Diamond has won a GRAMMY Award, a Golden Globe Award, the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor. He was also inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall Of Fame (in 1984). The guy has sold millions of albums and written songs for other groups and singers. Sadly, he has Parkinson's disease.
There's something powerful when a man declares "I am". But no one heard him, not even the chair. There's a live version that is very powerful. Love your reactions.
Neil Diamond is such a great artist. I couldn’t listen to him for so many years after my dad died cause he was a huge fan and Neil’s music would be playing in the morning before school while we ate breakfast. It was also because Neil and my dad shared some similar facial features. Back in 1986 he did a tv movie called “Neil Diamond…..Hello Again” it’s definitely worth watching it’s on UA-cam. It has Stevie Wonder, Carol Burnett and other stars. He released an album in 2008 called “Home Before Dark” that has a single on it “If I Don’t See You Again”. Such a great song. Producer Rick Rubin who worked with Johnny Cash at the end of his career worked with Neil and kind of helped breathe some life into his career. Sadly Neil can’t tour anymore cause he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and in 2018 had to stop touring. He also did a movie called “The Jazz Singer”. It earned him the first Razzie and he never took a role like that again. It’s about a Jewish guy who wants to sing but his dad who runs a synagogue and gets mad when he finds out he’s not using his voice for church and God. It was a decent movie. There was a news article years ago that said before he recorded a Christmas album he needed to ask his grandma for permission since being Jewish they don’t celebrate Christmas. His grandma said with a voice like that it would be a crime not to sing. It was not that he needed her permission but he respected her and basically wanted to get her approval.
I weep openly when I hear Neil Diamond sing. His songs, their lyrics, melodies, how he emotes resonate deep into my soul. I've seen him in concert over a dozen times.
Neil Diamond is the best! If it has been a while since I've listened to his music, I always feel like I'm coming home when I listen again. I recommend his live album Hot August Night, one of the best live albums ever.
This for me is his greatest song and like many fans there are many great songs. I agree it is epic and the compositionand and build up to the emotional I am i cried is personal for i believe for Neil Diamond and people of this world. Trying to find the light and avoid the darkness but knowing that darkness is part of life as well as happiness. To think that Neil Diamond doubted he was good enough!!. None better than Neil Diamond
I am old enough that I remember when this song came out. At that time my family had just moved away from my childhood home. I was living in a new town, trying to meet new friends, so the first verse of this song really touched me. Now it brings me back to how I felt at that time. I am 66 now I was 14 then. If you ant to eplore a little more of Neil, I suggest his duet with Barbara Streisand, live from the Grammy Awards - "You Don't Bring Me Flowers"
One of my favorite singer songwriters spanning many decades. He had tons of hit songs. "I Am, I Said" is one of my favorite songs by Neil. It is almost an autobiography of his life & fame. He wrote the song "I'm A Believer" which became a big hit for the Monkees in 1966. Other great songs are "Cherry, Cherry", "Kentucky Woman", "Red Red Wine", "Solitary Man", "Holly Holy", "Cracklin' Rosie", "Song Sung Blue", "Longfellow Serenade", "Desirée", "Forever In Blue Jeans", "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" etc.
Things that you think you want out of life always are not what you need. One thing for sure, the man is a hell of a songwriter. He captures the feelings perfectly! Thank you for giving this wonderful song some airtime. Again thanks, Shawn.
Saw Neil play this song during a concert in the early '70s in Portland, Oregon. A wonderful singer, songwriter and actor, he also played the lead in the '80s remake of The Jazz Singer.
This song is so relatable to all of us at one time or another in our lives. That last line - leaving me lonely . . . still - hits us in the feels. There's a great, intimate (even though it's in front of a live audience) interview where he tells the story of how this song came to be. Search for "Neil Diamond The Late Late Show RTE Ireland"
In those online games that say, "Name one line from a song that everyone knows.", I always use the line, "Did you ever read about a frog who dreamed of being a King..... And then became one." Most everyone always knows it. Thanks for the review, Shawn.... enjoyed it. Take care and be well. Peace.
