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Neil Diamond - Serenade Audio CD

A fair review of the Neil Diamond "Serenade" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Neil Diamond reviews here, or go back to the Neil Diamond tabs.

Neil Diamond Band: Neil Diamond
Title: Serenade
Rating:
Release Date: 2008-03-01
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: I've Been This Way Before 2: Rosemary's Wine 3: Lady Magdelene 4: Last Picasso 5: Longfellow Serenade 6: Yes I Will 7: Reggae Strut 8: Gift of Song

Contemplative / Almost Dark/ Perfection
You can argue with me all day long. This reviewer believes that Serenade is Diamond's magnus opus of the 70's. All-Day-Long. Even Mr. Diamond may disagree. Even up against Jonathan Livingston Seagull, I still say this small collection of eight songs sums up the artist's greatest writing skills in almost every way. Neil Diamond always had the simple, God given talent for richness in lyric, presented with a variety of melodic backdrops that can "still" or "shake" the soul. Yes, I'm one of those. . . A life long Diamond Fan, so forgive my dribble. Don't get me wrong though. I wouldn't be found cranking this up at a beach party. But in its almost quiet way, it defines so much. Yearning seems at the heart of what makes Serenade work, but so is joy. Only one complaint, and maybe since my purchase of Serenade through Amazon five years ago this has already been accomplished. . . I'd like to hear this remastered to the fidelity it deserves. .


Pure Artistry at Work!
Most people know him from his "Pop" music but this album makes your ears and eyes open and feel the REAL talent of this singer/songwriter. This album in my opinion shows the deep down artist within Neil Diamond. I bought the cassette in 1976, listened to it the first time and could not stop playing it. It actually gave me goose bumps. These are more than just catchy tunes. . . . you must listen to the music AND the words to fully appreciate this album. If you don't own this CD. . . . . GET IT! Very classy Neil Diamond.


Only 8 Songs, But Each is a Gem
" The music is rich and this really is an album to relax to and let him serenade you. Serenade is a gem of an album in which Neil Diamond tells eight separate stories from my favorite on this album, "The Last Picasso" to "Lady Magdelane.


Musically rich but lyrically weak outing from Diamond
Some of the lyrics are extremely good but on the whole, "Serenade" features some of Diamond's simplest lyrics in ages. As much as I love Neil Diamond's way with a melody and as rich as some of the melodies are on this album, "Serenade" doesn't quite live up to its potential with its greeting card sentiments.

Opening with "I've Been This Way Before" Diamond is in good voice throughout really shining on "Longfellow Serenade" and "The Gift of Song" the last track on the album. "Rosemary's Wine" has one of Diamond's most interesting arrangements. This is a solid outing from Diamond with rich, fascinating musical arrangements and melodies just lacking in the lyric department.

Although not quite as inspired as the soundtrack he crafted for the awful movie "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" (the book was drivel, too)which features some of Diamond's richest melodies and beautifully crafted orchestrations from Diamond's long time collaborator Lee Holdridge, "Serenade" is less than the sum of its parts.

This edition of the CD hasn't been remastered and it features the original packaging from the previous CD edition. The album sounds really good with a nice, wide dynamic range and rich detail. It's a pity that Sony couldn't have put more effort into the packaging and include credits for the album, lyrics and additional information on the recording of the album but what matters is the sound quality. if you like this album you should definitely pick up this edition of the album. Diamond would hit a homerun with the follow up album "Beautiful Noise" produced by Robbie Robertson of The Band(!)fame a loose concept album about the experience of writing for Tin Pan Alley and his two most recent albums. .


Brings Back Memories
The songs are timeless; I'm so glad to be able to hear them again. I loved this album when it first came out.


You can see a complete list of all Neil Diamond discography, or go back to the Neil Diamond tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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