Play Me: The Complete Uni Studio Recordings...Plus!
234 min · 74 tracks · folk music
A rich tapestry of melodic storytelling, blending folk and pop rock with introspective lyrics and lush arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Two-Bit Manchild Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Sweet Caroline — This track exemplifies Diamond's ability to craft catchy melodies with anthemic choruses, becoming a cultural staple and often recognized as his signature song.
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Holly Holy — The song features profound lyrical depth combined with lush instrumentation, showcasing Diamond's evolution as a serious songwriter during this era.
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Cracklin' Rosie — With its memorable hook and relatable narrative, this track highlights Diamond's knack for storytelling through music, resonating with audiences across generations.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with varied pacing
- heartfelt storytelling and nostalgia
- for long drives
- sing-along anthems with friends
- rich tapestry of melodies
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Neil Diamond's reputation with enduring hits and commercial success.
- Themes
- Brooklyn nostalgia· gospel-infused theatricality· 1970s pop storytelling
- Career context
- Released in 1973, 'Play Me: The Complete Uni Studio Recordings...Plus!' showcases Neil Diamond at a significant point in his career following the commercial success of 'Hot August Night' in 1972. This collection compiles his early works from the Uni label, emphasizing his growth as a songwriter and performer during this prolific period. The album serves as a comprehensive retrospective of his unique sound that helped define soft rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Taylor· Cat Stevens· Simon & Garfunkel
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Two-Bit Manchild Start here 3:04
- 2 A Modern Day Version of Love 2:48
- 3 Honey-Drippin’ Times 1:58
- 4 The Pot Smoker’s Song 3:59
- 5 Brooklyn Roads 3:37
- 6 Shilo 2:56
- 7 Sunday Sun 2:44
- 8 Holiday Inn Blues 3:14
- 9 Practically Newborn 3:27
- 10 Knackelflerg 2:23
- 11 Merry-Go-Round 3:29
- 12 Broad Old Woman (6 A.M. Insanity) 4:31
- 13 Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show 3:26
- 14 Dig In 2:39
- 15 River Runs, New Grown Plums 1:58
- 16 Juliet 2:51
- 17 Long Gone 3:15
- 18 And the Grass Won’t Pay No Mind 3:30
- 19 Glory Road 3:17
- 20 Deep in the Morning 3:04
- 21 If I Never Knew Your Name 3:16
- 22 Memphis Streets 2:38
- 23 You’re So Sweet Horseflies Keep Hangin’ ’round Your Face 3:13
- 24 Hurtin’ You Don’t Come Easy 2:29
- 25 Sweet Caroline 3:18
- 26 Everybody’s Talkin’ 2:42
Disc 2
- 1 Mr. Bojangles 4:52
- 2 Smokey Lady 2:40
- 3 Holly Holy 4:40
- 4 Both Sides Now 3:30
- 5 And the Singer Sings His Song 3:37
- 6 Ain’t No Way 2:42
- 7 New York Boy 2:38
- 8 Until It’s Time for You to Go 3:29
- 9 Cracklin’ Rosie 2:59
- 10 Free Life 3:10
- 11 Coldwater Morning 3:21
- 12 Done Too Soon 2:41
- 13 He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother 4:09
- 14 Childsong 2:10
- 15 I Am the Lion 2:07
- 16 Madrigal 1:50
- 17 Soolaimon 4:25
- 18 Missa 2:15
- 19 African Suite 4:28
- 20 Childsong (reprise) 2:03
- 21 I Am … I Said 3:34
- 22 The Last Thing on My Mind 3:33
- 23 Husbands and Wives 3:46
- 24 Chelsea Morning 2:36
Disc 3
- 1 Crunchy Granola Suite 2:53
- 2 Stones 3:01
- 3 If You Go Away 3:48
- 4 Suzanne 4:41
- 5 I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today 2:35
- 6 I Am… I Said (reprise) 2:37
- 7 Song Sung Blue 3:14
- 8 Porcupine Pie 2:04
- 9 High Rolling Man 2:34
- 10 Canta Libre 4:45
- 11 Captain Sunshine 3:23
- 12 Play Me 3:51
- 13 Gitchy Goomy 3:51
- 14 Walk on Water 3:04
- 15 Theme 1:38
- 16 Prelude in E Major 0:39
- 17 Morningside 4:15
- 18 Lordy (live) 4:56
- 19 Kentucky Woman (live) 2:40
- 20 Thank the Lord for the Night Time (live) 3:11
- 21 Solitary Man (live) 3:15
- 22 Cherry Cherry (single version) 3:49
- 23 Red Red Wine 3:45
- 24 Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon 2:49
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Tapestry
Carole King
Shares heartfelt storytelling and rich melodic structures, evoking similar nostalgia.
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
Combines folk-infused melodies with introspective lyrics, reminiscent of Diamond's style.
Piano Man
Billy Joel
Captures a theatrical storytelling approach with a blend of pop and folk influences.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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