Neil Diamond returns with 'Wild At Heart,' the third and final album from his 2007 Rick Rubin collaboration

Check out the media release issued this morning detailing a forthcoming Rick Rubin-produced album featuring previously-unissued tracks from the great Neil Diamond...Robert Kinsler

NEIL DIAMOND RETURNS WITH WILD AT HEART THE THIRD AND FINAL ALBUM FROM   HIS 2007 RICK RUBIN COLLABORATION   AVAILABLE MAY 8 VIA CAPITOL/UME

FEATURES TEN PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED TRACKS CUT DURING PROLIFIC SESSIONS WITH RUBIN FOR HOME BEFORE DARK, DIAMOND’S FIRST EVER #1 ALBUM   WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR “WILD AT HEART” HERE   VIEW THE WILD AT HEART TRAILER HERE                                                                         MARCH 20, 2026 (LOS ANGELES) – On May 8, rock ‘n’ roll icon Neil Diamond unveils Wild At Heart, a testament to his mastery and a remarkable third – and final – entry in his universally praised collaboration with producer Rick Rubin. Recorded initially at sessions for Diamond’s chart-topping Home Before Dark, this collection of ten songs features his signature passionate vocals and powerfully incisive lyrics surrounded by urgent yet stripped-down arrangements.   Diamond initially teamed up with Rubin for 2005’s 12 Songs, hailed as “one of the most entertaining, satisfying albums Diamond has ever released.” The partnership went so well that Diamond was eager to work with Rubin again. 2008’s Home Before Dark was a tremendous popular success (his first-ever Number One album on the Billboard charts) and garnered widespread critical praise. PopMatters’ James Bassett echoed many of his colleagues’ sentiments when he hailed Home Before Dark as “an album of rare beauty, grace, and eloquence that captures Diamond in all his plain-spoken and big-hearted glory. And it is easily the most intensely personal release of his esteemed career.”   “My work with Rick was a labor of love,” Neil shares, “and I’m so gratified that these songs will finally be set free into the world to complete our trilogy of work.”   Neil Diamond performing at the Forum in Inglewood, CA in August 2017. Photo: Drew A. Kelley   Recently revisiting this material, Diamond spent time fleshing out nine new songs to be released for the first time and closed the set with an alternate take of “Forgotten,” which initially appeared on Home Before Dark.   The unique set of songs on Wild At Heart (simultaneously archival and brand-new) will be released on CD, vinyl, and digital platforms via Capitol/UMe on May 8, 2026. Limited edition colored vinyl and 2CD versions will also be available. Preorder and Listen to Wild At Heart HERE.   In anticipation of Wild At Heart’s release, digital Deluxe Editions of 12 Songs and Home Before Dark are now available and include the debut of bonus tracks previously available on limited physical releases. Listen to 12 Songs HERE and Home Before Dark HERE.   Diamond immensely enjoyed collaborating with Rick Rubin and the all-star quartet he assembled for the Home Before Dark sessions: keyboardist Benmont Tench and guitarist Mike Campbell (both from Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers), along with ace session guitarist Smokey Hormel and guitarist Matt Sweeney (co-founder of the NYC indie rock group Chavez) and frequent Will Oldham cohort. “Working with these guys and having Rick’s ear made it a great deal of fun,” Diamond told Billboard in 2008. “It was magic.”   Revealing the spare but emotional resonance that are hallmarks of his work with Rick Rubin, Wild At Heart has marvelous cohesiveness drawn from material recorded over a handful of years ago. Accompanying his soul-baring lyrics and commanding yet vulnerable vocals, Diamond’s guitar, which he had rarely played on recordings, leads the unadorned arrangements, which involve mainly subdued guitars and keyboards.   Wild At Heart finds Diamond in a reflective, philosophical mood, but it is conveyed on a very human scale, so the songs come across as deeply personal. On “Shine On,” the singer advises his son to “never doubt in yourself” and “sing what you feel inside.” The terrific “You Can’t Have It All” remains presciently relevant today as Diamond asks: “What’s the matter with the world? Can’t everyone take care?”   A well-known master of love songs, Diamond adds several more to his canon with “The Secret You” and “You Still Look Good To Me,” while “Talking It To Death” and “Forgotten” explore the rockier side of love that is on the rocks. “You’re Getting To Me,” “You’re My Favorite Song,” “You Never Know,” and the title track contains classic Diamond hooks; however, the performances hold a warm intimacy that feels like he’s playing in your living room.   Neil Diamond’s illustrious career, spanning over five decades, has seen him sell over 130 million albums, placing him among the best-selling rock musicians ever. He has had 18 Top 10 albums and scored nearly 40 Top 40 singles, with ten reaching #1. His 1969 hit “Sweet Caroline” has continued its unbridled grip on pop culture and has become a permanent fixture at sporting events and a TV and film soundtrack favorite.   A GRAMMY ® Award-winning artist, Diamond is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He also has received two of the highest honors bestowed upon songwriters: the Johnny Mercer Award and the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award.   Additionally, Diamond has garnered the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award, NARAS’ MusiCares Person of the Year Award, and the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor for his lifetime of contributions to American culture. His achievements include a Golden Globe Award, 13 GRAMMY nominations, an American Music Award, an ASCAP Film and Television Award, and a Billboard Icon Award.   Diamond, who starred in the 1980 film The Jazz Singer, has seen his life and music turned into the hit Broadway musical A Beautiful Noise. The show debuted in New York City in 2022, and with over 650 performances and was one of the longest-running new musicals on Broadway since the pandemic. Beautiful Noise launched its first tour in 2024 and continues to tour across America with performances set to open in Australia in August, 2026. Listen to the Original Broadway Cast Recording of A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical, HERE.   In addition, Focus Features released Song Sung Blue on December 25th,  a musical drama starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Directed by Craig Brewer and based on a true story, the film follows two down-on-their-luck musicians who form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band. The movie has been a huge success, with Hudson receiving Oscar, SAG Actor Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA nominations, and will be released via international streaming in late Spring.

