Neil Diamond Covers Leonard Cohen, Beatles On Dreams

Videos by American Songwriter

“A lot of these songs have been waiting for me to record them for 40 years,” says 50-year songwriting vet Neil Diamond of his upcoming album, Dreams. This fourteen-track collection of Diamond’s favorite songs will be released November 2 on Columbia. Sure, Diamond is one hell of a songwriter and a showman, but Dreams showcases Diamond’s voice first and foremost. In fact, American-flag backdrops and bedazzled shirts aren’t even afterthoughts.

Tracks range from Bill Wither’s “Ain’t No Sunshine” and Diamond’s own “I’m a Believer” (popularized by The Monkees and later by Smash Mouth) to bare-bones versions of Glenn Frey and Don Henley’s “Desperado” and Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. The wide array of song styles on Dreams not only shows listeners the versatility of Diamond’s pipes, but it also serves as a peek into what makes a song a great song for Neil Diamond.

Neil Diamond fans are sure to agree that the newest release by the Grammy-winning songsmith is a welcome and vital addition to Diamond’s already pristine catalog.

Look for Neil Diamond’s Dreams in stores November 2.

Dreams track listing:

1. Ain’t No Sunshine
2. Blackbird
3. Alone Again (Naturally)
4. Feels Like Home
5. Midnight Train To Georgia
6. I’m A Believer
7. Love Song
8. Losing You
9. Hallelujah
10. A Song For You
11. Yesterday
12. Let It Be Me
13. Desperado
14. Don’t Forget Me

6 Comments

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  1. Though I’m not the biggest Neil Diamond fan, I like that he chose to show off his vocal range not with currently popular songs or a certain theme, but rather picked tracks for their musical and, it seems, especially lyrical quality.
    His voice certainly has the power to drive home the stories behind the songs he selected.

  2. If anyone deserves to be dominated (and inducted To the Rock ‘n Roll Hall Of Fame) Mr. Dimond should top the list! His latest album (to be released November 2) shows his wide diversity in the music of others. Please recall that he recorded “Suzanne”, a song written by Mr. Cohen. Mr. Diamond sang that song in the early 1970s on an album called “Moods” and/or “Stones”. I cannot readily find my old CDs, but take my word for it, “Hallelujah” is an incredible song and from what I’m told Neil’s version is amazing to say the least. Thank you for the opportunity to add my two cents. Sincerely, Hal Dixon.

  3. Hello ALL, and respect to you.

    Last night Neil Diamond was on the Jools Holland show, as well as Paul Mcartney and Elvis Costello. I wonder if Neil speaks to Paul? Or Elvis C? They should think about an album together, teach everyone a thing or two.
    I am concerned that ND has finally lost his voice. He used to have such a powerful voice, shame. He can’t sustain and crackle and roar like he used to, that was his charm. Paul M was superb, though his voice too was a little weak. Whilst Elvis C was class in this elite company.

    All the Best, Eddie from London.

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