Neil came onto the scene in 1966 with his first single "Solitary Man" recorded with "Bang Records." His next single is "Cherry Cherry." He had to retire in January 2018 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. So he has a catalog of music spanning 50 years to choose from. If you want something similar to "Brother Loves" try .. "Holy Holly" .. "Soolaimon" .. "Johnathon Livingston Seagull (FULL Soundtrack/side one)" and "Done to Soon." "Someday Baby" .. "I've Been This Way Before" .. "Morningside" .. "I am .. I Said" .. "Girl You'll Be a Woman Soon" .. "America" .. "Love on the Rocks" .. "The Boat that I Row" .. "You Got to Me" .. "Oh No No (I Got the Feeling)" .. These selections barely scratch the surface but they present a good start. Have fun!
On June 30th 1966, Neil Diamond performed "Solitary Man" on Dick Clark's ABC-TV week-day afternoon program 'Where The Action Is'... This appearance was five days after his national TV debut on Dick Clark's other ABC-TV program, 'American Bandstand' {See next two posts below}... At the time of this 'Action' appearance "Solitary Man" was at position #55 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart.
Neil Diamond released "Solitary Man" in April of 1966. So yep, 1960's. This is my favorite song from him. My mother was a big fan of his, so we used to play his records all the time in the 70's -- "Cracklin' Rosie", "Cherry, Cherry", "Sweet Caroline", "Song Sung Blue"... "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" -- a duet he sang with Barbara Streisand -- went to #1 in the US charts in 1979.
Neil Diamond "You don't bring me flowers",a duet with Barbra Streisand. He has that type of unique singing voice ."I am I said."Sweet Caroline"."Song sung Blue".A lot of story telling songs,and just feel goid music. Sorry he had to retire,but he knows whats best for him. Thankful for the gifts he gave us in his music .Check out his movie"The Jazz Singer ",some good songs in that one ."Love on the Rocks".
He's an amazing gift! Born in the 70s and my mom had Elvis and him on her Playlist. Fortunate to get to experience his talent. This song summarizes my life and makes everything fall into place. Try "America", "Holly Holy", "Forever in Blue Jeans", "Kentucky Woman", "Sweet Caroline", "Cracklin Rosie", "Cherry Cherry", "You Got to Me", "Soolaimon", "Beautiful Noise".
I became a fan of Neil Diamond when I was still in grade school. His voice is what captured my attention. I think it was 1969 when I was 10 years old I listened to Hot August Night and was hooked on Neil Diamond for the rest of my life. I'm 62 years old know and still his fan. Heart Light is the song I suggest for you to react to.
This was one of his very early songs, so you're right, it was 1966. His music developed - he still kept a distinctive Neil Diamond style - but this does show his earlier work well. "Kentucky Woman", "Cracklin' Rosie" and "Crunchy Granola Suite" and faster ones, more like Brother Love; "Girl You'll Be a Woman Soon" is a good example of his slower ballads.
Great song, again! You'll like Neil Diamond's "Kentucky Woman," "Cherry Cherry," and "Thank the Lord For the Nighttime," too. Thx again for the great music/reactions!
Neil has about 60 or more songs of great variety. He was known by the mid 1960’s and here are some of my favorites, America, Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie,Love on the Rocks,Hello Again,I Am I Said, Red Red Wine,Play Me, andForever In Blue Jeans!👍🏻❤️☮️🎤🎹🎼
This song was first released in 1966. I loved it right away. For some reason it didn’t make the top ten then. It was rereleased in 1970 and it was a big hit then.
The first " Hot August Night" had his early work including this song; it was a live performance album from early 70's. He had already produced his early work on audio albums. His "Jazz Singer" album had many of the songs that were in the movie of the same name.