Photo Credit - Jesse Diamond     Wild At Heart Tracklisting Side A Wild At Heart You Can’t Have It All Talking It To Death Shine On The Secret You Side B You Never Know You’re Getting To Me You Still Look Good To Me You’re My Favorite Song Forgotten   Follow Neil Diamond: https://linktr.ee/NeilDiamond Website: https://www.neildiamond.com/ Email List: https://www.neildiamond.com/subscribe/

New music: 'Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4,' The Dynamo Hymn, Etta James, Max Hightower, Joey Molland

This column features a wide-ranging mix of fantastic new audio releases, as well as a reposting of my review of Joey Molland's final studio album released in 2020. Sadly, Molland passed away on March 1.

Artists: Neil Diamond, Mac Davis, Jerry Reed, Charlie Rich, more
Title: The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4: 28 Roots and Covers of Elvis Presley (Bear Family Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Presley, Jerry Reed, Charlie Rich, Ray Charles, Bobby Darin

Tell me more: Fans of early rock, blues, country and Americana music will be thrilled by the wide range of incredible recordings featured on The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4: 28 Roots and Covers of Elvis Presley. The compelling title covers Presley's creative period spanning from 1967 to 1967, with the King of Rock and Roll's cover versions of previously released songs and originals arranged in chronological order. This period included Presley's legendary NBC-TV '68 Comeback Special, his ambitious Memphis sessions and the 1969 stage comeback in Las Vegas.  

The 76-minute collection features a stellar array of artists performing original and cover versions of well-known songs recorded by Elvis Presley between 1967 and 1969; this includes some demos — a number of them available on audio CD for the very first time. Among the notable artists featured on the early part of the collection are Jerry Reed (whose driving rockabilly-minded "Guitar Man" and bluesy "Big Boss Man" kick off the disc), Charlie Rich (who offers up a decidedly uptempo take on "Big Boss Man"), Don Gibson (whose tender ballad "Just Call Me Lonesome" captures the emotion of Presley's approach), Andy William delivering a bewitching "You'll Never Walk Alone," Mac Davis (whose soulful "A Little Less Conversation" is a delight) and LaVern Baker's joyful gospel track "Saved." 

