Neil Diamond is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor who was born on the 24th of January 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, United States of America.
Diamond has been active in the entertainment scene since 1962 to date and his music career has seen him fuse Rock, pop, folk, country, and soft rock.
About 10 of Neil Diamond’s songs have made it to No 1 singles on the Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts. He also has 38 songs that have been featured in the Top 10 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts.
In this article, we’re going to be looking at those 10 songs and some other songs by Neil Diamond that have made waves since their release.
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20 Of Neil Diamond’s Greatest Hit Songs
1. Sweet Caroline
Neil Diamond originally wrote this song for his wife, Marcia Murphey. The song was released the same year he got married to her. Although it was for his wife, her name ‘Marcia’ did not fit into the song so he had to adopt the name ‘Caroline’ instead.
Lyrics
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I’ve been inclined
To believe they never would
But now I …
2. Love On The Rocks
This song is a unique infusion of reggae and ballad. It was written for the movie ‘The Jazz Singer’ which he was featured in.
https://youtu.be/vPbx7XARPHg
Lyrics
Love on the rocks
Ain’t no surprise
Just pour me a drink
And I’ll tell you some lies
Got nothin’ to lose
So you just sing the blues
All the time…
3. Hello Again
This is another song by Neil Diamond that was featured in the movie ‘The Jazz Singer’. This song was written by Neil and Alan Lindgren.
https://youtu.be/C2UtPMYlcvg
Lyrics
Hello, again, hello
Just called to say hello
I couldn’t sleep at all tonight
And I know it’s late
I couldn’t wait…
4. I Am I Said
This song has been referred to as one of Neil’s most successful songs ever. It is a song about his dreams and aspirations. He wrote and composed this song while in therapy in Los Angeles in 2008 and it took him a couple of months to finish the song.
https://youtu.be/fGoNZCa3Snc
Lyrics
L.A.’s fine, the sun shines most the time
And the feeling is ‘lay back’
Palm trees grow and rents are low
But you know I keep thinkin’ about
Making my way back…
5. I’m a Believer
This song was produced by Jeff Barry under the Uni Records label. It was recorded by The Monkees in 1966 and has a couple of notable renditions.
Lyrics
Then I saw her face
Now, I’m a believer
Not a trace of doubt in my mind
I’m in love
And I’m a believer
I couldn’t leave her if I tried…
6. Cracklin’ Rosie
Neil Diamond got inspired to write this song from an Indian tribe in Northern Canada that had more men than women.
The song was a narration about how every guy gets a girl and the guy who doesn’t, gets a cracklin’ Rosie. The song was composed and recorded with the backing of the Wrecking Crew in 1970.
Lyrics
Crackin’ Rosie, get on board
We’re gonna ride till there ain’t no more to go
Taking it slow
Lord, don’t you know
Have me a time with a poor man’s lady
Hitchin’ on a twilight train
Ain’t nothing there that I care to take along
Maybe a song
To sing when I want…
7. Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon
This song was dedicated to all of Neil’s female supporters who showed up at his tours to cheer him on. It is a slow seductive and sensitive song for the ladies.
It has also been featured in a couple of movies.
https://youtu.be/FMyndQoF0ec
Lyrics
Girl, you’ll be a woman soon
Please, come take my hand
Girl, you’ll be a woman soon
Soon, you’ll need a man…
8. Red Red Wine
This song was written for those who consider drinking their sorrows away is the best. The song is about a man who tries to ignore the girl on his mind by drinking red wine but unfortunately, it doesn’t work.
Lyrics
Red, red wine, it’s up to you
All I can do I’ve done
Memories won’t go, memories won’t go…
9. Play Me
A mixture of pop-rock and medium-tempo waltz, Play me has always been a song for the ladies. The song is a description of Neil’s relationship with a new lover from the start to its mature stage.
Lyrics
She was morning, and I was nighttime
I one day woke up
To find her lying beside my bed
I softly said “come take me”
For I’ve been lonely in need of someone
So I’ve done someone wrong somewhere
But I don’t know where, I don’t know where
Come lately…
10. Forever In Blue Jean
This song is an advert for the blue jeans brand and it also serves as a lesson that the simple things in life are the most essential.
