FILE UNDER: The Songwriting Master is Back!
CORPORATE LINE: One of the year’s most heavily-anticipated new releases, 12 Songs pairs the pop music icon with legendary producer Rick Rubin. Producing a Neil Diamond album has been a long-time dream for Rubin, whose extraordinary resume spans the history of hip-hop from LL Cool J to Jay Z, the world of hardcore rock from Slayer to System Of A Down, and the pantheon of mythic stars from Tom Petty and Donovan to Mick Jagger and Johnny Cash’s immortal Grammy-winning American Recordings series.
“Most of the songs were recorded with Neil playing and singing at the same time,” said Rick Rubin in a Rolling Stone article (9/22/05) profiling the producer, “and it’s a different animal. It’s taking him back to being more of a singer-songwriter. He really blows me away.”
When it came time to record 12 Songs, Rick Rubin assembled a sympathetic ensemble of musicians to capture the essence of Neil Diamond’s extraordinary new songs, each of them a finely-wrought gem, soul-searching, honest, yearning, and powerful.
A core group of musicians made up of Mike Campbell (guitar) and Benmont Tench (piano/organ) from Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers and guitarist Smokey Hormel (Beck, Tom Waits) and other musicians including the renowned Larry Knechtel (piano) and Billy Preston (organ) played on the album.
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 features two bonus tracks: “Men Are So Easy” and an alternate version of “Delirious Love” with guest artist Brian Wilson.
THE GREAT:
“Save Me A Saturday Night” – This is easily the best Neil Diamond song in a long time. Gorgeous from beginning to end. Finally, Neil Diamond musters up the brilliance we all know he is capable of.
“Delirious Love” – This is a brilliant cover of the Brian Wilson gem.
“Man of God” – Simple and soothing doesn’t give the song justice. It’s so understated that one listen isn’t enough to enjoy.
THE AVERAGE:
“Captain of a Shipwreck” – Funny thing is—this is actually better than most songs that come out today.
“Hell Yeah” – Verges on greatness. But once we hit the 3:40 mark Diamond really picks up the pace and goes out with a gusto.
“Oh Mary” – Usually Diamond’s voice can make anything sound like a gem. This is a weak way to open.
THE BAD:
Nothing.
FRANKLY: Hopefully 12 Songs will rejuvenate Neil Diamond and get him excited about making great music again. 12 Songs is one album that came in without much fanfare and is one fantastic surprise.
+ Rae Gun
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