The magic on The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4 continues via wonderful offerings from Vern Stovall (whose countrified "Long Black Limousine" was tracked in 1961), Ned Miller's Buddy Holly-minded "From A Jack to a King," Mac Davis' emotive sumptuous reading of his own "In The Ghetto," Mark James' symphonic "Suspicious Minds," Neil Diamond's glorious "And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind" and Johnny Tillotson's tender ballad "It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'." The disc closes with a moving take by Chuck Jackson of Burt Bacharach's soulful "Any Day Now (My Wild Beautiful Bird)." The 36-page color booklet contains rare photos and insights about the recordings, as well as detailed liner notes by Presley expert Helmut Radermacher. The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4: 28 Roots and Covers of Elvis Presley is one of the most exciting titles of early 2025. Visit HERE to learn more about this essential title. 

Artist: The Dynamo Hymn
Title: The Dynamo Hymn (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: Pugwash, The Beatles' "White Album," Badfinger, World Party

Tell me more: Fans of 1960s-infused baroque pop, melodic rock and soaring songcraft will want to get the self-tiitled debut from the Dynamo Hymn. Released as a download-only release in 2024, Kool Kat Musik has now released the nine-track The Dynamo Hum on audio CD. Featuring the original songs of singer-bassist Shaun McGee of Pugwash fame, The Dynamo Hymn shines across its intoxicating run. Opening with the reflective Baroque-styled gem "Ardy's Waltz," the album's magic continues with a wide-range of winning tracks including the freewheeling folk rockers "The 3rd Time 'Round" and "Just A Matter Of Time," swirling "Satellite," psychedelic rocker "Colours," genre-defying nugget "It's Too Late" and sumptuous closer "Without." Also key to the Dynamo Hymn's powerful artistry are the talents of guitarist/keyboardist Tosh Flood, drummer Joe Fitzgerald and multi-instrumentalist Duncan Maitland— all of whom who had also previously played with Pugwash. Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Artist: Etta James
Title: Etta James Rocks (Bear Family Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Etta James, Billie Holiday, Little Richard

Tell me more: Etta James Rocks is an essential new 79-minute collection that takes a deep dive into the most rocking recordings tracked by singer Etta James early her career. The tracks featured on the title were collected from the Modern/Kent and Chess/Argo archives and collectively highlight the Los Angeles native's ability to triumph when singing R&B, jump, hard blues, doo-wop, hot soul and emotive ballads. The rollicking self-penned "Tough Lover" kicks off the title, an infectious rocker recorded in 1956 that recalls the spirit and sound of Little Richard's best hits. The energy and power of the recordings thrills across the length of the set; "Dance With Me, Henry," "W-O-M-A-N," aptly-titled "Next Door To The Blues," the early hit "Good Rockin' Daddy," bluesy "Spoonful" (the latter a wonderful duet with Harvey Fuqua) and "The Wallflower (Roll With Me Henry)" are early standouts. A fervid take on Willie Dixon's "I Just Want To Make Love To You," the New Orleans-flavored "Market Place," jump blues gem "Good Lookin'," the fiery live track "What'd I Say," rousing "Strange Things Happening" and the 1955 rockabilly romp "That's All" are among the terrific cuts that propel Etta James Rocks on its last half. Etta James Rocks includes 29 selections; what's more the marvelous digipak package housing the audio CD includes an informative 36-page booklet with Bill Dahl's liner notes, archival photographs and ephemera. Information: www.bear-family.com.

