Album Description With the recent release of his exceptional 'comeback' album, 12 Songs, Neil Diamond's musical career is receiving a much needed reappraisal from critics and fans alike. His songwriting skills and commercial popularity were at an ultimate high during his stint with UNI during the first half of the '70s, which this 21 track compilation focuses on. Some of his finest songs are here including the hits 'Play Me', 'Holly Holy', 'Sweet Caroline', 'Cracklin' Rosie', 'Stones' and 'I Am...I Said'. Also features some more obscure tracks that are equally impressive ('And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind', 'Coldwater Morning' and 'Walk On Water') plus his impressive covers of 'He Ain't Heavy...He's My Brother' and 'Mr. Bojangles' and more. Relive the magic. Universal. 2007.
Customer Reviews:
Canadian MagicJanuary 16, 2004 Benjamin Seldon(Sydney, NSW Australia) 6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I found this Canadian compilation while I was travelling through the Canadian Rockies in a rented car. I put it in the CD player and didn't take it out for the thousands of miles we drove to Ontario. It sent my wife insane but I was and have been ever since delighted with it. Those who are familiar with Neil's music will probably choose a compliation based on thier musical preferences. For me, while it does contain some of the more 'popular' tracks like 'Sweet Caroline', the inclusion of 'coldwater morning' and 'Mr Bojangles' here sets it apart from other 'hits' packages. 'Coldwater Morning' is a Neil Diamond classic; beautiful and haunting as his best music is. 'Canta Libre', 'Stones' and other well known tracks make this set priceless. The 3 live tracks, so earnestly disparaged in another review, fail to detract from the overall impact of the set. 'Solitary man (live)' would probably be no ones' preferred recording of this track but the sound recording is nonetheless clear and crisp. Furthermore, assuming such things mean anything to anyone, the arrangement of songs is insightful and rewarding. The mood and tone of the songs flow seamlessly into each other.' I am...I said' should really never be anywhere but at the end of a disc. It lends the collection a perfect sense of closure. There is not a weak track track in the collection. Purchasing this CD was a seminal moment in my understanding of and developing admiration for this man's music. If you want a disc to start with or even something to throw in and leave in the car then seriously consider this. If not, you might also consider looking at the 'UK Import' with 20 tracks. The balance here is better, however, in my opinion.
Don't buy it if you hate live music!!!December 10, 2003 Sally J. Harper(Winter Springs, FL United States) 4 out of 6 found this review helpful
I wish I had been warned that tracks 8,9 and 10 were recorded live in concert. Ugh, I hate that! So consider yourselves warned!
FantasticJanuary 29, 2001 Tom from Winnipeg 7 out of 7 found this review helpful
This is a great collection of Neil Diamond's best, with "Sweet Caroline", "Cracklin' Rosie", and "He ain't Heavy" (my personal favorites). With so many collection cd's of his music available, it's a tough decision to make. I love every song on the album, never skip a track, and am completely satisfied. Diamond is one of the greatest singer/songwriters of the 20th century, and any great music collection should have a sampling of his best. 20 Golden Greats is the perfect choice.