Neil Diamond is the only artist who, in my opinion, has it all: The voice, the looks, the music and lyrics, the depth of some songs but also the joy of other songs, the charisma as a live performer... One of the greatest singer-songwriters and performers ever. Also listen to Solitary Man and Holly Holy, some of his early songs, but even late in his career he penned the most beautiful songs like Hell Yeah (the live version of 2008 is epic! Hell Yeah is Neil's personal My Way) or Pretty Amazing Grace.
I worked for a moving company in L.A. And had a job to remove a sofa from Neil’s managers house who used to be Shirley Temple’s house. The house next door was her guest house. So his manager gave me Neil’s Moods album. This was in the later 70’s.
Saw him in concert in the mid-80s and it was amazing. I was a fan going in but came out a mega fan. What a performance! Thanks for this, brought back a fond memory.😍
One day I might have the courage to embarrass myself behind a Karaoke mic lol. I used to be able to when I was on deployments and had quite a few drinks in me
Saw a documentary about Neil 2 - 3 weeks ago. It said the song was pretty biographical.. he'd started out as a songwriter in NY, tin pan ally, when he had a hit ( - Cherry Cherry ?) He was pressured to repeat the formulae, he wanted to develop and write other stuff. Hence he fled to California. He had the freedom, but he felt homesick. He's a brilliant songwriter and a great performer. Try listening to his Done too soon. I think you'll find it interesting.
I love your channel for the way you react thoughtfully, but then go to the source of the writing to explore the lyrics and the writer. It has broadened my appreciation of MY music. I'm a boomer... and I feel so honored to have seen many of these great artists in concert. We thought this music would go on forever, but we couldn't have been more wrong. Thanks for helping to save this wonderful music from the dust bin.
If you want to take the road less traveled in Neil Diamond, first do a full-album reaction to "Johnathan Livingston Seagull" and then do a movie reaction to "Jazz Singer". Neil stars in "Jazz Singer" and sings several songs that became popular, and "JLS" is an amazing full-length album composition.... of course, you can always review any song on "Beautiful Noise" for a completely different Neil Diamond sound.....
Loved your reaction and comments Shawn! 🙂 A couple more songs out of many… “Cracklin’ Rosie” “Cherry Cherry” “You got to me.” Thank u for your channel! 🙂
❤❤❤ You should find his live version of "America". Other great songs are "Forever In Blue Jeans", "Song Sung Blue", "Love On The Rocks", "Cracklin' Rosie", "Holly Holy" and "Longfellow Serenade".
The first time I watched your reaction video I subscribed because of your gift of insight to the lyric and music, and this time is no exception. Great work!
He wrote “If you know what I mean” “Yes I Will” “Be” - Jonathan Livingston Seagull. “Brother Loves Travelling Salvation Show”… “September Morn” “Love on the Rocks” “Hello Again” “I’m a Believer” “Solitary Man” “Girl you’ll be a woman soon”…
the first song i heard by neil was 'solitary man' and it was his debut single in 1966. i was 13 then - one listen and i was hooked by it. so naturally the next day after jr. high i went to the local record store - melody corner in northampton, mass. the only record shop in town - and snapped up the single at a whopping 79 cents. still is my favorite neil song to this day even though he's had so many hits. here's the original from his channel - pay attention to the horns - they make the song even better : ua-cam.com/video/yLilTP5WAU0/v-deo.html
I was wondering if he was getting “Shiloh” confused with “Shannon” by Henry Gross, which was about Carl Wilson’s (Beach Boys) dog that had recently died. It’s such a beautiful song.
Its been said...if you dont have Christ Jesus you will never be truly fulfilled, no matter the accomplishments...hope N. Diamond being jewish finds Jesus...really liked your reaction...you are spot on with the interpretation..subscribed
There is a huge problem with Neil Diamond. He's got far too many really amazing tracks. You're about to be buried in suggestions and they'll be all different. They are all correct.
Diamond has won a GRAMMY Award, a Golden Globe Award, the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor. He was also inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall Of Fame (in 1984). The guy has sold millions of albums and written songs for other groups and singers. Sadly, he has Parkinson's disease.
