The Essential Neil Diamond

Since most of the tracks on this collection have been released previously (numerous times for many of them), I will focus my review of this collection on the new live cuts, more specifically Captain Sunshine, He Ain't Heavy, and the medley of Yes I Will/Lady Magdalene.Before I focus on them however, let me say that the studio recordings of Neil's greatest songs are all on this collection. Listening to all of these tracks, one can gain an appreciation why Neil Diamond is not only revered as a songwriter but as a vocalist. These are timeless pieces of Americana and popular music.The three live cuts that are noteworthy in this collection are songs hitherto, unreleased as live recordings. In fact, they are songs that Neil has rarely performed live until this current 2001-2002 tour. For me, they represent two things, one the strong writing skills Neil Diamond has even in songs that never became 'greatest hits' and two, the enduring voice Neil Diamond has even after 60+ years.1. Captain Sunshine is a song from Neil Diamond's 1972 album called Moods. The song was put into the current tour as a tribute to a longtime band member, Vince Charles. The song is a beautiful tribute to the man. Neil Diamond's voice on this song sounds as youthful as it has since the early 1980's (listen to Play Me on this collection as a early 1990's comparison to see how his voice improved from the 90's to today).2. He Ain' Heavy, He's My Brother is in Neil's current show as a tribute to the heros and victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and the troops that are currently fighting for the U.S. What is particularly interesting about this song is that Neil sang it before it ever became a hit. In essence, he discovered the song. Although sung differently than the way the hit goes (I believe by the Hollies), the song emulates a feeling of sincerity and love. Again, Neil's voice is solid in this song, although he does tend to talk/sing a bit in places.3. Yes I Will/Lady Magdalene was put on this album, in my opinion, in response to the diehard fans that continually have requested that Neil sing this live in concert. Many Neil Diamond fans consider these two songs as Neil's finest compositions, and I concur. These two songs represent a more mystical side of Neil with lyrics that aren't as straight-forward as most of his songs. Not only are the words incredible, but the music is awesome. Neil sings these songs almost as well as he did in the studio back in 1973/1974. Truly this and the other three tracks are totally worth buying another greatest hits collection of America's greatest singer/songwriter.A living legend? Neil Diamond is, and this collection proves it!

I've been a huge fan of Neil Diamond since I was a young teen. I see him in concert every 15 years as well. I just saw him in Dallas,so I guess I'll see him next when he's 75. He's still got it, though.What other artist can come up with 2 studio albums followed by a new greatest hits and new live album... and have all sell? He's done that most of his career.I know why the live songs on here were selected. They are in his new tour and Shilo has always been one of my favorites. Seeing Neil sit at the piano playing Yes I will/ Lady Madelene was only surpassed by his Captain Sunshine sung in memory of a recently departed band member. He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother has always been a favorite of mine and listening to him sing it live is thrilling. I own the import Ultimate Collection and I own ALL the live albums and even though I have all these songs on other CD's, this is the perfect complement to his new tour.Needless to say, I have this one, too.

While I am not the biggest N.D. fan, I do like his hits. So I figured this would be a good album to get. And I'd say it was for me. Disk one is great! It has almost all of his biggest hits on it. And would be close to perfect if it weren't for the live tracks! There are a lot of live tracks on this collection. I'd say only one of them is good. Most of them are down right terrible!Disk 2 I didn't care for as much. It starts with live tracks, and the studio tracks are more obscure songs that didn't really do it for me. However, on disk two you have 2 of his all time best songs; "Love on the Rocks" and "Forever in Bluejeans". All in all I'd say this is a pretty good collection for a novice fan like myself. But if you can find one without the live tracks but the same # of songs. I would suggest getting it instead!

Overall, this is a good collection for the price paid. It has more than 35 songs and has all of Neil's best known ones. It is hard to find a complete compilation like this one in a single package at a decent price.The majority of the tracks are the originals as I remember them. I especially like Solitary Man, I Am, I Said, and, of course, America. There are a number of his lesser known songs included, like Beautiful Noise, which add a lot to the collection.There are two areas of concern, however. First, I am not sure why about a quarter of the tracks are live when the studio recordings are certainly available, and the live recordings are not, in my opinion, of the same quality. Brooklyn Roads, one of my favorites, sounds much better on the studio recording, and Brother Love's Show is not good - I am thankful my CD player has a "skip track" button for this one! The other concern is the packaging. I actually had to break the case to get to the second CD. Unless they want to sell jewel boxes on the side, they could do better here. Still, this is a good collection,especially for the number of songs and the price.