Lyrics
Maybe tonight
Maybe tonight, by the fire
All alone, you and I
Nothing around but the sound
Of my heart and your sighs…
11. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers
This song is about how struggles brought about the drifting of two lovers. Neil Diamond’s collaboration with Barbra Streisand has been considered one of the most beautiful duets in history.
https://youtu.be/waFxSg5F7cc
Lyrics
I remember when
You couldn’t wait to love me
Used to hate to leave me
Now after lovin’ me late at night…
12. America
This song is a tribute to migration in America. It is a positive representation of the history of immigration to the United States of America. The song was written for the 1980 movie “The Jazz Singer”.
Lyrics
On the boats and on the planes
They’re coming to America
Never looking back again
They’re coming to America…
13. Yesterday’s Song
Yesterday’s song has been one of Neil’s wavemakers over the years. The song has peaked No 1 on the Billboard chart and has been on a lot of charts since its release.
Lyrics
Baby, yesterday’s blues
Maybe yesterday’s news
But the truth always stays the same
And the good things will never change
Like sayin’ “I love you”…
14. Heartlight
Composed by Neil Diamond, Carole Bayer, and Burt Bacharach in 1982, Heartlight was inspired by the movie “E.T the Extra-Terrestrial. Neil also asked for his 12-year-old son’s approval of the song before releasing it.
Lyrics
I just made a friend
A friend is someone you need
But now that he had to go away
I still feel the words that he might say…
15. Song Sung Blue
Talk about a simple song that did not take time to compose turning out to be a hit song. Song Sung Blue wasn’t one of the songs Neil considered would make waves but look at it now, peaking at No 1 on Billboard Hot 100 chart and other notable charts.
https://youtu.be/GNz-VLAZ144
Lyrics
Song sung blue
Everybody knows one
Song sung blue
Every garden grows one…
16. Cherry Cherry
This 1966 song was inspired by a new relationship Neil had with an older woman. The song was initially titled ‘Money Money’ but was changed to make it friendly and relatable to teens.
https://youtu.be/kIX6X0cD608
Lyrics
Baby loves me
Yes, yes she does
Ah, the gir’s outta sight, yeah
Says she loves me
Yes, yes she does
Gonna show me tonight, yeah…
17. Holly Holy
This song is a song written to describe a religious relationship between a man and woman and not God and man.
The inspiration for the song was gotten from a gospel song and the song was composed and recorded with the instrumental backing of the American Sound house.
Lyrics
Holly holy eyes
Dream of only me
Where I am, what I am
What I believe in
Holly holy
Holly holy dream
Wanting only you
And she comes
And I run just like the wind will
Holly holy…
18. Shilo
This song has been termed as one of Neil’s most recognized songs and was initially for the Bang Record label.
The song has an emotional tune to it from the narration of the story of Diamond’s lonely childhood.
Lyrics
Shilo, when I was young
I used to call you name
When no one else would come
Shilo, you always came
And we’d play…
19. Solitary Man
Another song about Neil Diamond’s life, Solitary man was his first song under the Bang label. The song was inspired by ‘Michelle’ a song written by the Beatles. This song is quite special because Neil had to step up his game in songwriting.
Lyrics
Don’t know that I will
But until I can find me
The girl who’ll stay
And won’t play games behind me
I’ll be what I am…
20. If You Know What I Mean
This song is a ballad that has been referred to as ‘powerful’. It is a love song describing Diamond’s relationship during his teenage years. During this time of his life, Neil was successfully attracting older women to himself.
Lyrics
Can you hear it, babe
Can you hear it, babe
From another time
From another place
Do you remember it, babe…
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Neil Diamond’s Complete Albums
Here is a complete list of Neil Diamond’s albums. This list comprises his studio albums, live albums, compilation albums, and soundtrack albums.
Studio Albums
- The Feel of Neil Diamond – Released on the 12th of August 1966 under the Bang label.
- Just For You – Released on the 25th of August 1967 under the Bang label.
- Velvet Gloves and Spit – Released on the 15th of October 1968 under the Uni label
- Brothers Love’s Traveling Salvation Show – Released on the 4th of April 1969 under the Uni label.
- Touching You, Touching Me – Released on the 14th of November 1969 under the Uni label.
- Tap Root Manuscript – Released on the 6th of November 1970 under the Uni label.
- Stones – Released on the 5th of November 1971 under the Uni label.
- Moods – Released on the 15th of July 1972 under the Uni label.
