The Essential Neil Diamond cover

The Essential Neil Diamond

Neil Diamond · 2001

141 min · 38 tracks · folk · pop rock · soft rock

A rich tapestry of heartfelt ballads and upbeat anthems showcasing Diamond's signature storytelling and emotive delivery.

Why this album works

'The Essential Neil Diamond' is significant not only for its commercial success, debuting at number 9 on the Billboard 200 but also for reaffirming Diamond's cultural relevance after decades in the music industry. The album received positive reviews and has been praised for its thorough selection, making it a definitive collection for both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Best for
heartfelt ballads for reflection upbeat anthems for sing-alongs wave-like pacing with peaks
Context
Released on December 4, 2001, 'The Essential Neil Diamond' serves as a comprehensive retrospective during a period when Diamond was enjoying renewed popularity following his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. This compilation highlights his prolific career from the 1960s through the early 2000s, encapsulating his evolution as a pop icon.
Stylistic neighbors
Kim Carnes· Leonard Cohen· Billy Joel

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Solitary Man 2:32
  • 2 Cherry, Cherry 2:42
  • 3 I Got the Feelin’ (Oh No, No) 2:13
  • 4 Kentucky Woman 2:26
  • 5 Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon 2:55
  • 6 You Got to Me 2:48
  • 7 Red, Red Wine Standout 2:41
  • 8 Thank the Lord for the Night Time 3:00
  • 9 I’m a Believer 2:43
  • 10 Sweet Caroline Standout 3:21
  • 11 Song Sung Blue 3:13
  • 12 Holly Holy 4:30
  • 13 I Am… I Said 3:33
  • 14 Cracklin’ Rosie 2:59
  • 15 Play Me (live) 4:21
  • 16 Morningside (live) 5:25
  • 17 Crunchy Granola Suite (live) 4:05
  • 18 Brooklyn Roads (live) 5:29
  • 19 Soolaimon (live) 5:06

Disc 2

  • 1 America 4:19
  • 2 Hello Again 3:39
  • 3 Love on the Rocks 3:40
  • 4 Captain Sunshine (live) 3:20
  • 5 He Ain’t Heavy… He’s My Brother (live) 3:46
  • 6 Medley: Yes I Will / Lady Magdalene (live) 7:01
  • 7 Shilo (live) 3:57
  • 8 Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show (live) 5:02
  • 9 If You Know What I Mean 3:43
  • 10 Beautiful Noise 3:26
  • 11 You Don’t Bring Me Flowers 3:16
  • 12 Desirée 3:17
  • 13 Forever in Blue Jeans 3:39
  • 14 September Morn 3:52
  • 15 I’ve Been This Way Before 3:48
  • 16 Yesterday’s Songs 2:51
  • 17 Heartlight 4:26
  • 18 Headed for the Future 4:06
  • 19 You Are the Best Part of Me 3:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata