Well before the release of 12 Songs it was already buzzing with high expectations; the American singer with the bronze, cracked voice and writer of immortal pop songs like Solitary Man and I'm A Believer had entered the studio with producer Rick Rubin, especially of the classic American Recordings series by Johnny Cash. Rubin's bare and purity-based approach almost had to do the songs of Neil Diamond
… (Cash covered his Solitary Man) justice. This is a bit disappointing with a first listen. Due to the sparse accompaniment, the dominant voice of Diamond soon starts to sound a bit monotonous. It almost makes you long for the bombast of yesteryear. Only after several spins do pearls like Oh Mary, I'm On To You and Face Me still surface. Diamond is originally a Tin Pan Alley composer and does not always aim for the unbridled depth that Rubin and Cash were looking for. As a result, 12 Songs has mainly become a pleasant, acoustic album. 12 Songs has also been released as a limited edition with two additional songs, including a duet with Brian Wilson (Delirious Love). The extra CD contains twelve song sketches: demos and alternative takes. (MR)more
