Remarkably Home Before Dark is the first US chart topping album of Neil Diamond's forty year career. It appears to repeat the formula behind 2006's acclaimed 12 Songs--relatively understated arrangements and a subtle Rick Rubin production. But Diamond, though sixty-seven years old and the oldest recipient of a Number One so far, is no Johnny Cash, turning his unique voice to some well chosen contemporary material. Instead Home Before Dark is a collection of new Diamond songs, and though they might not match the boomers in his back catalogue they are hardly stripped back. These are songs designed to fill large venues alongside the showstoppers in Diamond's still energetic live show. "Pretty Amazing Grace" is in the great tradition of Diamond songs that defy their corniness with sheer catchiness, as is "One More Bite of the Apple" while "Don't Go There" features bracing backing vocals and a delightfully dated wobbly guitar hook. The duet with Natalie Maines, "Another Day (That Time Forgot)", would fit comfortably on American country radio while "The Power of Two" sounds like another hit in waiting. In fact this is more a conventional Diamond collection than a Rick Rubin production, dominated by lightly understated country rock arrangements played by a crack team including Smokey Hormel, Heartbreakers Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell and the usually experimental Matt Sweeney. This is a charming and consistently solid set, though Home Before Dark does lack the unexpected intensity that made 12 Songs stand out so. -—Steve Jelbert

Home Before Dark is the long awaited new album from legendary artist Neil Diamond. Home Before Dark was produced by legendary producer Rick Rubin who also produced Neil's critically acclaimed 12 Songs.

early 70's is still my favorite era, but this CD rocks- excellent stripped down arrangements that let the well crafted songs sail. i feel bad for those that don't get you, neil- you let it fly from the beginning, and you still got it. for the critics- check out anything up thru the late 70's- it's all on youtube- the guy seriously rocks- and this coming from a HUGE dylanhead. he was just as much a rebellious rocker as any (and still is)- he told us from the start "GIRL WE DO WHATEVER WE WANT TO"- and he meant it. rock on neil, we need ya

Just when you think Neil Diamond has accomplished his best, his genuine God-given talent , and genius for music , encompasses your soul!!!

This is Neil Diamond's first chart topping album in the USA (Billboard Hot 200 listed the album at number one - May 15 2008). I am amazed! This is one of those albums I have regretted buying. I bought it on the basis that it was a Neil Diamond album thinking it must be better than 'Hot August Night' and 'JL Seagull' to name just two of his albums that I thought were fantastic. What a let down! To me this is just bad singing with bad guitar playing. If you are an old fan of Neils listen to this album twice in the shop before buying it.

I don't know why I took so long to write this review. Perhaps I thought that as such a die-hard fan I wasn't sure if I could write objectively. But in the months since "Home Before Dark" came out, I feel so strongly about this disc that I had to include my assessment.

The collaboration with Rick Rubin on his last disc, "12 Songs", was remarkable. "Home Before Dark" takes the craft of Mr. Diamond's singer-songwriter abilities to an even higher level. In past reviews, I have sought to draw comparisons to earlier works in his vast discography. I simply can't do that here. This is the man in full; while his acoustic-driven music is a nod to his earliest work, the lyrics reveal a powerful introspection that is even more mature and refined with life's experiences. Also, the stark instrumentation (note the lack of drums on all the tracks) heightens the tone and impact of the music.

As with his other discs, I initially liked some tracks much more than others. In fact, my first impression was that the title track was perhaps the weakest track on the disc. However, it's lyrical power has grown on me, and after seeing it performed live last week, that power is enhanced. Similarly, I initially thought "Don't Go There", "Forgotten", and "Slow It Down" were a bit too silly in comparison with the other tracks. But the hooks on both songs were too irresistable, and I found other layers in those lyrics that made the songs fit. If there is a lingering annoyance - and it is a small one - it is that parts of "Act Like A Man" sound like he's leading into his hit "Song Sung Blue". Perhaps that was intentional; but again, when you peel back the song, the lyrics are solid.

"Pretty Amazing Grace" was the one track from this disc released to promote this disc. It is a very good song, but the songs that surround it are much deeper, darker, and more powerful. Also, the deluxe edition of this disc features two extra tracks (in addition to a DVD) that are covers. While one might think that it detracts from the remainder of the material that is original and written by Mr. Diamond, the covers do work. Actually, his cover of Nilsson's "Without Her" is simply, hauntingly beautiful.

"Home Before Dark" earned Mr. Diamond his first number one chart ranking in his nearly 40-year career. I found that amazing when I first heard it, but it is certainly well-deserved. While his concert performances in the last decade or so have still remained very strong, this disc clearly shows that his songwriting is also very strong, and is back on an upswing that will match his live performances. If "Home Before Dark" is any indication, Neil Diamond still has vital music and stories to tell.

If he only hadn't recorded that song with Natalie Maines, I would have bought the album. Just can't bring myself to do it...