At 3:09 is a photo of married 'tribute artists' Mike & Claire Sardina ("Lightning and Thunder"). They were the subjects of a 2008 documentary: "Song Sung Blue" ... which detailed their dogged hopefulness and joy in pursuing a joint career performing (admirably) as Neil Diamond and Patsy Cline (mostly in/around Milwaukee + the Midwest). Their endless struggle of tending to family while acting as their own managers, agents, roadies, and gig-hunters was insightfully and heartbreakingly documented (their joyful music gave vital counterbalance to the struggles and disappointments revealed in the documentary). Mike, 55, died two years before the documentary was released. I saw the doc at the Phila. Film Festival ... and recommend it for anyone curious about the psyches, dreams, and realities of pursuing a career in entertainment.
This came out in 1966 it was his first single this guy's got dozens of hits he wrote songs for other artists also like The Monkees I'm a Believer was written by him
Great review! Solitary Man is one of his many great songs. He had his first successes in the sixties but still filled huge arenas around the world at the age of 76. He sold 130 million albums and received numerous awards. One of the truly great singer-songwriters with a vast and diverse repertoire. Do a review of Holly Holy, or Brooklyn Roads, a song about his youth. Or Dry Your Eyes, or Beautiful Noise, or I Am... I Said, or... The list is endless!
He was amazing live. One of the best concerts I ever went to. I was in high school and a friend of mine and I saw him at the now defunct Capital Center near DC. Limos were lined up all the way around the curb of the building. He just had a way about him that drew you in. For many years his song "Sweet Caroline" was a theme song for the Boston Red Sox.
Love this song. The brass is primarily trombone with some trumpet as well. Another great song with a great brass section is Paul Simon’s Late in the Evening.
Sure "Cracklin' Rosie", "Shiloh", "Sweet Caroline"... But how can you forget "I Am I Said" for example. But you can also add "Song Sung Blue", "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon", "I'm a Believer", "Play Me", "Desiree", "Forever in Blue Jeans", his cover of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" as a duet with Barbra Streisand. From his unforgettable film "The Jazz Singer" , we can mention "Love on the Rocks" and "America".
@@onewxrldmusic7303 hahaha. You are so right. Except for me, "Girl, you'll be a woman soon." That one creeps me the hell out. As a girl who was hit on by way too many older guys...
@@J_Gamble Yes. We fail to realize some quotations bring up different feelings in us based on our experiences. But Neil Diamond's feelings are not predatory. Girls and boys growing up is a very natural process. But I do sympathize with you in thinking otherwise based on your experiences.
An amazing songwriter and performer. There's a great performance from Neil Diamond in the The Last Waltz film you reviewed yesterday with the Band and Bob Dylan.
Even for those who do not like Niel's recordings usually like this first recording by him . Having said that, he wrote many famous songs the were recorded by others and he is indeed a great song writer.
More of my favourite Neil Diamond songs I think you'll really love: Sweet Caroline Cracklin' Rosie Cherry, Cherry Play Me Holly Holy I Am...I Said Song Sung Blue Forever In Blue Jeans Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon Love On The Rocks September Morn Soolaimon Kentucky Woman Heart-light Hello Again Shilo Beautiful Noise Red Red Wine You Don't Bring Me Flowers (duet with Barbra Streisand)
Soolaimon, I Am I Said, Cherry Cherry, Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon, The Boat That I Row, Coming To America (You may find this one a bit more in the 'Brother Love' vein), Done Too Soon, Shilo, Love On the Rocks...The list goes on endlessly.
A lady friend called me up and said she had an extra ticket to see Neil Diamond and would I like to go. This was sometime in the 80s and she had been a big fan forever. I had my doubts but said yes anyway. So glad I went. It was one of the best music shows I've ever seen. ND's records are great but he's better in person.
