Is The Feel of Neil Diamond a good place to start with Neil Diamond?

Yes, The Feel of Neil Diamond is recommended as a starting point for new Neil Diamond listeners. A blend of folk-inflected pop and soft rock, showcasing heartfelt melodies and introspective lyrics. Released in August 1966, The Feel of Neil Diamond was Neil Diamond's debut album, marking his transition from a successful songwriter to a recording artist. At this point, Diamond had already penned hits for others but was now ready to establish his own identity in the music scene.

Who is The Feel of Neil Diamond for?

The Feel of Neil Diamond works well if you're into quick bursts of catchy energy, for upbeat gatherings and nostalgic sing-alongs with friends.

How many songs are on The Feel of Neil Diamond?

The Feel of Neil Diamond has 12 tracks, running approximately 29 minutes.

Released 60 years ago

The Feel of Neil Diamond

Neil Diamond · 1966

29 min · 12 tracks · folk music

A blend of folk-inflected pop and soft rock, showcasing heartfelt melodies and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Solitary Man Start here — Opening with a stark, haunting melody, this track presents Diamond's signature introspection and emotional depth, setting the tone for the album.
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Cherry, Cherry — This upbeat anthem became one of Diamond's breakout hits, showcasing his ability to blend catchy hooks with more profound themes about love and longing.
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Monday, Monday — Originally by The Mamas & The Papas, Diamond's rendition captures a unique interpretation that highlights his vocal prowess and emotional delivery.
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Red Rubber Ball — This track features playful lyrics paired with an infectious melody, demonstrating Diamond’s knack for crafting memorable pop songs that resonate beyond their time.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album blends folk and pop elements with heartfelt melodies, establishing Diamond's early sound.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong, mid-tempo track, 'Solitary Man', which sets a reflective tone that persists through several subsequent tracks.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a more introspective atmosphere as the album concludes.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

quick bursts of catchy energy
for upbeat gatherings
nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
short tracks for busy moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer long, immersive albums
seek deep, introspective themes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This debut album marked Diamond's transition to a recognized solo artist.
Themes: solitary man· catchy pop hooks
Career context: Released in August 1966, The Feel of Neil Diamond was Neil Diamond's debut album, marking his transition from a successful songwriter to a recording artist. At this point, Diamond had already penned hits for others but was now ready to establish his own identity in the music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: James Taylor· Cat Stevens· Simon & Garfunkel