This is a great album from a man who would write many songs over the course of his life and make many performances, but everything before and after pales in comparison to the quality of this unique and spiritually moving recording.

Neil Diamond has made a career in projecting himself in terms of some kind of psuedo-Tom Jones. But it is here, that I find myself adrift in the copius, but all-too corporate, emission of this man, searching for his true, seedy gem; all the time wondering where the real magic is that he created so skillfully in these days as I see him with yet another new release, or amalgam of songs from all his hit albums.

I shouldn't bring a negative light to this current part of his life, but when a man ages, he does reach out for what he once had, and when you think you are doing it for the sake of entertaining others, something gets lost. But I guess that's his prerogative. The facts stand by themselves, he was adored for this style of songwriting and composing found here, not for that cowboy-esque portrayal he created for himself on the screen or for the later persona that churned out more Christmas Albums than Bing Crosby.

"If you go away" is undoubtedly, the most profound thing this man will leave in his legacy. And I assure you, if you'll really listen, it will be this album that he'll be remembered for when it's all said and done.

This is the real Neil Diamond, his hearts true message.

... will there be not a trace left behind ...

Everyone knows Neil Diamond's voice immediately. We want to hear it. We know it. It is comfortable. Does anyone not feel like we know Neil Diamond personally? While we thrill to albums like "Hot August night" or "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" it is albums like this that forever connect us to the soul of an artist. It is not simply the songs (everyone has recorded virtually all of these at one time or another), it is not simply the production (although beautiful, it is pretty predictable actually), and it is not a smashing performance (some of the delivery seems a little contrived in places). This album goes far beyond these aspects. It is the phenomenal experience of sitting in a room with this master song-crafter and song-singer while he weaves a unique magic with each one. And we listen. And we will never hear anyone do what he does again. "Suzanne" has drifted off to sleep with me for several nights in a row at times leaving lingering glorious images and dreams of oceans, sailors and that ever-elusive fantasy woman. Neil Diamond does here what he does the best, and what no one else will ever be able to do. A marvelous work of art from a marvelous performer. A must have.

Deep feelings, sensitive sounds, excellent instrumentation. 'Love Songs' is a very special collection of beautiful songs coming from this profoundly original artist.

This compilation of some of Neil Diamond's love songs is first class. The only thing that I would have liked was to have the studio versions of Red Red Wine & Girl You'll Be A Woman Soon.

Neil Diamond has been a favourte of mine since his first recordings back in the sixties and even though I have most of these songs on other CDs, it is a nice collection to listen to in the car or just for relaxation.

I am very pleased with this purchase. It not only got here earlier than expected but it was in great shape. I have already gotten a lot of listening time and I won't tire of it.