Interesting one because this recording is from 1967. This became a big hit for Chris Isaaks (who sung “Wicked Game”). It was also the name of the last album from Jonny Cash titled “Solitary Man”, in tribute to Neil Diamond. You make like his original Red Red Wine, written by him and then recorded by UB40. Also you will like “Girl You’ll be a Woman Soon”, the original version by him. Which was then covered for the film Pulp Fiction. For other songs like Brother Loves, listen to Holly Holy (1976 version). Thank The Lord for the night time etc
When you mentioned last time about things being potentially controversial with Neil's other song. It really wasn't then, it would be now because the present generation is so weirdly sensitive. No one was sensitive back then, we just took things as they were and rolled with the punches of life, things were what they were, everyone was different, thought different, felt different and that was a good thing, it was a time of Sticks and Stones can hurt my bones but Names will never hurt me. Life was good. If you didn't like something back then, you just didn't listen, nowadays someone will kick up a stink if they don't like something and get it banned. Times are terrible now.
It is because we were more innocent back then, we didn't take ourselves so serious back then, things were fun, carefree, we loved our music. Now they " woke" now in otherwords, full of themselves, or full of something else, I won't mention here, anyway, great song of the 60's and beyond !
Early 70s. check out his picture on the cover of Hot August Night: jean jacket, hair down to his waist, he was a cool guy back in the day. That whole live album is excellent ('72) Also "Tap Root Manuscript" Also '72, Also whole album is incredible. He went to Africa (all of side 2) Twenty years before Paul Simon's Graceland (album of the year) Check out "Walk on Water" from his 'Moods" album. (studio versions an all)
Both Neil's are great with many awesome songs to explore! Since you brought up Mr. Neil Young I will take this chance to remind you that you are itching to get to "Helpless" live from Farm Aid 1985, "The Needle and the Damage Done", "Southern Man" and "Hey Hey My My". Don't forget!
This song has been covered by very famous singers like B.J. Thomas, Jay and the Americans, Chris Isaak, Johnny Cash, Johnny Rivers, Cliff Richard and many others as well.
Just wanted to comment that some of the photos that were shown while the song played were not Neil Diamond. I believe that some were Neil Diamond impersonators. Also, Solitary Man was released in 1966 and was from Diamond's first album.
Classic Neil Diamond songs that anyone exploring his music should listen to. Holly Holy (not live) Shiloh Cherry Cherry Solitary Man Walk on Water Cracklin’ Rose If You Know What I Mean
Neil Diamond needs to be covered far more. I don't know what you mean as controversial. In the film "The Jazz Singer" he wanted to pass as a black man. It is controversial even these days. He sang tens of Christmas songs which were controversial with the Jews because Neil Diamond is a Jew. He even had a separate Christmas album and many Christmas shows. I am sure it didn't go well with the Jewish communities singing about Jesus and giving praise.
In the early 70s I was Neil Diamond's biggest fan. He had loads of really good songs but there is something strange about him - his best work was a live recording in 1972 and it accidentally became his most famous work - the album Hot August Night. Nearly every song on that album is better than the original recording. Its seldom you can say that about an artist. Even today, its a lesson in stage performance and sound quality. The highest moments from that album were - Prologue/Crunchy Granola Suite as well as the immortalised version of Holly Holy.
You may have been thinking of the word "Diverse". Even if it was not, that is an accurate word for Neil Diamond's songs. He did not have two songs that sounded alike but most were very good or great. "Kentucky Woman" would be my recommendation for your listening.
I don't know if you can get away with it on UA-cam but the entire B side of the Tap Root Manuscript is great and should be listened to as a whole. Running time is about 20 minutes.
Johnny Cash does a great cover of this song. It was used in the next to last episode of Stargate Atlantis to great effect. Check it out if you can find the time.
That brass in the background, really make this song for me.
My favorite Neil Diamond song.
Agree
Mine as well.
My favorite Neil Diamond song...
Neil came onto the scene in 1966 with his first single "Solitary Man" recorded with "Bang Records." His next single is "Cherry Cherry." He had to retire in January 2018 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. So he has a catalog of music spanning 50 years to choose from. If you want something similar to "Brother Loves" try .. "Holy Holly" .. "Soolaimon" .. "Johnathon Livingston Seagull (FULL Soundtrack/side one)" and "Done to Soon."
