"There are two types of people in the world: those who like Neil Diamond and those who don't." - quote from the movie "What About Bob?"

If you're in the latter category, please read no further.

If you're still with me, this is a "pretty amazing" album from the evergreen Mr. Diamond, taking us back to his music of the seventies, namely the "Song Sung Blue" and "Sweet Caroline" period. There's also no complaining about the length of the album, as there are five songs that are six minutes and above, and only one track below four minutes.

American Idol viewers would have been treated to a live performance of the single "Pretty Amazing Grace", and if you liked that one, you're really going to enjoy this album.

Other recommended tracks are:

If I Don't See You Again - the first song on the album, and the longest at 7 minutes 14 seconds.

Another Day (That Time Forgot) - with Dixie Chick Natalie Maines

Forgotten - lots of guitars

Act Like a Man - a little Moon River, a little Country, pure Diamond

Whose Hands Are These - a folksy, inspiring treasure with heavy guitar and piano backing

No Words - you'll be hooked from the intro (personal favorite)

This is vintage Diamond, and I predict a very good year indeed.

Recommended - just recommended - buy it!!

Amanda Richards, May 15, 2008

I have been a Neil Diamond fan my whole life. One of the first songs I remember learning by heart is "Song Sung Blue," taught to me when I was three or four by my then-teenage sisters. I was taken to my first concert when I was about 10. I've grown up with this man's music -- singing it, teaching it to myself on the guitar and piano, returning to old favorites as I got older and finding nuances that I had missed when I was younger.

This is, hands down, his finest album. I feel a little sorry for the reviewers both here and in the media who can't see that. Those who long for the boom-boom-boom of the 80s, the sequins and muttonchop whiskers, are forgetting that, first and foremost, Neil Diamond is a songwriter. For too many people, the whole Neil Diamond thing has never actually been about the music. It's all about "the scene," the big events, the production numbers, the over-the-top orchestrations and the oversized flag descending onstage at the end of "America." Really, it's too bad that not everyone can hear these songs for what they are: some of the best of his career, right up there with anything he wrote 30 years ago.

Over the years I've turned my husband, a die-hard classic rock aficionado, into a fan. We caught our nine-year-old daughter singing along to "Pretty Amazing Grace" in the car last night. If that doesn't prove the timelessness of these new songs, and the man who wrote them, I don't know what will. I hope he keeps recording with Rick Rubin and this stripped-down little band until he's ready to call it quits -- a long time from now.

Home Before Dark may not resemble the music that Neil turned out in the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's however the songwriting and performing on this CD is nothing less than incredible. This is a new style for Neil, which he started with 12 Songs, and in my opinion he has fined tuned it in Home Before Dark and made it his own in a very extraordinary way. Don't buy this CD if you are looking for a CD full of Sweet Caroline songs however if you are a serious music lover and Neil Diamond fan I would highly recommend purchasing this CD. This CD showcases Neil's talent at its best!!

Way to go Neil!! Hope this CD makes it to #1!!!!!!!!!

Neil Diamond's last album "12 Songs" was the best he had done in years. The expanded edition of that album featured mostly the songs with just Neil and his guitar. It was a breathe of fresh air. The songs were well written , and to paraphrase a Diamond song , just "A Singer And His Song".....it was great to hear Neil without all the orchestrations and over-production that marred many of his other albums.And this trend , thanfully continues on in "Home Before Dark". Most songs feature just the barest of musical embellishments. And the 4th track , "Another Day (That Time Forgot)" , a duet with Natalie Maines , is in my opinion the absolute most beautiful melody that Neil has EVER produced. It's nice to have the singer-songwriter back. Thanks Neil , for another disc that will spin monthly in my player!

"Home Before Dark" is the follow-up to the acclaimed

and,in my opinion,is proof that 12 Songs was just a warm-up practice for this masterpiece."Another Day(That Time Forgot)","Forgotten","One More Bite Of The Apple","Pretty Amazing Grace" and the haunting title song that closes the disc are the highlights of an album that nothing BUT highlights,including the bluesy "Don't Go There" and "Act Like A Man".Dig in and enjoy!