Customer Reviews

Love Songs

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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 ...

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!

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.

Neil Diamond's "Love Songs" capture the ache in our hearts when our best efforts at love fail miserably or succeed fulfillingly. They convey the desperate longing for one more chance to make it all right again or to rekindle anew the comfortably passionate relationship providing the staying power of abiding love.

Diamond's words cause our most poignant desires to love and be loved, to take flight, gliding through ethereal heavens in dream-like gracefulness.

Sometimes the images arising in our minds from Diamond's lyrics overpower sense and sensation. Almost immediately we know our delicate hearts have been exposed to an affective probe that ferrets out each hidden pain and tortured memory we can never seem to let go of. Still, amazingly, we open ourselves further to a consumated discovery.

Diamond's "Love Songs" refreshens and restores our sensitivities to the excessive price we all pay to open ourselves to loving and being loved. His words make us brave enough to risk it all over, again and again. Diamond's word's makes us believe that to accept anything less is to really die a sad and lonely and worthless death.

--Kevin Michaelis

Deep feelings, sensitive sounds, excellent instrumentation. 'Love Songs' is a very special collection of beautiful songs coming from this profoundly original artist.

Heart warming songs for the very special moments of live. Some of the best yet not the most popular songs of Neil such as "Susan" or "If you go away". Truly an outstanding album!

This compilation of some of Neil Diamond's love songs is first class. The only thing that I would have liked was to have the studio versions of Red Red Wine & Girl You'll Be A Woman Soon.
Neil Diamond has been a favourte of mine since his first recordings back in the sixties and even though I have most of these songs on other CDs, it is a nice collection to listen to in the car or just for relaxation.

This is a wonderful collection of Neil's love songs. I thought I knew every song ever recorded by Neil Diamond, but their are some gems on here that were new to me. Each song is sung with such depth and feeling. Listen to this to relax after a busy day and you will soon forget your troubles. I have been a fan of Neil Diamond's since I was a kid, and I always will be. Great service from Amazon too!

I am very pleased with this purchase. It not only got here earlier than expected but it was in great shape. I have already gotten a lot of listening time and I won't tire of it.

I like the whole CD, but I bought it for Neil's version of "Husbands and Wives" I heard the song on TV and had to have it. I searched and found it by Roger Miller, who wrote it, and by Brooks and Dunn. Both versions are good, but didn't have the mesmerizing sound and feeling of Neil's. You can feel the deep pain in his voice for the truth of the words. The background music is awesome too. The price was worth it for the one song.