Great song. Neil Diamond is a legend ❤
Epic is the right word
There's something powerful when a man declares "I am". But no one heard him, not even the chair. There's a live version that is very powerful. Love your reactions.
Neil Diamond:
“ BROTHER LOVES TRAVELING SALVATION SHOW”
gotta check out that one , about a gospel revival, preacher!!
Always been one of my fave Neil Diamond songs all these decades.
"I am I cry, but no one heard, not even the chair,....leaving me lonely still". The way he sings those lyrics in this song touches me in such a way.
Neil Diamond is such a great artist. I couldn’t listen to him for so many years after my dad died cause he was a huge fan and Neil’s music would be playing in the morning before school while we ate breakfast. It was also because Neil and my dad shared some similar facial features. Back in 1986 he did a tv movie called “Neil Diamond…..Hello Again” it’s definitely worth watching it’s on UA-cam. It has Stevie Wonder, Carol Burnett and other stars. He released an album in 2008 called “Home Before Dark” that has a single on it “If I Don’t See You Again”. Such a great song. Producer Rick Rubin who worked with Johnny Cash at the end of his career worked with Neil and kind of helped breathe some life into his career. Sadly Neil can’t tour anymore cause he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and in 2018 had to stop touring. He also did a movie called “The Jazz Singer”. It earned him the first Razzie and he never took a role like that again. It’s about a Jewish guy who wants to sing but his dad who runs a synagogue and gets mad when he finds out he’s not using his voice for church and God. It was a decent movie. There was a news article years ago that said before he recorded a Christmas album he needed to ask his grandma for permission since being Jewish they don’t celebrate Christmas. His grandma said with a voice like that it would be a crime not to sing. It was not that he needed her permission but he respected her and basically wanted to get her approval.
FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS is another great song by Neil Diamond
I weep openly when I hear Neil Diamond sing. His songs, their lyrics, melodies, how he emotes resonate deep into my soul. I've seen him in concert over a dozen times.
This was always my favorite Neil Diamond song. Reminds me of driving in the back of my parent’s car in the 70’s 🥲
My favorite Neil Diamond song
Mine tooooo!!!!!
So glad to see someone appreciate Neil Diamond. He was huge in the 60’s-70’s.
Neil Diamond is the best! If it has been a while since I've listened to his music, I always feel like I'm coming home when I listen again. I recommend his live album Hot August Night, one of the best live albums ever.
An epic song about finding your place and purpose in life.
This for me is his greatest song and like many fans there are many great songs. I agree it is epic and the compositionand and build up to the emotional I am i cried is personal for i believe for Neil Diamond and people of this world. Trying to find the light and avoid the darkness but knowing that darkness is part of life as well as happiness. To think that Neil Diamond doubted he was good enough!!. None better than Neil Diamond
Picture it, America, Summertime 1971 and playing on the radio "I am I Said" by Neil Diamond. Priceless 🤗 ⚾
I am old enough that I remember when this song came out. At that time my family had just moved away from my childhood home. I was living in a new town, trying to meet new friends, so the first verse of this song really touched me. Now it brings me back to how I felt at that time. I am 66 now I was 14 then. If you ant to eplore a little more of Neil, I suggest his duet with Barbara Streisand, live from the Grammy Awards - "You Don't Bring Me Flowers"
Neil is epic.
And we never know what someone else has gone through.
That's why it's important to always be kind.
Easily my favourite Neil Diamond song. Second place probably goes to “Solitary Man.”
Neil Diamond is one of the great American singer-songwriters. He's done some AMAZING stuff!
My sweet granddaddy loved Neil Diamond so much, especially this song. I can’t hear this without thinking about him. ❤️ He’s been gone for 22 years.
Neil is one of my all time favorites. He was going through, what he called, the sophomore dull drums. My favorite song of his is, Coming To America.
One of my favorite singer songwriters spanning many decades. He had tons of hit songs. "I Am, I Said" is one of my favorite songs by Neil. It is almost an autobiography of his life & fame. He wrote the song "I'm A Believer" which became a big hit for the Monkees in 1966. Other great songs are "Cherry, Cherry", "Kentucky Woman", "Red Red Wine", "Solitary Man", "Holly Holy", "Cracklin' Rosie", "Song Sung Blue", "Longfellow Serenade", "Desirée", "Forever In Blue Jeans", "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" etc.