Artist: Max Hightower
Title: Nothin' But the Truth (MoMojo Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tinsley Ellis, Bob Margolin

Tell me more: Blues singer/guitarist/harmonica great Max Hightower has released Nothin' But the Truth, a dozen-track album that masterfully blends Southern blues, New Orleans funk and R&B into an authentic mix. Hightower's considerable skills as well as those of Brandon Phelps (drums), Steadman "Fleetwood" Williams, Sr. (bass), Big Jon Atkinson (lead guitar), James Beaumont (sax), Rob Davis (keyboards, backing vocals) and others bring the original material to life. Standouts include the rousing opener "Double Bubble," R&B nugget "It's On Me," funkified "Here She Comes," the bluesy ballad "My Baby & Me" (the latter bolstered by Hightower's blues harp), gritty "Thick Jello" and jazz-tinged instrumental closer "Assmoghraph." Information: momojorecords.com and maxhightower.com.

Artist: Joey Molland

Title: Be True To Yourself (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, the Beatles

Tell me more: Classic rock aficionados often cite the story of Welsh/English rock band Badfinger as one of the era's most tragic tales. Despite being the first non-Beatles artist signed to Apple Records and scoring a number of timeless hits (including "Come and Get It," "No Matter What," "Day After Day," and "Baby Blue"), the band was struck with the suicide of several members (Pete Ham in 1975, Tom Evans in 1983) and sudden death of Mike Gibbins following a brain aneurysm in 2005. Sadly, singer-guitarist Joey Molland — the band's last surviving member of the quartet's classic early '70s lineup —  passed away at the age of 77 on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Molland released his first album of new material (Be True To Yourself) in nearly 10 years on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. And what a glorious collection of power pop it is. Lovingly produced by Mark Hudson (who also co-wrote the tracks with Molland), Be True To Yourself explodes with tunefulness, exceptional song craft and undeniable hooks associated with Badfinger's best recordings. The shimmering "Better Tomorrow," Beatlesque "Rainy Day Man," dreamy "Heaven," melodic power pop ballad "Loving You" and chamber pop foray "Be True To Yourself" only begin to paint a sonic picture of the magic displayed across "Be True To Yourself." Among the notable names contributing to the recording are Julian Lennon (who also took the amazing front and back cover photographs seen on the album), Micky Dolenz, Jason Scheff and Steve Holley. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Capitol/UMe to release Neil Diamond's 'A Neil Diamond Christmas' on 2 LP, 2 CD & 1 CD on October 28, 2022

My first post of 2022 related to holiday-minded releases is a good one! Neil Diamond's "A Neil Diamond Christmas" arrives on Oct. 28...Robert Kinsler

CAPITOL/UMe TO RELEASE NEIL DIAMOND’S

A NEIL DIAMOND CHRISTMAS ON 2LP, 2CD & 1CD
ON OCTOBER 28, 2022

Legendary Artist Celebrates The Holidays With

A Hand-Picked Compilation Of His Favorite Christmas Songs, 

Including A New Mix Of “O Holy Night”

 

 

Los Angeles – September 16, 2022 – On October 28, Capitol/UMe will celebrate the full breadth of Neil Diamond’s holiday spirit with the release of A Neil Diamond Christmas, a special, artist-curated compilation of the greatest songs culled from Neil’s four beloved and best-selling Christmas albums. The tracks Neil has personally selected for this compilation all originally appeared on September 1992’s The Christmas Album, October 1994’s The Christmas Album Volume II, October 2009’s A Cherry Cherry Christmas, and November 2016’s Acoustic Christmas.

 

Neil Diamond performing at the Forum
in Inglewood, CA in August 2017.
Photo: Drew A. Kelley

A Neil Diamond Christmas will appear in four physical configurations: 2LP 180-gram black vinyl, an exclusive, limited-edition gold opaque 2LP 180-gram vinyl, 2CD, and 1CD. All of the tracks on A Neil Diamond Christmas have been newly remastered under the artist’s direction by Neil’s longtime engineer, Bernie Becker. Additionally, Neil and Bernie created a stunning new mix of “O Holy Night,” originally released on The Christmas Album. Preorder A Neil Diamond Christmas HERE.

