Amazon.co.uk: Remarkably Home Before Dark is the first US chart topping album of Neil Diamond's forty year career. It appears to repeat the formula behind 2006's acclaimed 12 Songs--relatively understated arrangements and a subtle Rick Rubin production. But Diamond, though sixty-seven years old and the oldest recipient of a Number One so far, is no Johnny Cash, turning his unique voice to some well chosen contemporary material. Instead Home Before Dark is a collection of new Diamond songs, and though they might not match the boomers in his back catalogue they are hardly stripped back. These are songs designed to fill large venues alongside the showstoppers in Diamond's still energetic live show. "Pretty Amazing Grace" is in the great tradition of Diamond songs that defy their corniness with sheer catchiness, as is "One More Bite of the Apple" while "Don't Go There" features bracing backing vocals and a delightfully dated wobbly guitar hook. The duet with Natalie Maines, "Another Day (That Time Forgot)", would fit comfortably on American country radio while "The Power of Two" sounds like another hit in waiting. In fact this is more a conventional Diamond collection than a Rick Rubin production, dominated by lightly understated country rock arrangements played by a crack team including Smokey Hormel, Heartbreakers Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell and the usually experimental Matt Sweeney. This is a charming and consistently solid set, though Home Before Dark does lack the unexpected intensity that made 12 Songs stand out so. -—Steve Jelbert
Product Description: Home Before Dark is the long awaited new album from legendary artist Neil Diamond. Home Before Dark was produced by legendary producer Rick Rubin who also produced Neil's critically acclaimed 12 Songs. Bonus DVD includes Neil in the studio performing songs. The songs are: 1. Pretty Amazing Grace 2. If I Don't See You Again 3. Forgotten 4. The Boxer (bonus track...this song is not on the album)
Disc 1:
If I Don't See You Again
Pretty Amazing Grace
Don't Go There
Another Day (That Time Forgot) with Natalie Maines
Home Before Dark Review This album is one of the best Neil Diamond albums ever. The music is wonderful.
One song alone is worth it I heard the song Pretty Amazing Grace on the radio and the song touched me in a special way. The song is about find Grace and Mercy in God in a world full of pain suffering and misery, through the One who was pierced for our transgressions (Read Isaiah Chapter 53). It will lift you up. That song alone is worth the whole album. I grew up listening to Neil Diamond and I am proud of this song, if nothing else.
This will not create new fans, only delight old ones... While I applaud the effort of a singer-songwriter, in this day and age, who tries to construct good, old-fashioned "songs", I have to say this album is kinda boring for those of us not completely enamored with Mr. Diamond.
And please don't read the liner notes prior to listening; he's kind of a blowhard in a pompous and fussy way.
The songs are not that catchy or memorable. He sings as if every word from his lips is gold, precious. It's a little weird, that affectation.
And no, I'm not a Neil "hater" or anything like that. His catalogue of songs will justly endure long after you or I are gone from this planet, but all this hoopla over this slight (but endless...many songs drone on after the five minute mark...) CD is a bit unjustified.
I'd still like to see him in concert...I think it'd be fun...but this record tries too hard to be "something." It's not. Don't get your hopes up too high, and his loyal fans will be pleased. He just will not create new converts to the fold.
Don't bother I have been a fan of Neil Diamond in the past, but I was very disappointed in this CD. If this is how he is now writing his songs now, I'll pass.
DDB Simply speaking, three words summed up this come-back of Neil Diamond's - Deadly, Dull and Boring - music wise - lyric-wise - listening-wise. But at least someone else bought it at the first garage sale so it wasn't a complete loss.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
