The consensus on Neil Diamond's 80's & 90's output is that it offers many schmaltzy ballads. However, of the 11 tracks on this album, 7 are upbeat. The slow songs sound no different than songs from his other CDs around that time, but the fast songs offer a change. Personally, I enjoy "Fire on the Tracks", "Primitive" and "One by One". Most of these songs are only available here, so if you were disappointed by "Heartlight" or "Best Years" because they were way too slow, this one's a little different.

This is not the work of Neil's career, but true Diamond fans can appreciate this CD. Most of the songs are upbeat and very listenable. If you are just a casual fan, you should probably stick to the GREATEST HITS. I don't demean you for that. Some of these songs are the best non-hits Neil has produced and most original. "You Make It Feel Like Christmas" I have to say makes me cringe. This album is refreshing because it's everything ND represents....upbeat songs you can sing along with and strong vocals...but I have not heard these 10 million times on the redio.

This is one of those albums that sits on a fine line between great and terrible. Sadly, it falls on the terrible side. Almost every song on the album is an almost great song that comes up shallow on lyrics. The best examples are "One By One" this simple tune almost makes you feel good when you sing along. "Fire on the Tracks" lets you down due to a steady fall into Vegas. "Loves Own Song" takes on "Cherry Cherry" and is thrown for a loss. The albums one saving grace is the title tract "Primitive." This could have been a nice single in the late 70's. Too bad the song was released in 1984. "Turn Around" is just another failed ballad that Diamond released as a single in that decade. It sounds just like the later "The Man You Need" (not a radio single) and "Turn Around" from Best Years of Our Lives. The Christmas song? Don't even go there.

Neil gets an A for effort with Primitive but, it simply doesn't work.

Primitive is one of those albums ruined by record company interference.When Neil gave in the original Primitive,Sony didnt hear the middle of the road pop ballads that they think sells Neil Diamond albums.But those added ballads(Turn Around,Sleep With Me Tonight and You Make Me Feel Like Chritmas)completely feel out of place here.

Skip the ballads,and you will hear a good (if dated) collection of funky songs about primitive love,space love,Brooklyn street gangs and fire on the tracks.

No,it's not "Beautiful Noise" or "The Jazz Singer",but it's better than you expect,containing such strong uptempo offerings like "Fire On The Tracks","Brooklyn On A Saturday Night","Love's Own Song","It's A Trip(Go For The Moon)"and "Crazy" with decent ballads like "Turn Around" and "My Time With You".Only the treacly "Christmas" song is the weak link here.And considering its dirt-cheap price,its well worth your money.