"Someday Baby" .. "I've Been This Way Before" .. "Morningside" .. "I am .. I Said" .. "Girl You'll Be a Woman Soon" .. "America" .. "Love on the Rocks" .. "The Boat that I Row" .. "You Got to Me" .. "Oh No No (I Got the Feeling)" .. These selections barely scratch the surface but they present a good start. Have fun!
On June 30th 1966, Neil Diamond performed "Solitary Man" on Dick Clark's ABC-TV week-day afternoon program 'Where The Action Is'...
This appearance was five days after his national TV debut on Dick Clark's other ABC-TV program, 'American Bandstand' {See next two posts below}...
At the time of this 'Action' appearance "Solitary Man" was at position #55 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart.
my favorite Neil Diamond song is you got to me.
I love Neil Diamond. His songs are deep stories ☮️💜
Neil Diamond released "Solitary Man" in April of 1966. So yep, 1960's. This is my favorite song from him. My mother was a big fan of his, so we used to play his records all the time in the 70's -- "Cracklin' Rosie", "Cherry, Cherry", "Sweet Caroline", "Song Sung Blue"... "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" -- a duet he sang with Barbara Streisand -- went to #1 in the US charts in 1979.
A girl of the 60s this is my favorite also!
Neil Diamond "You don't bring me flowers",a duet with Barbra Streisand.
He has that type of unique singing voice ."I am I said."Sweet Caroline"."Song sung Blue".A lot of story telling songs,and just feel goid music.
Sorry he had to retire,but he knows whats best for him.
Thankful for the gifts he gave us in his music .Check out his movie"The Jazz Singer ",some good songs in that one ."Love on the Rocks".
He's an amazing gift! Born in the 70s and my mom had Elvis and him on her Playlist. Fortunate to get to experience his talent. This song summarizes my life and makes everything fall into place. Try "America", "Holly Holy", "Forever in Blue Jeans", "Kentucky Woman", "Sweet Caroline", "Cracklin Rosie", "Cherry Cherry", "You Got to Me", "Soolaimon", "Beautiful Noise".
I became a fan of Neil Diamond when I was still in grade school. His voice is what captured my attention. I think it was 1969 when I was 10 years old I listened to Hot August Night and was hooked on Neil Diamond for the rest of my life. I'm 62 years old know and still his fan. Heart Light is the song I suggest for you to react to.
What a great song. There’s no one like Neil Diamond. This was one of the songs I requested. Thanks so much for playing it.
This was one of his very early songs, so you're right, it was 1966. His music developed - he still kept a distinctive Neil Diamond style - but this does show his earlier work well. "Kentucky Woman", "Cracklin' Rosie" and "Crunchy Granola Suite" and faster ones, more like Brother Love; "Girl You'll Be a Woman Soon" is a good example of his slower ballads.
When I was a kid in the 60's I wanted to have his voice, my dad was a big fan.
Great song, again! You'll like Neil Diamond's "Kentucky Woman," "Cherry Cherry," and "Thank the Lord For the Nighttime," too. Thx again for the great music/reactions!
Neil has about 60 or more songs of great variety. He was known by the mid 1960’s and here are some of my favorites, America, Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie,Love on the Rocks,Hello Again,I Am I Said, Red Red Wine,Play Me, andForever In Blue Jeans!👍🏻❤️☮️🎤🎹🎼
Stones, my favorite song of Neil Diamonds. He has a large catalog of music. But I have my favorites, and Stones is my favorite.
This song was first released in 1966. I loved it right away. For some reason it didn’t make the top ten then. It was rereleased in 1970 and it was a big hit then.
The first " Hot August Night" had his early work including this song; it was a live performance album from early 70's. He had already produced his early work on audio albums. His "Jazz Singer" album had many of the songs that were in the movie of the same name.