This tune, and "Solitary Man" are my two favorites of his.
Things that you think you want out of life always are not what you need. One thing for sure, the man is a hell of a songwriter. He captures the feelings perfectly! Thank you for giving this wonderful song some airtime. Again thanks, Shawn.
Speaking of tear up, he has another song that could tear you up more. Please react to his "the story of my life" song. Its also a very powerful song.
Saw Neil play this song during a concert in the early '70s in Portland, Oregon. A wonderful singer, songwriter and actor, he also played the lead in the '80s remake of The Jazz Singer.
My favorite of Neil, from my Mom. It's amazing! listen to those words!!!!!
This song is so relatable to all of us at one time or another in our lives. That last line - leaving me lonely . . . still - hits us in the feels. There's a great, intimate (even though it's in front of a live audience) interview where he tells the story of how this song came to be. Search for "Neil Diamond The Late Late Show RTE Ireland"
My very favorite Neil Diamond song
In those online games that say, "Name one line from a song that everyone knows.", I always use the line, "Did you ever read about a frog who dreamed of being a King..... And then became one." Most everyone always knows it. Thanks for the review, Shawn.... enjoyed it. Take care and be well. Peace.
I don’t think he is given enough credit for his song writing.
Neil Diamond is the only artist who, in my opinion, has it all: The voice, the looks, the music and lyrics, the depth of some songs but also the joy of other songs, the charisma as a live performer... One of the greatest singer-songwriters and performers ever. Also listen to Solitary Man and Holly Holy, some of his early songs, but even late in his career he penned the most beautiful songs like Hell Yeah (the live version of 2008 is epic! Hell Yeah is Neil's personal My Way) or Pretty Amazing Grace.
I worked for a moving company in L.A. And had a job to remove a sofa from Neil’s managers house who used to be Shirley Temple’s house. The house next door was her guest house. So his manager gave me Neil’s Moods album. This was in the later 70’s.
"Bro, this is epic".
I have nothing to add to that. So true.
Saw him in concert in the mid-80s and it was amazing. I was a fan going in but came out a mega fan. What a performance! Thanks for this, brought back a fond memory.😍
One of my favourite songs of all time. It ALWAYS brings tears to my eyes. I can relate to this!!!!
Hey Shawn...read my mind. Was going to request this song down the road. One of my favorites of all time, and my go to karaoke song
One day I might have the courage to embarrass myself behind a Karaoke mic lol. I used to be able to when I was on deployments and had quite a few drinks in me
Saw a documentary about Neil 2 - 3 weeks ago. It said the song was pretty biographical.. he'd started out as a songwriter in NY, tin pan ally, when he had a hit ( - Cherry Cherry ?) He was pressured to repeat the formulae, he wanted to develop and write other stuff. Hence he fled to California. He had the freedom, but he felt homesick.
He's a brilliant songwriter and a great performer. Try listening to his Done too soon. I think you'll find it interesting.
My favorite song of his ❤
My favorite of his
Hey Shawn, Love this song one of my favorites, Holly Holy and Love on the Rocks, two other great songs, he had so many.
I used to drive the DJ crazy, calling in and requesting this song, when it first came out. 😇😇😇😇😇
I love your channel for the way you react thoughtfully, but then go to the source of the writing to explore the lyrics and the writer. It has broadened my appreciation of MY music. I'm a boomer... and I feel so honored to have seen many of these great artists in concert. We thought this music would go on forever, but we couldn't have been more wrong. Thanks for helping to save this wonderful music from the dust bin.
Another beautiful song from Neil in this era is "Morningside". There are some great live versions, but I prefer the original studio recording.
You also did his very first song, a cover version of Cyrkle's "Red Rubber Ball" written by Paul Simon.
If you want to take the road less traveled in Neil Diamond, first do a full-album reaction to "Johnathan Livingston Seagull" and then do a movie reaction to "Jazz Singer". Neil stars in "Jazz Singer" and sings several songs that became popular, and "JLS" is an amazing full-length album composition.... of course, you can always review any song on "Beautiful Noise" for a completely different Neil Diamond sound.....
