"Longevity" is certainly a word that aptly describes Neil Diamond since he's been delivering hit albums since the 1950s. The list is too long to include, even in part, here but as of 2005 he had sold well over 120 million albums earning him the title of third most popular adult contemporary artist behind Elton John and Barbara Streisand according to Billboard Magazine. So expectations were high for his most recent release, Home Before Dark.
The album's name suits it well. The title track is about returning to a place of comfort and for the longtime fan it will be like a long-awaited trip. There are no real surprises, and the songs seem to follow the classic formula he is known for. Lyrical stories are built around a hook and delivered by his deep, instantly recognizable voice. They are backed with a folksy, jazz arrangement, which is centered, most often, around classic, acoustic guitar. That familiar feel of home is especially prevalent on "Don't Go There" and "One More Bite of the Apple" which immediately take me back to the soundtrack for The Jazz Singer and its songs "Jerusalem" and "You Baby."
Are they exact replicas or reinvented versions? No. However, the theme and sound are similar enough for the songs to feel familiar. It's a formula that works for Diamond. The Jazz Singer soundtrack sold enough copies to be certified platinum five times over and not only did he provide the music, but he stared in the film opposite Sir Laurence Olivier and Lucie Arnaz. It was not a smash hit, but it did help give Diamond recognition, for his music, his stage presence, and his acting ability. It is the first time I remember putting his name and face to the songs he sang. Through the Jazz Singer, I first became familiar with his style and the intimacy of his music.
Article comments
1 - Mat Brewster
I really like this album. It's nice to see Diamond shedding some of his schmaltz from the last decade and getting back to solid songwriting.
2 - Evan
i agree this is a good album
3 - Evan
Neil Diamond is better then Elton John dont get me wrong i like Elton John but when i started listeining to Neil Diamonds stuff i started liking him better
4 - Evan
and i want to see Neil Diamond photographed with Elton John becuse i saw him photographed with Billy Joel
5 - Evan
happy valentines Neil Diamond fans
6 - Evan
when people pick music to listen to its Neil Diamond
7 - Evan
and um i thought about something if i cant see impersonators of Neil Diamond on nashvegas i will use my paper figures of Neil Diamond Elton John Barry Manilow Billy Joel Rod Stewart Air Supply Chicago Hall and Oates James Taylor and Kenny Loggins to put on a show in my room but im gonna need work on getting real good at it
8 - Evan
and when im there it would be alot better than nashvegas becuse they dont know who the real legends of music are and i do ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
9 - Evan
and i dont talk about music all the time
10 - Evan
and im not gonna think about my favorite singers all the time
11 - Evan
becuse i dont talk about the same thing all the time
12 - Evan
and im not gonna think about my favorite singers all the time
13 - Evan
thats right im not gonna talk or think about my favorite artist all the time
14 - Evan
im not gonna think or talk about music all the time