Love Songs

Neil Diamond | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 26, 1989)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mca
• ASIN: B000002NY8
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #275,358 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Neil Diamond repackaging industry reached deluge levels in the '90s, as the man became an even bigger touring act than ever. This relatively early set, though, goes light on the hits--of the singer's myriad big singles, only "Play Me" and "Stones" are included. Instead, Diamond's Uni-era LPs are mined for covers of Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and other late-'60s heavies, along with a handful of originals ("And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind"). Hardly a major addition to anyone's Neil collection, Love Songs is nonetheless sure to please fans of that deep, deep voice. --Rickey Wright

Product Description

Import exclusive budget-price compilation (originally released in 1995 on MCA Records) features 20 of the enduring superstar's classic 'Love Songs' from the 60s & 70s. Spectrum. 2002. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Will there be not a trace left behind . . ., March 29, 2000

By 

Steffan Piper (Palm Desert, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Love Songs (Audio CD)

This is a great album from a man who would write many songs over the course of his life and make many performances, but everything before and after pales in comparison to the quality of this unique and spiritually moving recording.

Neil Diamond has made a career in projecting himself in terms of some kind of psuedo-Tom Jones. But it is here, that I find myself adrift in the copius, but all-too corporate, emission of this man, searching for his true, seedy gem; all the time wondering where the real magic is that he created so skillfully in these days as I see him with yet another new release, or amalgam of songs from all his hit albums.

I shouldn't bring a negative light to this current part of his life, but when a man ages, he does reach out for what he once had, and when you think you are doing it for the sake of entertaining others, something gets lost. But I guess that's his prerogative. The facts stand by themselves, he was adored for this style of songwriting and composing found here, not for that cowboy-esque portrayal he created for himself on the screen or for the later persona that churned out more Christmas Albums than Bing Crosby.

"If you go away" is undoubtedly, the most profound thing this man will leave in his legacy. And I assure you, if you'll really listen, it will be this album that he'll be remembered for when it's all said and done.

This is the real Neil Diamond, his hearts true message.

... will there be not a trace left behind ...

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Diamond, October 3, 2003

By 

Lee Armstrong (Winterville, NC United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Love Songs (Audio CD)

While "Love Songs" is certainly not the only Neil Diamond compilation on the market, MCA did an excellent job of assembling Neil's more romantic efforts from their catalogue. The packaging and digital remastering give a high sound quality. Both as a songwriter and interpreter, Neil's classic songs boast unique melodies and expressive vocals. "Sweet Caroline" is as gorgeous a melody as it was when it first played. "Juliet" is filled with such loving yearning that when Neil hits the "la la la la" chorus, we find a superb release. Buffy Sainte-Marie's "Until It's Time for You to Go" is one of the most beautiful melodies & Neil nails the lyric, "We'll make a space in the lives that we've planned." "Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show" was my favorite of Neil's albums; and "If I Never Knew Your Name" from that set floats gracefully above the strings. "Play Me" & "Cracklin' Rosie" still sound fresh to my ears. Roger Miller's "Husbands & Wives" sets your mind to thinking while it sets your toe to tapping. Neil's version of Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne" doesn't quite edge out Jennifer Warnes, but it's certainly a joy. From his "Velvet Gloves & Spit" album, Neil's "Modern Day Version of Love" is wistfully romantic, "Gave not at all, got back as much." The CD closes with two classic live versions from his "Hot August Night" album of "Red, Red Wine" & "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon." "Love Songs" is not startlingly new, but it is technically excellent as well as some of Neil's best romantic material on one disc. Enjoy!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If all artists would give us what Diamond gave us here..., April 28, 2000

By 

Barry D. Adams (Pensacola, Florida USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Love Songs (Audio CD)

Everyone knows Neil Diamond's voice immediately. We want to hear it. We know it. It is comfortable. Does anyone not feel like we know Neil Diamond personally? While we thrill to albums like "Hot August night" or "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" it is albums like this that forever connect us to the soul of an artist. It is not simply the songs (everyone has recorded virtually all of these at one time or another), it is not simply the production (although beautiful, it is pretty predictable actually), and it is not a smashing performance (some of the delivery seems a little contrived in places). This album goes far beyond these aspects. It is the phenomenal experience of sitting in a room with this master song-crafter and song-singer while he weaves a unique magic with each one. And we listen. And we will never hear anyone do what he does again. "Suzanne" has drifted off to sleep with me for several nights in a row at times leaving lingering glorious images and dreams of oceans, sailors and that ever-elusive fantasy woman. Neil Diamond does here what he does the best, and what no one else will ever be able to do. A marvelous work of art from a marvelous performer. A must have.