Happy Birthday to the #thegreatestsingersongwriterofalltime!!! Put your hands together for the One and Only #neildiamond
At 3:09 is a photo of married 'tribute artists' Mike & Claire Sardina ("Lightning and Thunder"). They were the subjects of a 2008 documentary: "Song Sung Blue" ... which detailed their dogged hopefulness and joy in pursuing a joint career performing (admirably) as Neil Diamond and Patsy Cline (mostly in/around Milwaukee + the Midwest). Their endless struggle of tending to family while acting as their own managers, agents, roadies, and gig-hunters was insightfully and heartbreakingly documented (their joyful music gave vital counterbalance to the struggles and disappointments revealed in the documentary). Mike, 55, died two years before the documentary was released. I saw the doc at the Phila. Film Festival ... and recommend it for anyone curious about the psyches, dreams, and realities of pursuing a career in entertainment.
This came out in 1966 it was his first single this guy's got dozens of hits he wrote songs for other artists also like The Monkees I'm a Believer was written by him
Neil always put on a great show. Fantastic musicians. Great backup singers. He’s a great songwriter. It was just all so good- very professional!
Great review! Solitary Man is one of his many great songs. He had his first successes in the sixties but still filled huge arenas around the world at the age of 76. He sold 130 million albums and received numerous awards. One of the truly great singer-songwriters with a vast and diverse repertoire. Do a review of Holly Holy, or Brooklyn Roads, a song about his youth. Or Dry Your Eyes, or Beautiful Noise, or I Am... I Said, or... The list is endless!
Amazing singer,songwriter and actor. Never missed a Chicago concert. Song Sung Blue,Beautiful Noise,Story of My Life….just to name a few!🔥❤️💎
He was amazing live. One of the best concerts I ever went to. I was in high school and a friend of mine and I saw him at the now defunct Capital Center near DC. Limos were lined up all the way around the curb of the building. He just had a way about him that drew you in. For many years his song "Sweet Caroline" was a theme song for the Boston Red Sox.
Love this song. The brass is primarily trombone with some trumpet as well. Another great song with a great brass section is Paul Simon’s Late in the Evening.
I knew 2 boys in high school band who chose to play brass because of this song. 😀🙏
Cracklin' Rosie, Shiloh, Sweet Caroline are quintessential....
Sure "Cracklin' Rosie", "Shiloh", "Sweet Caroline"... But how can you forget "I Am I Said" for example. But you can also add "Song Sung Blue", "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon", "I'm a Believer", "Play Me", "Desiree", "Forever in Blue Jeans", his cover of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" as a duet with Barbra Streisand. From his unforgettable film "The Jazz Singer" , we can mention "Love on the Rocks" and "America".
@@onewxrldmusic7303 hahaha. You are so right. Except for me, "Girl, you'll be a woman soon." That one creeps me the hell out. As a girl who was hit on by way too many older guys...
@@J_Gamble Yes. We fail to realize some quotations bring up different feelings in us based on our experiences. But Neil Diamond's feelings are not predatory. Girls and boys growing up is a very natural process. But I do sympathize with you in thinking otherwise based on your experiences.
@@onewxrldmusic7303 Great list!
Three of my favourites
Bless Neil! He blessed us with a whole lot of music!
An amazing songwriter and performer. There's a great performance from Neil Diamond in the The Last Waltz film you reviewed yesterday with the Band and Bob Dylan.
This was the song that put him on the map. Still my favorite after all these years.
Even for those who do not like Niel's recordings usually like this first recording by him .
Having said that, he wrote many famous songs the were recorded by others and he is indeed a great song writer.
Agree
The most well known hit of Neil Diamond's is "Sweet Caroline"!
This is Neil's absolutely his best song to me, a girl of the 60s!
Sounds like a French Horn is in there I love that Sound!!!!!
Neil became hugely popular in the 60s .. this song got lots of AM air play
More of my favourite Neil Diamond songs I think you'll really love:
Sweet Caroline
Cracklin' Rosie
Cherry, Cherry
Play Me
Holly Holy
I Am...I Said
Song Sung Blue
Forever In Blue Jeans
Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon
Love On The Rocks
September Morn
Soolaimon
Kentucky Woman
Heart-light
Hello Again
Shilo
Beautiful Noise
Red Red Wine
You Don't Bring Me Flowers (duet with Barbra Streisand)
One of my favorite songs from him thanks...