 

Critics have praised Neil’s holiday originals while celebrating the inventive arrangements of the more traditional songs, singling out Neil’s “trademark gritty soul and flair for inflection” while also noting his performances are “much more than a man and a guitar.” 

 

Throughout his illustrious and wide-ranging career, Neil Diamond has sold more than 130 million albums worldwide and dominated the charts for more than five decades with 38 Top 40 singles and 18 Top 10 albums, making appearances in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 for a total of 101 weeks. In addition, he has achieved record sales with 40 Gold albums, 21 Platinum albums, and 12 Multi-Platinum albums.

A Grammy Award-winning artist, Diamond is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall Of Fame and has also received The Johnny Mercer Award and the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award, two of the highest honors bestowed upon songwriters. Diamond’s many other achievements include a Golden Globe Award, 13 Grammy nominations, ASCAP Film and Television Award, Billboard Icon Award, American Music Award, and 2009’s NARAS’s MusiCares Person of the Year Award. In 2011, Diamond received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor for his lifetime contributions to American culture. 

 

Neil Diamond A NEIL DIAMOND CHRISTMAS [2LP, 2CD & 1CD]

 

2LP [black & color 180-gram vinyl]

 

Side A

1.       Happy Christmas (War Is Over)  4:04

2.       The Christmas Song  3:31

3.       Jingle Bell Rock  1:49

4.       White Christmas  3:55

5.       You Make It Feel Like Christmas  3:35

6.       Morning Has Broken 3:02

 

Side B

1.       Santa Claus Is Coming To Town  3:25

2.       Silver Bells  3:04

3.       Cherry Cherry Christmas  3:26

4.       Sleigh Ride  2:36

5.       Winter Wonderland  2:39

6.       Christmas Medley: It’s Almost Day / Make A Happy Song / We Wish You A Merry Christmas  3:12

 

Side C

1.       O Holy Night*  3:27

2.       Little Drummer Boy  3:51

3.       O Come, O Come Emmanuel / We Three Kings Of Orient Are  2:56

4.       Silent Night  4:00

5.       O Come All Ye Faithful  4:12

6.       Mary’s Boy Child  3:18

 

Side D

1.       Children Go Where I Send Thee  5:26

2.       The First Noel  3:35

3.       Hark the Herald Angels Sing  4:12

4.       Angels We Have Heard On High  3:16

5.       Christmas Prayers  4:30

6.       Joy To The World  2:38

 

 

2CD

 

Disc 1

1.       Happy Christmas (War Is Over)  4:04

2.       The Christmas Song  3:31

3.       Jingle Bell Rock  1:49

4.       White Christmas  3:55

5.       You Make It Feel Like Christmas  3:35

6.       Morning Has Broken 3:02

7.       Santa Claus Is Coming To Town  3:25

8.       Silver Bells  3:04

9.       Cherry Cherry Christmas  3:26

10.     Sleigh Ride  2:36

11.     Winter Wonderland  2:39

12.     Christmas Medley: It’s Almost Day / Make A Happy Song / We Wish You A Merry Christmas  3:12

 

Disc 2

1.       O Holy Night*  3:27

2.       Little Drummer Boy  3:51

3.       O Come, O Come Emmanuel / We Three Kings Of Orient Are  2:56

4.       Silent Night  4:00

5.       O Come All Ye Faithful  4:12

6.       Mary’s Boy Child  3:18

7.       Children Go Where I Send Thee  5:26

8.       The First Noel  3:35

9.       Hark the Herald Angels Sing  4:12

10.     God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman  1:17

11.     Angels We Have Heard On High  3:16

12.     Christmas Prayers  4:30

13.     Joy To The World  2:38

 

 

1CD

 

