Neil Diamond (1) (1941–)

1 Forever In Blue Jeans
Arranged By, Conductor – Tom Hensley
Producer – Bob Gaudio
Written-By – Neil Diamond, Richard Bennett
3:30
2 Beautiful Noise
Arranged By [Strings & Horns] – Nick DeCaro
Producer – Robbie Robertson
Written-By – Neil Diamond
3:14
3 Love On The Rocks
Producer – Bob Gaudio
Written-By – Gilbert Bécaud, Neil Diamond
3:37
4 Cherry, Cherry
Producer – Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry
Written-By – Neil Diamond
2:43
5 I Am...I Said
Producer – Tom Catalano
Written-By – Neil Diamond
3:34
6 Sweet Caroline
Producer – Neil Diamond, Tom Catalano, Tommy Cogbill
Written-By – Neil Diamond
3:21
7 Cracklin' Rosie
Producer – Neil Diamond, Tom Catalano
Written-By – Neil Diamond
2:59
8 Play Me
Producer – Neil Diamond, Tom Catalano
Written-By – Neil Diamond
3:51
9 I'm A Believer
Producer – Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry
Written-By – Neil Diamond
2:43
10 Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon
Producer – Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry
Written-By – Neil Diamond
2:59
11 Holly Holy
Producer – Tom Catalano, Tommy Cogbill
Written-By – Neil Diamond
4:41
12 Solitary Man
Producer – Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry
Written-By – Neil Diamond
2:53
13 Song Sung Blue
Producer – Neil Diamond, Tom Catalano
Written-By – Neil Diamond
3:16
14 You Don't Bring Me Flowers
Arranged By – Alan Lindgren
Producer – Bob Gaudio
Vocals [Duet With] – Barbra Streisand
Written-By – Alan / Marilyn Bergman*, Neil Diamond
3:16
15 Hello Again
Producer – Bob Gaudio
Written-By – Alan Lindgren, Neil Diamond
4:03
16 Red, Red Wine
Producer – Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry
Written-By – Neil Diamond
2:41
17 If You Know What I Mean
Arranged By [Strings & Horns] – Robbie Robertson
Producer – Nick DeCaro
Written-By – Neil Diamond
3:42
18 Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show
Producer – Chips Moman, Tommy Cogbill
Written-By – Neil Diamond
3:30
19 Pretty Amazing Grace
Producer – Rick Rubin
Written-By – Neil Diamond
3:54
20 Kentucky Woman
Producer – Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry
Written-By – Neil Diamond
2:25
21 Shilo
Producer – Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry
Written-By – Neil Diamond
3:23
22 America
Producer – Bob Gaudio
Written-By – Neil Diamond
4:20
23 Hell Yeah
Producer – Rick Rubin
Written-By – Neil Diamond
4:34… (more)

This is another worthy addition to my Christmas music collection. I fell in love with it as I listened to it for the first time. The songs return to their roots. No over-produced sounds are on this CD.

Neil Diamond's voice complements the arrangements. He sounds heart-felt as he sings. My favorites of the traditional Christmas songs are Do You Hear What I Hear, Mary's Boy Child, and Children Go Where I Send Thee.

I especially liked Christmas Prayers, an original song by Neil Diamond. I'm certain it will become a favorite over time. The Christmas Medley includes Make a Happy Song (an original song by Neil Diamond) and Almost Day (which is rarely heard). Combined with We Wish You a Merry Christmas, it provides the perfect finale.

For this recording I see no benefit in getting the CD over a digital download. The CD includes a tiny insert with a picture of Neil Diamond and the production information. If you are primarily interested in listening to the music, it is far from essential.

Who will like it? Anyone who likes Christmas music or Neil Diamond. If you like both, I believe you will love it.… (more)