Soolaimon, I Am I Said, Cherry Cherry, Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon, The Boat That I Row, Coming To America (You may find this one a bit more in the 'Brother Love' vein), Done Too Soon, Shilo, Love On the Rocks...The list goes on endlessly.
You’ll want to listen to his live version of Play Me with Shirley Bassey and I Am I Said.
and Kentucky Woman, deep purple did a cover also which rocks.
One of the most prolific artists of all time.
‘Cherry, Cherry” 🍒
“I am I Said”
“Love On The Rocks”
I could go on all day...
Neil Diamond's "Girl, you'll be a woman soon." Someone covered this in the Movie, Pulp Fiction, but the original by Neil is better.
Urge Overkill did the cover on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack, it’s pretty good but they’re definitely no Neil Diamond lol
Agree second best is Sweet Caroline then Red Red Wine
Holy Holly is what you are thinking about
Holly Holy
Holly Holy ! 🤦🏼♀️😂
A lady friend called me up and said she had an extra ticket to see Neil Diamond and would I like to go. This was sometime in the 80s and she had been a big fan forever. I had my doubts but said yes anyway. So glad I went. It was one of the best music shows I've ever seen. ND's records are great but he's better in person.
Interesting one because this recording is from 1967. This became a big hit for Chris Isaaks (who sung “Wicked Game”). It was also the name of the last album from Jonny Cash titled “Solitary Man”, in tribute to Neil Diamond.
You make like his original Red Red Wine, written by him and then recorded by UB40.
Also you will like “Girl You’ll be a Woman Soon”, the original version by him. Which was then covered for the film Pulp Fiction.
For other songs like Brother Loves, listen to Holly Holy (1976 version). Thank The Lord for the night time etc
When you mentioned last time about things being potentially controversial with Neil's other song. It really wasn't then, it would be now because the present generation is so weirdly sensitive. No one was sensitive back then, we just took things as they were and rolled with the punches of life, things were what they were, everyone was different, thought different, felt different and that was a good thing, it was a time of Sticks and Stones can hurt my bones but Names will never hurt me. Life was good. If you didn't like something back then, you just didn't listen, nowadays someone will kick up a stink if they don't like something and get it banned. Times are terrible now.
It is because we were more innocent back then, we didn't take ourselves so serious back then, things were fun, carefree, we loved our music. Now they " woke" now in otherwords, full of themselves, or full of something else, I won't mention here, anyway, great song of the 60's and beyond !
This is Neil Diamond's first hit!
Early 70s. check out his picture on the cover of Hot August Night: jean jacket, hair down to his waist, he was a cool guy back in the day. That whole live album is excellent ('72) Also "Tap Root Manuscript" Also '72, Also whole album is incredible. He went to Africa (all of side 2) Twenty years before Paul Simon's Graceland (album of the year) Check out "Walk on Water" from his 'Moods" album. (studio versions an all)
Goosebumps at the first words...A GEM! 🎉❤🎉
Don't be afraid of live performances, he sounds even better live. Intro,c Granola Suite or Cherry, Cherry off of the Hot August Night live album '71'.
I just love the horns in the song. I don’t know of any other like it.
My favorite ND song.
Two of the songs I know that have the same flavour as Salvation show are Thank the Lord for the Nighttime, and Holly Holy.
I'm with you on the horns. They really add something special to the song.
Yes great
“I am I Said”
My favorite Neil Dimond song
I love this song 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽
Incredible song writer with a great voice to go with all that writing talent.
Both Neil's are great with many awesome songs to explore! Since you brought up Mr. Neil Young I will take this chance to remind you that you are itching to get to "Helpless" live from Farm Aid 1985, "The Needle and the Damage Done", "Southern Man" and "Hey Hey My My". Don't forget!
