.

CD-Charts Position 4
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Jonathan Livingston Seagull - Neil Diamond

by: Original Soundtrack

Release Date June 29, 1992
I purchased this album very recently having loved the songs I had heard Neil sing in concert, but wondering whether I would like the rest of the instrumentals. As usual I needn't have worried once again it was musical magic and loved instantly. It would give myself any many more fans I expect a great thrill if Neil would turn his hands to more film scores. Please carry on with the magic you create when you put your pen to paper, pick up your guitar. and sing from the heart. Love your music

CD-Charts Position 5
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Beautiful Noise

by: Neil Diamond

Release Date January 07, 2008
During the early to mid 70s, Diamond was at a peak when it came to writing and performing in concert. He had so many creative juices flowing through him at this time that some of his best original work began to pour out of him in an almost effortless stream.

He had stunned everybody with his "Hot August Night" concerts, already written an award winning soundtrack "JLS" and was about to have another stunning series of concerts filmed and recorded on "Love at the Greek".

Much of the new material for this show was to be taken from this CD...........an excellent package of songs that covers a wide range of musical areas.

The title track became a hit single and although not as successful in the charts, "If You Know What I Mean" ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
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The Jazz Singer: Original Soundtrack

by: Neil Diamond

Release Date January 07, 2008
Not as enduring or magical as the soundtrack for Jonathan Livingston Seagull, but then again this is a completely different type of film that he was composing for. JLS was more of a spiritual journey which was perfectly complimented in the music, whilst Jazz Singer is more of a commercial movie of a "Boy Done Good" scenario.

Personally, I preferred the songs on JLS, or should I say his genre of music, less anthemic, which probably isn't a word, and more beautifully crafted. However you can't argue with success, and there have been enough hits pulled off this album to back up any argument against it. Perhaps it's because I've heard "America" spouted from every radio station ever since that I probably should have written this review when I first heard it ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 7
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Stones

by: Neil Diamond

Release Date December 23, 1999
I remember the day I bought the LP in 1973, I was an undergraduate and with not much money. Had never bought a Neil Diamond Album before and stumbled upon it because I liked Cohen's "Suzanne" and Rod McKuen's "If you go away". The first play turned into a second play and then another and another, followed by others coming into the room to hear THE VOICE and to be moved by the words. No other artist hits the spot so consistently. All the tracks on Stones are great but what has surprised me is that over the years I return to the eponymous track "Stones" cannot tell you why you just have to listen and appreciate the man, his lyrics, arrangements and above all his voice. The other great track on the album is "I am I said" Again I defy anybody not to be moved by the words ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
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Tap Root Manuscript

by: Neil Diamond

Release Date March 20, 1999
When I think of Neil Diamond and his music, this is how I like to remember him. This is absolutely superb. Not only is it littered with quality material, it also formed the bedrock of a lot of his songs that became the framework of his stunning live show on "Hot August Night", another must have.

The album is essentially split into two. The first half is a collection of some of his most inspired offerings to date. All 5 tracks are excellent. Why doesn't he play songs like "Coldwater Morning" more often - if at all? As previously mentioned in another review here, there is a wealth of material available to do an alternative show including such gems as this.

As for the second half it is a triumph. A piece of work that just flows majestically, capturing ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
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Serenade

by: Neil Diamond

Release Date January 08, 1996
This is Neil Diamond's last great album, possibly his greatest. After this record, his stage persona would unfortunately take precedence and the genius songwriting became secondary to the performance and image of showman Neil Diamond. But these eight songs see Neil climax on a high. This is Neil's most spiritually potent album, with almost every track emanting a life-affirming, profound vitality. I've Been This Way Before, Lady Magdelene, Rosemary's Wine and The Last Picasso are beyond criticism - superb songs shimmering with the holy spirit and sung and played to perfection. The remaining four are simply good, although on first listen the bogus Jamaican accent on Reggae Strut might provoke a raised eyebrow. But Neil was obviously stoned on some potent marijuana and who can ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 10
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Home Before Dark (CD & DVD)

by: Neil Diamond

Release Date May 12, 2008
Home Before Dark what can I say about this great album! Pure Neil, pure magic, can't stop playing it. I have loved his music since Solitary ManThe Essential Greatest Hits Collection, but I wondered how this would compare to those early hits. Having adored Three Chord OperaThree Chord Opera I was hoping I for a great album and of course was not disappointed. Each track very different, each telling a story we can all relate to. above all it reaches the soul as does all his music. Keep writing Neil, I love your music!!