1.       Happy Christmas (War Is Over)  4:04

2.       The Christmas Song  3:31

3.       Jingle Bell Rock  1:49

4.       White Christmas  3:55

5.       You Make It Feel Like Christmas  3:35

6.       Morning Has Broken 3:02

7.       Santa Claus Is Coming To Town  3:25

8.       Silver Bells  3:04

9.       Cherry Cherry Christmas  3:26

10.     Sleigh Ride  2:36

11.     Winter Wonderland  2:39

12.     Christmas Medley: It’s Almost Day / Make A Happy Song / We Wish You A Merry Christmas  3:12

13.     O Holy Night*  3:27

14.     The Little Drummer Boy  3:51

15.     O Come, O Come Emmanuel / We Three Kings Of Orient Are  2:56

16.     Silent Night  4:00

17.     The First Noel  3:35

18.     Christmas Prayers  4:30

19.     Joy To The World  2:38

 

*denotes new mix

"Sweet Caroline" single from the upcoming "Neil Diamond With The London Symphony Orchestra, Classic Diamonds" out today

Here is a timely announcement going into the weekend...

“SWEET CAROLINE,” FROM DIAMOND’S UPCOMING ALBUM

NEIL DIAMOND WITH THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, CLASSIC DIAMONDS

ON NOVEMBER 6^th

 

SINGLE TO BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON ALL DIGITAL OUTLETS

 

CLASSIC DIAMONDS ALBUM TO BE RELEASED ON CAPITOL RECORDS, NOVEMBER 20^th

PRE-ORDER HERE

Recorded At The World Famous Abbey Road Studios In London And Diamond’s Studio In Los Angeles

 

NEW YORK: On Friday, November 6^th Capitol Records will release one of the world’s most favorite songs, “Sweet Caroline,” a new version of the beloved classic from Neil Diamond’s upcoming new album Neil Diamond With The London Symphony Orchestra, Classic Diamonds. “Sweet Caroline” will be available for purchase on all digital outlets on November 6^th, two weeks before the release of the album. 

 

Sweet Caroline Listening Link - https://NeilDiamond.lnk.to/classicsweetcarolinePR

 

The 14-classic song collection Classic Diamonds features new vocals from Neil Diamond paired with a new interpretation of Diamond’s most celebrated chart-topping hits performed by The London Symphony Orchestra. Recorded at both the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London and Neil Diamond’s studio in Los Angeles, the album was produced by Grammy®-winning producer/arranger Walter Afanasieff and co-arranged by Afanasieff and Grammy® winning conductor/arranger William Ross, who also conducted The London Symphony Orchestra for the recording. 

 

“Neil Diamond is simply one of the most important vocalists and songwriters in the history of popular music, and this majestic new album shines a beautiful spotlight on some of his greatest works.  Classic Diamonds is a glorious addition to Neil’s body of work, and we are proud to be presenting it to listeners around the world,” says Steve Barnett, Chairman & CEO of Capitol Music Group.

 

Neil Diamond’s towering artistic achievements have carried him far, from Brooklyn Roads, to Glory Road, to Melody Road and now to Abbey Road.  As a wordsmith and melodist, he is second to none and his music has touched generations in ways that are deeply personal, yet universally understood.  These are songs of their time…and for all time.  They are Classic Diamonds.

 

Classic Diamonds With The London Symphony Orchestra Track Listing Here

Beautiful Noise

Hello Again

I Am…I Said

I’m A Believer

Song Sung Blue

September Morn

America

Holly Holy

You Don’t Bring Me Flowers

Play Me

Love On The Rocks

Heartlight

I’ve Been This Way Before

Sweet Caroline

 

About Neil Diamond

Throughout his phenomenal and wide-ranging career, Neil Diamond has performed and sold-out stadiums and arenas around the world, dominated the charts for more than five decades, sold over 130 million albums worldwide, and  has charted 37 Top 40 singles and 16 Top Ten albums both in the U.S. and internationally.  He has achieved record sales and written some of the most memorable songs of the past two centuries. 

 

The Grammy Award winning artist is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and The Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has been presented with The Johnny Mercer Award, The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and The Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award, three of the highest honors bestowed on songwriters and artists.  He has also been the recipient of the NARAS Music Cares Person of the Year Award and the prestigious Kennedy Center Award for his contributions to American culture.