Music : Home Before Dark (Deluxe Edition with DVD)

Rating: - ND's first chart topping album??
This is Neil Diamond's first chart topping album in the USA (Billboard Hot 200 listed the album at number one - May 15 2008). I am amazed! This is one of those albums I have regretted buying. I bought it on the basis that it was a Neil Diamond album thinking it must be better than 'Hot August Night' and 'JL Seagull' to name just two of his albums that I thought were fantastic. What a let down! To me this is just bad singing with bad guitar playing. If you are an old fan of Neils listen to this album twice in the shop before buying it.

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Rating: - Another home run for the singer-songwriter
I don't know why I took so long to write this review. Perhaps I thought that as such a die-hard fan I wasn't sure if I could write objectively. But in the months since "Home Before Dark" came out, I feel so strongly about this disc that I had to include my assessment.

The collaboration with Rick Rubin on his last disc, "12 Songs", was remarkable. "Home Before Dark" takes the craft of Mr. Diamond's singer-songwriter abilities to an even higher level. In past reviews, I have sought to draw comparisons to earlier works in his vast discography. I simply can't do that here. This is the man in full; while his acoustic-driven music is a nod to his earliest work, the lyrics reveal a powerful introspection that is even more mature and refined with life's experiences. Also, the stark instrumentation (note the lack of drums on all the tracks) heightens the tone and impact of the music.

As with his other discs, I initially liked some tracks much more than others. In fact, my first impression was that the title track was perhaps the weakest track on the disc. However, it's lyrical power has grown on me, and after seeing it performed live last week, that power is enhanced. Similarly, I initially thought "Don't Go There", "Forgotten", and "Slow It Down" were a bit too silly in comparison with the other tracks. But the hooks on both songs were too irresistable, and I found other layers in those lyrics that made the songs fit. If there is a lingering annoyance - and it is a small one - it is that parts of "Act Like A Man" sound like he's leading into his hit "Song Sung Blue". Perhaps that was intentional; but again, when you peel back the song, the lyrics are solid.

"Pretty Amazing Grace" was the one track from this disc released to promote this disc. It is a very good song, but the songs that surround it are much deeper, darker, and more powerful. Also, the deluxe edition of this disc features two extra tracks (in addition to a DVD) that are covers. While one might think that it detracts from the remainder of the material that is original and written by Mr. Diamond, the covers do work. Actually, his cover of Nilsson's "Without Her" is simply, hauntingly beautiful.

"Home Before Dark" earned Mr. Diamond his first number one chart ranking in his nearly 40-year career. I found that amazing when I first heard it, but it is certainly well-deserved. While his concert performances in the last decade or so have still remained very strong, this disc clearly shows that his songwriting is also very strong, and is back on an upswing that will match his live performances. If "Home Before Dark" is any indication, Neil Diamond still has vital music and stories to tell.

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Rating: - What a shame
If he only hadn't recorded that song with Natalie Maines, I would have bought the album. Just can't bring myself to do it...

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Rating: - Neil Diamond Home Before Dark
I am very pleased with this new work of Neil Diamond.
It is completely different, and a delightful surprise & listening experience.
Was not real happy with the DVD. It tends to pause and skip.
Home Before Dark (Deluxe Edition with DVD)

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Rating: - Neil Diamond Home Before Dark CD review
I really liked this album, and am very happy with having bought it. Have played many times and love this CD.