Play Me: The Complete Uni Studio Recordings...Plus! cover

Play Me: The Complete Uni Studio Recordings...Plus!

Neil Diamond

234 min · 74 tracks · folk · pop rock · soft rock

A rich tapestry of folk-infused melodies and heartfelt storytelling that captures the essence of Neil Diamond's early artistry.

Why this album works

'Play Me' is significant as it highlights Diamond's prolific output during a pivotal period, featuring classics like 'Sweet Caroline' and 'Cracklin' Rosie.' The album not only achieved commercial success but also revitalized interest in his catalog, appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Career context
Released in 1996, 'Play Me: The Complete Uni Studio Recordings...Plus!' compiles Neil Diamond's work from 1968 to 1972, showcasing his evolution from a budding songwriter to a pop sensation. This comprehensive collection includes hits from his formative years, solidifying his place in music history just as he was embarking on a resurgence in popularity during the mid-90s.
Stylistic neighbors
Kim Carnes· Leonard Cohen· Billy Joel

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Two-Bit Manchild 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 Standout 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 Standout 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

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata