Neil Diamond All Time Greatest Hits

Although it could be argued that Capitol Record Companies reissues and repackages of Diamond's catalogue could have been better handled -- remaster old titles BEFORE reissuing; and when you put out a greatest hits package, do it RIGHT the first time -- it's hard to argue with the fact that even MORE Diamond hits (it's a TWO DISC SET) makes for an even BETTER all-time greatest hits collection.And since the charge for eighteen -- count'em EIGHTEEN MORE TUNES! -- is only $7, it's a good deal!All 23 of the hits on the original pack are still here: "Cracklin' Rosie", "Cherry, Cherry", "Forever in Blue Jeans", "I'm a Believer", Beautiful Noise", "America", "Soolaimon", "Sept. Morn", etc.What's been added are both essential hits that should have been part of the original package, unusual but well-loved hits and favorites, as well as more recent songs/hits that are already becoming classics. The eighteen extras, for those who want a quick list:"Brooklyn Roads", "Glory Road", "And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind", "Cruncy Granola Suite", "Stones", "Done Too Soon", "You Got to Me", "Longfellow Serenade", "I've Been This Way Before", "Desiree", "We", "Yesterday's Songs", "Heartlight", "Pretty Amazing Grace", "The Boat That I Row", "Thank the Lord for the Nighttime", "Hell Yeah", "If You Know What I Mean" and, for good measure, "Something Blue" (a song off his new, VERY listenable, album "Melody Road").The older songs from the "Bang" label years ("You Got to Me", "...Boat...", "Thank the Lord...") are just as good -- and just as classic -- as ""I'm a Believer", et al. In fact, "You Got to Me" and "The Boat that I Row" probably would've been bigger hits if they'd been released after the non-mono recording days (although the latter still did well for "Lulu" on the UK charts).Although not a big chart hit, "Brooklyn Roads" is a sublime recording and one of Diamond's "transitional" songs (as he moved from writing strictly "pop ditties" to songs with more mature lyrics). And both "Glory Road" and "Done too Soon" embrace the upheaval of the '60s (the former is supposedly about things like "The Freedom March", MLK and RFK, although it seems like it would fit fine in an album like "Beautiful Noise" or "Melody Road", both of which take on the subjects of songwriting and performing). Starting off with a rockNroll ryhtym and beat, "Done Too Soon" uses the Bob Dylanesque "tirade" of lyrics before shifting gears into a slow ballad in the end verses, underscoring the fact that life -- for the peaceful and the wicked -- happens much faster than we'd like."And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind" is one of Diamond's more lovely ballads about romance (it's been covered by all sorts of singers, including Elvis) and echoes of it can be heard in the beginning of a newer ballad ("Oo Do I Wanna Be Yours", on "Melody Road") before it takes an even more interesting turn into a sort of Polynesian rhythm in its choruses."Crunchy Granola Suite", Diamond's song about weed and its mellowing effects sounds great in the studio version or the live ("Hot August Night") version, and "Stones" is another dynamite love ballad (even if the words are a bit mysterious)."Longfellow Serenade" is one of those Diamond classics that should ALWAYS be included on a greatest/best of package. It's that good. "I've Been this Way Before" is less angst-ridden than "I Am I Said", but still as emotional and personal in the offing (I woulda picked "The Last Picasso", but I appreciate the more musically/lyrically quirky songs)."Desiree" may well be Diamond's last pop/rock, top 40 hit, and it's a solid, very good tune (and like so many other Diamond tunes, it was a number one hit on the ADULT CONTEMPORARY Billboard charts), so it's a good pick."We" is a big-hearted, toe-tapping and insightful, mid-tempo tune, and "Hell Yeah" is a strong, guitar driven ballad and a sort of pop/rock "My Way" but more personal. Both are from the "12 Songs" album (again, I woulda picked "Delirious Love", the Bryan Wilson backed version that hit 27 on "Billboard's" ,AC singles chart -- it's a REALLY catchy tune -- over one or the other, but that's picking nits)."Yesterday's Songs" is a fun, feel-good, tune and "Heartlight" is a big, kinda cheesy, ballad. BOTH hit it big on the regular and AC charts on "Billboard", and while they might not be as classic as the usual suspects or as interesting and divergent as things like "Soolaimon" or "Done Too Soon" or lot of Diamond's newer tunes ("I'm Onto You", "Don't Go There", "Another Day That Time Forgot", "Oo Do I Wanna Be Yours", "Seongah and Jimmy"), they ARE some of his biggest hits. And highly listenable.Speaking of divergent, "Pretty Amazing Grace" was another AC "Billboard" hit (30) for Diamond, and deservedly so: part rock, part folk, part samba, part jazz, it's a musical mash-up about being saved by love.Also, on the first disc, Capitol has included "Something Blue", probably the most commercial of all the new cuts on "Melody Road". Although no single was -- and thus far has been -- issued, inclusion on this greatest hits isn't entirely without merit. A youtube video made of the song (replete with Colorado mountain scenery and puppies) and released BEFORE the album, has already was racked up over half-a-million views.Finally, "If You Know What I Mean" (another love ballad with a few mysterious lyrics) is a great ballad from his CLASSIC "Beautiful Noise" album (and a number one AC hit) that closes out this extended collection.Verdict?While they will definitely be stone-cold -- or steadfast, like moi -- fans who might feel the urge to pick a nit or two over song selection, this extended, 2 disc version of ALL-TIME GREATEST HITS by Neil Diamond is THE ONE to buy from here on out.

A great collection of Neil Diamond’s songs. A nice stocking stuffer for anyone that likes his music.

Arrived quickly.

Neil Diamond is a favorite for many years. I love this, lots of memories. The disc is perfect, no scratches. The only slight issue is the case has a crack, not enough to return. I'm very happy with this purchase

Just saw the play of Neal Diamond's life. The 2 disc includes all of his wonderful hits. I enjoy everyone of them.

very good CD, arrived when indicated in good condition. Happy with my purchase

I absolutely love Neil Diamond!! This CD is the best. Arrival was quick but the jacket had a small crack in it which I wasn't happy about but no damage to the cd itself. Happy with the purchase.

great selection of his songs - brings back memories - easy to sing along