Product Reviews12 Songs by Neil Diamond (CD, Nov-2005, Columbia (USA))

12 Songs

Neil Diamond pairs with producer Rick Rubin
Def American founder, legendary producer Rick Rubin, has turned his talents to reinventing Neil Diamond.

Rubin, who has produced Red Hot Chili Peppers and AC/DC, has produced '12 Songs', the new album for Neil Diamond.

Rubin was responsible for putting Johnny Cash in the studio for his final four albums and teaming him with musicians such as Flea from the Chili Peppers and Tom Petty's Heartbreakers and introducing the country legend to songwriters like Nick Cave and Trent Reznor. The results are considered some of cash's best ever work.

Diamond's album features all original songs. "Most of the songs were recorded with Neil playing and singing at the same time," Rick Rubin told Rolling Stone, "and it's a different animal. It's taking him back to being more of a singer-songwriter. He really blows me away."

The track listing for 12 Songs is: "Oh Mary," "Hell Yeah," "Captain of a Shipwreck," "Evermore," "Save Me A Saturday Night," "Delirious Love," "I'm On To You," "What's It Gonna Be," "Man of God," "Create Me," "Face Me," and "We." A special digipak edition of 12 Songs will feature two bonus tracks: "Men Are So Easy" and an alternate version of "Delirious Love" with guest artist Brian Wilson.
Rick Rubin
The co-founder of the legendary Def Jam label, producer Rick Rubin was among the key figures behind the commercial and artistic rise of hip-hop, lending his signature rap/metal style to many of the biggest records of the pre-gangsta era. Born Frederick Jay Rubin on Long Island, NY, in 1963, he was attending New York University when he and Russell Simmons founded Def Jam in 1984. Operating the company out of Rubin's dorm room, they bowed with the T La Rock and Jazzy Jay single "It's Yours," issued in association with Partytime/Streetwise. By 1985 Def Jam entered into a distribution deal with Columbia, and the label also produced its own rap movie, Krush Groove; however, even from the outset, Rubin's interests extended well beyond hip-hop, and he raised more than a few eyebrows producing Hell Awaits for the thrash band Slayer later that same year.

Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond is a giant of the concert business. He was the No. 1 solo touring artist of the 1990s, grossing $182 million from 461 shows, according to Billboard Boxscore. Diamond`s last full outing, the 117-date Three Penny Opera world tour in 2001-2002, grossed $88.6 million and drew more than 1.5 million people.

Neil Diamond (born Neil Leslie Diamond on January 24, 1941) is an American singer/songwriter who had a number of hits in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, and who maintains a very loyal following with popular live performances to this day.

Diamond was born and raised in Brooklyn, attending high school with Barbra Streisand (and singing with her in the school choir). He learned to play guitar after receiving one as a gift on his 16th birthday.Read full review...

No Fanfare,No Fireworks, No Silly Artwork-Just 12 Songs

I bought 12 SONGS because--well, hey, it's NEIL DIAMOND! I did see him perform the Song "I'm On To You" on a talk show...He's still got "IT". Pure and Simple. I'm at an odd point in my life...and "What's It Gonna Be" reminded me that I'm at a point when I NEED to make a choice. "We" reminded me that it's not just about me. "Delirious Love" and "Save Me a Saturday Night" remind me that love is still possible, even at this stage of my life. "Face Me" encouraged me to face myself in the mirror, and face another person in my life at this time honestly.
12 SONGS may hit others in a different way, but right now, it's where my life IS, and the direction I need to look toward. This album hit me very personally right now, and I love every song on it. Neil Diamond has never disappointed me with his music, or his performance. I have seen him in concert, and the amazing thing is, he has the same people with him on stage that were there 20 years ago, which to me says a lot about his character. I don't know many performers who can make that claim, so I think it's pretty awesome.
Neil Diamond can still make a woman cry with his beautiful words, and his warm, sincere voice. I don't know if that will encourage a man to buy this album, but if nothing else, buy it for your lady---be it your wife, girlfriend, or significant other.Read full review...

12 Songs - Neil Diamond

This album is all about who Neil Diamond has grown into as a man. The album is a verbal photo album of his life, it tells us where he's been, where he believes he is and where he's going. And, all with the same grace and heartfelt love he's put into everything he's ever written or sung.

I have all of his albums and have seen him numerous times, in concert. Those times when we were all on our feet, singing before he even had his guitar ready. This album is a love song back to those of us who've loved his music for so long.

It resonates with love and longing and hope and is one of the best pieces of work he's ever produced.Read full review...

What I call a great purchase!

What a great LP.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: second.sale

"12 SONGS" NEIL DIAMOND

Neil Diamond is a wonderful singer and this CD really brought that out as he did not have his orchestra accompanying him. It felt as if he was playing to an audience of one. I really love it!

12 Songs - Diamnd, Neil (CD 2005)

I was pleased to get this Neil Diamond CD. It had one song that I really wanted but did not want to pay the full price in the store for the CD. I got it on Ebay at a fraction of the original price and am very happy about the purchase.Read full review...

12 Songs by Neil Diamond

Can'g believe I didn't know about this CD...It is great, really good songs. I bought it after seeing ND in concert and hearing songs from this CD.

Neil Diamond -12 songs

I just wanted to know what age has done to Neil and I found out he's become older with dignity.
12 songs is a good work, similar to some he's done long ago.