IMO, his best song. He's written some truly great songs, and Sweet Caroline is still played constantly. But this is my favorite.
This song has been covered by very famous singers like B.J. Thomas, Jay and the Americans, Chris Isaak, Johnny Cash, Johnny Rivers, Cliff Richard and many others as well.
Neil Diamond controversial? Vanilla icecream controversial?
Yes! Love some trumpet!!❤😎❤
he was married 4 times. and wrote many hits for many different artists before he became big in 1966.
He has been married three times, not four. He died have two daughters and two sons & eight grandkids.
Have you reacted to Chris Issak yet? He does an excellent version of Solitary Man. Well worth a listen
☮️💜. His 1st hit was Solitary Man, 1966
Just wanted to comment that some of the photos that were shown while the song played were not Neil Diamond. I believe that some were Neil Diamond impersonators. Also, Solitary Man was released in 1966 and was from Diamond's first album.
Do the studio version of "Cracklin' Rose", and "Holly Holy" from the Hot August Night album. The studio version of "Play Me" is a great mellow song.
Great singer, song writer
Love all his music 🎶 my favorite video of his ' America 🇺🇸
Classic Neil Diamond songs that anyone exploring his music should listen to.
Holly Holy (not live)
Shiloh
Cherry Cherry
Solitary Man
Walk on Water
Cracklin’ Rose
If You Know What I Mean
love the trombone in this song
Neil Diamond needs to be covered far more. I don't know what you mean as controversial. In the film "The Jazz Singer" he wanted to pass as a black man. It is controversial even these days. He sang tens of Christmas songs which were controversial with the Jews because Neil Diamond is a Jew. He even had a separate Christmas album and many Christmas shows. I am sure it didn't go well with the Jewish communities singing about Jesus and giving praise.
In the early 70s I was Neil Diamond's biggest fan. He had loads of really good songs but there is something strange about him - his best work was a live recording in 1972 and it accidentally became his most famous work - the album Hot August Night. Nearly every song on that album is better than the original recording. Its seldom you can say that about an artist. Even today, its a lesson in stage performance and sound quality. The highest moments from that album were - Prologue/Crunchy Granola Suite as well as the immortalised version of Holly Holy.
One of his best/my favorites: "I am I Said". You might want t check out John Denver: "Sunshine in My Shoulders"
You're on point, Chod! 1966
The horns!
I like one of his early hits thank the lord for the nighttime
You may have been thinking of the word "Diverse". Even if it was not, that is an accurate word for Neil Diamond's songs. He did not have two songs that sounded alike but most were very good or great. "Kentucky Woman" would be my recommendation for your listening.
Thank The Lord For The NIght Time is one that will get your toes tappin'. Arond the same time that Solitary Man came out.
I am not well versed in brass but it sounds like a French horn in the mix.
Great fast Song!
Red, Red, Wine by Neil Diamond.
Thank you for doing his studio work. I love his records and voice, but never cared for his sing-talk during his concerts.
Neil Diamond/Walk On Water studio version
Cracklin' Rose is my favorite of Neil's.
Any time Anyone gets into Neil is cool
He's a great song writer.
MASTER story teller .
solitary man was neil`s first release in 1970
No. 1966 was the first lease. It was rereleased in 1970.
check out.. The Grass Will Pay No Mind.. Neil Diamond
Chris Isaak does a great cover of this song. I love both equally but for two completely different reasons.
I don't know if you can get away with it on UA-cam but the entire B side of the Tap Root Manuscript is great and should be listened to as a whole. Running time is about 20 minutes.
Try Kentucky Woman, Soolaimon, and Cherry, Cherry. Nice reaction.
Sweet Caroline and Coming To America.
Johnny Cash does a great cover of this song. It was used in the next to last episode of Stargate Atlantis to great effect. Check it out if you can find the time.
1967. He will be 82 this year
The Johnny Cash cover of this song is great 👍
I Am I Said!
60s = Stars. No 2 songs the same...