Hats off to producer David Foster for saving Neil Diamond from an otherwise wasted decade. After releasing a string of ambitious albums between 1969 and 1976, Diamond handed over production credits to Bob Gaudio - who managed to polish any edges and depth the songs may have had to highest elevator standards. Each album that Neil Diamond released between 1977 and 1986 was a major disappointment artistically; pretty sad if you knew just how good the man could be.

My hopes were therefore not very high when I bought this CD upon its original release in 1989 - but what a pleasant surprise! The first album in more than 10 years that finally sounded like a real Diamond recording, with ten self-penned songs and a wonderful cover tune (Tracy Chapman's "Baby Can I Hold You"). Not over-produced like "Headed for the Future", not filled with lacklustre weak stuff like "Heartlight", not as uneven as the "Jazz Singer" soundtrack... not bad at all.

This is without a doubt Neil Diamond's best album outside of his soundtrack efforts. It is also the last album in which he penned almost every song alone (1 cover, 1 song w/a co-writer). This album was produced by David Foster who gave Neil a rough edge on the upbeat songs while keeping the "mush" on the ballads fairly subdued. The title song, "Carmalita's Eyes", and "If I Couldn't See You Again" are my favorite tracks, but there really isn't a weak song on this one. If you like Mr. Diamond you'll love this, if you don't care for him you'll still probably like it, and may even convert (my wife is proof of that). I think this album represents Neil's last great effort as a writer and a singer.

Neil Diamond was back in form with this effort. What drew me to this artist from the beginning of his career was his penchant for strong, identifiable melodies over a simple harmonic structure-not unlike, say, "Greensleeves" and a host of other timeless airs. His voice lacks in range, but the resonant baritone radiates warmth. Best efforts are "Hard Time for Lovers", If I Couldn't See You Again", and "Hooked on the Memory of You", the last of which being his best vocal effort as it is for the most part, simply stated. Excellent effort, also, on his homage to Tracy Chapman, for whom he has great respect. Which brings me to my lone negative criticism: sometimes Mr. Diamond emotes as a person acting like he is singing with feeling rather than just singing with feeling. Did he ever do anything differently? Just listen to "Brooklyn Roads." A solid effort from an American Icon.

I own every CD or Album made by Neil Diamond. I am an AVID fan. For a while, I was very disappointed with the work he came out with. It was right after "Beautiful Noise." Then came "Best Years Of Our Lives" and my emotions soared. "Carmelita's Eyes" is brilliant. Keep going Neil!

Have almost every Neil Diamond album and/or CD but this one by and far remains my favorite. Love every song on it and reminds me why I have always been an avid Neil Diamond fan. Have been listening to and enjoying this CD for 20 years and have yet to tire of it. If you're a Neil Diamond fan, this is a must have!