Neil's songs, epically the ones early in his career, always hit me very emotional.
One of the best lyrical songs, ever.
Shawn … you’re so beautifully honest
Loved your reaction and comments Shawn! 🙂 A couple more songs out of many… “Cracklin’ Rosie” “Cherry Cherry” “You got to me.” Thank u for your channel! 🙂
Bro I enjoy your reactions to older classic music cause you get it
Thanks Shawn for the reaction!! What hit me hard in this song is that he no longer had a real home. I know how he felt!!
His Tap Root Manuscript is my favorite album of his to me the whole thing is a masterpiece.
Epic indeed!!
Solitary Man and Holly Holy are two of my favorites.
❤❤❤ You should find his live version of "America". Other great songs are "Forever In Blue Jeans", "Song Sung Blue", "Love On The Rocks", "Cracklin' Rosie", "Holly Holy" and "Longfellow Serenade".
The first time I watched your reaction video I subscribed because of your gift of insight to the lyric and music, and this time is no exception. Great work!
He wrote “If you know what I mean” “Yes I Will” “Be” - Jonathan Livingston Seagull. “Brother Loves Travelling Salvation Show”… “September Morn” “Love on the Rocks” “Hello Again” “I’m a Believer” “Solitary Man” “Girl you’ll be a woman soon”…
Quoting a John Hiatt song: "...trying to fill up the hole in my soul, but nothin' fits there."
This is my song! This is the song of my life.
the first song i heard by neil was 'solitary man' and it was his debut single in 1966. i was 13 then - one listen and i was hooked by it. so naturally the next day after jr. high i went to the local record store - melody corner in northampton, mass. the only record shop in town - and snapped up the single at a whopping 79 cents. still is my favorite neil song to this day even though he's had so many hits. here's the original from his channel - pay attention to the horns - they make the song even better : ua-cam.com/video/yLilTP5WAU0/v-deo.html
"Solitary Man" is another instrospective ND song.
Great storytelling,my fav Morningside.😂😂😂😉⏰
❤❤❤❤❤
Great react to a great song… keep’em coming!!
You really understood him.
This was Muhammad Ali's favorite song. There is a clip where he asks Neil diamond to sing it for him
I heard that Neil said it was autobiographical…
♥♥♥
MY AUNT AND UNCLE USED TO LIVE ACROSS THE STREET FROM HIM LOL// RENTS ARENT LOW !!!!!
I believe shiloh was about his imiginary friend growing up...
I was wondering if he was getting “Shiloh” confused with “Shannon” by Henry Gross, which was about Carl Wilson’s (Beach Boys) dog that had recently died. It’s such a beautiful song.
@@terri2494 I could be wrong. Love the song either way...
@@NCthorn No, I think you’re right. Shiloh was Neil’s imaginary friend and Shannon was Carl Wilson’s dog that died.
And I love both songs.
You should watch the live version.
Try Brooklyn Roads and Beautiful Noise
When Neil lived in Malibu he called the police and complained his neighbors party was too loud .
Finding a way to help others will fill a lot of holes, just saying. Your life will have meaning and purpose. You had a reason to be here.
☮️💙💙💙🔥🔥😎
You should listen to his fun song Front tooth kissing that's Fine for Kissing on his Hot August Night live concert album
Poor Neil...in the throes of dementia.
Check out "Hot August Night" Loves Traveling Salvation Show Double Award winning album!!
There is a TV commercial using this song, for the new Volkswagen car. Just saying.
"and rents are low". Not anymore, still a beautiful song though!
I would love you to take time out and listen to a track called Way back When by a band called Kodaline
Its been said...if you dont have Christ Jesus you will never be truly fulfilled, no matter the accomplishments...hope N. Diamond being jewish finds Jesus...really liked your reaction...you are spot on with the interpretation..subscribed
Cracklin' Rosie?
There is a huge problem with Neil Diamond. He's got far too many really amazing tracks. You're about to be buried in suggestions and they'll be all different. They are all correct.
Please, never mention Eminem in the same breath as Neil Diamond.
🤦♂️