Home Before Dark (CD & DVD)

This album follows on naturally from the previous '12 Songs' in that its production relies upon stripped back arrangements with the inventiveness of accoustic musicians filling it out - don't worry, Diamond acknowedges the life given to these songs by the talent in the studio. Rick Rubin's approach to production certainly brings out the best in Neil Diamond - and does justice to some amazingly catchy tunes accompanied by some clever lyrics. Diamond is the songwriter he always was, but there is craftmanship here that raises the bar above mere filler. There's power and depth ('If I Don't See You Again' and 'Pretty Amazing Grace') and there's virally catchy hooks ('Forgotten' and 'The Power of Two'), with Diamond's voice and guitar generally taking centre stage. The duet with Dixie Chick Natalie Maines gets under your skin as you appreciate its subtlety of approach alongside a lilting melody that pervades your memory. Bother to listen hard and rflect, and you will almost have tears in your eyes when you realise the emotions being expressed, not bevcause of their negativity, but because of their realism. Despite the solitary persona, this album represents Diamond at some of his most celebratory and honest stages. The Extended CD includes 2 superb covers: Nillsen's 'Without Her' and Dylan's 'Make You Feel My Love'. Both of these fit well in the company of the twelve original songs, celebrating emotional intensity and being candid about love. Rubin's production deliberately echoes Diamonds earlier work - even the arrangements hint at licks and moods to be found in , amongst others, Holly Holy, Beautiful Noise and songs that can be found on his country-inspired albums Tennessee Moon and Sweet Caroline, as well as almost symphonic crescendos reminscent still of the spirituality of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. This album isn't just a re-assessment of previous work, as 'Unplugged' did for Eric Clapton, it represents an honest progression of a mature songwriter who seems to have found that his 'Solitary Man' persona is what brings out the best in him. For those rediscovering or uncovering Neil Diamond Home Before Dark is a work of passion and heart on sleeve shamelessness that imporves with every listening. To those who've stayed with him loyally for years, it probably is his greatest achievement and all the more so because of where it lies in his career. Forget your preconceptions and prejudices, Neil Diamond still shines and is not done yet, and, ask him whether he's enjoying it....to quote his previous album "Hell Yeh!"

A warm and wonderful album that makes you want to get home before dark just to listen to it again and again. Stripped of the full orchestral backing of yesteryear, this is the new, unfettered Neil Diamond. The genius that is Rick Rubin has helped him re-invent himself for the 21st century and the result is stunning. 12 Songs was a great first step on the new journey, and Home Before Dark takes him further along the road. The passion of the lyrics is blended with the simplicity of the music to give an album that you will want to play over and over again.

he is like a good wine getting better by the years. Riveting, Soothing, Captivating and you are left wanting more.

This is Neil Diamond back to his sparkling best. Honest and heartfelt lyrics. The title track as absolutely heartbreaking. My only gripe is the audio quality of the DVD, it's doing Neil no favours at all, infact the record label should be ashamed!

I hav'nt bought a Neil Diamond album since Lovescape, which i thought was pretty mediocre, compared to classics such as Moods, Beautiful Noise etc. After the rave reviews 12 Songs received i thought i would give this one a go. After one listen i thought it's OK. But this is one that really grows on you. Diamond in the raw so to speak, music, all acoustic, from the heart. Every track produced with a light touch, not over produced . His voice now is better than ever. Highly recommended.