Since Neil Diamond is now my age, you know what generation I am from. I have seen Neil in concert twice and he was MAGIC!! Some of the songs are less known, so it was good to hear them. Some are remastered and some are not the greatest sound quality. I owned most of his albums (remember the needle and turntable....) but did not have any for my MP3 player. This compilation is great.Some reviewers did not like the live recordings, but I think these tracks have a more dynamic sound to them, the passion that comes from a stage. Since Neil Diamond's career has lasted several decades, it is interesting to hear the maturity and change in his delivery.One of the most noteworthy things about Diamond's music is the lush orchestration and musicality of many of his introspective songs.If you are a fan, this is a great album with 38 songs.

I'm collecting Neil Diamond music now, and this is a beautiful addition.He is a fabulous entertainer, and all of his music is supurb. (He's a lyricist, and has written all of his own music.)No one can go wrong with any Neil Diamond CDs, etc.

I absolutely love this CD!

ロックの殿堂入りしたのがほんのつい最近で、ロックというよりポップス歌手として知られるニール・ダイアモンドの60年代半ばから80年代後半（一曲だけ2001年）に出たスタジオ録音とライブ録音を織り交ぜたベスト盤二枚組です。　ブリル・ビルディングの作曲家から表舞台に出て来るようになったバング時代と、ブレークしたMCA時代、そして現在も在籍しているコロンビア時代を網羅していますが、彼はライブ盤にも定評があってそれからの収録があるため、私個人が期待していたスタジオ録音のみのベスト盤とは趣が異なります。そして、セールス的に自作曲で再ブレークしたリック・ルービンのプロデュースの曲は、このベストが出た後なので当然含まれていません。それでも、彼の曲をさっと振り返ったり最初に聞くには悪くはありません。　低音の魅力のポップス歌手で曲調も派手な展開がない正統派のものでロック系のファンには取っ付きにくそうではあるけど、ジェイムス・テイラーのように曲の多くを自作したシンガーソングライターでもあります。このジャンルのあいまいさが日本では認知度が低い原因かもしれませんが、当時モンキーズの作曲家でもあった彼のバング時代の曲はロック系が好みでも入りやすいのではないでしょうか。

I bought this to replace a vinyl copy of Neil's 12 Greatest Hits Vol II. It contains 11 of the 12 ("Longfellow Serenade" is missing), which I knew, but there are several other favourites to compensate including "Girl, you'll be a woman soon" so I'm very happy with the collection. The CD arrived on time & in perfect condition & the only reason I'm not awarding 5 stars is that the product description did not say that some tracks were live & not studio recordings. I had realised this from reviews I had read, but it would have been helpful to know which tracks were live. For the benefit of others, of the 38 tracks, 9 are live recordings: Play Me, Morningside, Crunchy Granola Suite, Brooklyn Roads, Soolaimon, Captain Sunshine, He Ain't Heavy... He's My Brother, Medley - Yes I Will / Lady Magdalene, & Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show. Some people I know enjoy the vibrancy of a live performance, I would have preferred a couple of these to have had the sound quality of a studio recording (especially "Soolaimon") - personal taste. Overall though, an excellent collection.

Item arrived in good time and in excellent condition. Price was very good. Would highly recommend this seller.

My uncle introduced me to Neil Diamond's musical talent 40 years ago when I was 8 years old. However, I "rediscovered" him 6 months ago and am so glad I did! I've played this CD and "The Best of Neil Diamond" for weeks on end and never get tired of his classics! His voice is as wonderful as it ever was, if not better. This is a "must have" cd for any true Neil Diamond fan! Add this to your collection. I guarantee you won't regret it. Keep singing, Neil and making that "Beautiful Noise"!

Excellent condition and works wonderfully