- Serenade – Released on the 27th of September under the Columbia label
- Beautiful Noise – Released on the 11th of June 1976 under the Columbia label.
- I’m Glad You’re Here with Me Tonight – Released on the 11th of November 1977 under the Columbia label.
- You Don’t Bring Me Flowers – Released on the 3rd of November 1978 under the Columbia label.
- September Morn – Released on the 22nd of December 1979 under the Columbia label.
- On The Way To The Sky – Released on the 9th of October 1981 under the Columbia label.
- Heartlight – Released on the 27th of August 1982 under the Columbia label.
- Primitive – Released on the 1st of April 1984 under the Columbia label.
- Headed For The Future – Released on the 11th of March 1986 under the Columbia label.
- The Best Years Of Our Lives – Released on the 13th of December 1988 under the Columbia label.
- Lovescape – Released on the 27th of August 1991 under the Columbia label.
- The Christmas Album – Released on the 22nd of September 1992 under the Columbia label.
- Up On The Roof: Songs From The Brill Building – Released on the 31st of August 1993 under the Columbia label.
- The Christmas Album, Volume II – Released on the 11th of October 1994 under the Columbia label.
- Tennesse Moon – Released on the 6th of February 1996 under the Columbia label.
- The Movie Album: As Time Goes By – Released on the 26th of October 1998 under the Columbia label.
- Three Chord Opera – Released on the 24th of July 2001 under the Columbia label.
- 12 Songs – Released on the 8th of November 2005 under the Columbia label.
- Home Before Dark – Released on the 6th of May 2008 under the Columbia label.
- A Cherry Cherry Christmas – Released on the 13th of October 2009 under the Columbia label.
- Dreams – Released on the 2nd of November 2010 under the Columbia label.
- Melody Road – Released on the 21st of October 2014 under the Capitol label.
- Acoustic Christmas – Released on the 18th of November 2016 under the Capitol label.
- Classic Diamonds – Released on the 20th of November 2020 under the Capitol label.
Diamond Neil’s Soundtrack Albums
- Jonathan Livingston Seagull – Released on the 19th of October 1973 under the Columbia label.
- The Jazz Singer – Released on the 10th of November 1980 under the Capitol label.
Neil Diamond’s Live Albums
- Gold – Released on the 22nd of August 1970 under the Uni label.
- Hot August Night – Released on the 9th of December 1972 under the MCA label.
- Love At The Greek – Released on the 4th of February 1977 under the Columbia label.
- Hot August Night II – Released on the 10th of November 1987 under the Columbia label.
- Live In America – Released on the 28th of June 1994 under the Columbia label.
- Stages: Performances 1970-2002 – Released on the 30th of September 2003 under the Columbia label.
- Hot August Night/NYC: Live From Madison Square Garden – Released on the 14th of August 2009 under the Columbia label.
- Hot August Night III – Released on the 17th of August 2018 under the Columbia label.
Neil Diamond’s Compilation Albums
- 1968 – Neil Diamond’s Greatest Hits.
- 1970 – Shilo and Holly Holly.
- 1971 – Do It.
- 1972 – Diamond’s Diamonds and Double Gold.
- 1973 – Rainbow.
- 1974 – His 12 Greatest Hits.
- 1975 – Diamonds, Solitary Man, and 20 Super Hits.
- 1976 – 20 Super Hits, And the Singer Sings His Song.
- 1978 – 20 Greatest Hits, 20 Diamant Hits.
- 1980 – The Very Best Of Neil Diamond.
- 1981 – Love Songs, and Diamond Forever- The 20 Best Of Neil Diamond.
- 1982 – 12 Greatest Hits Vol. II
- 1983 – Classics: The Early Years.
- 1984 – The Very Best Of Neil Diamond.
- 1985 – Diamonds- The Very Best Of Neil Diamonds.
Neil’s Awards And Nominations
- Primetime Emmy Awards
1977 Nominee for Outstanding Special – Comedy Variety or Music for “Love at the Greek”.
1978 Nominee for Outstanding Special – Comedy Variety or Music for “I’m Glad You’re Here with Me Tonight”
- ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards
1991 Winner for Most Performed Feature Film Standards for “The Jazz Singer”.
- Golden Globes, USA
1974 Winner for Best Original Score – Motion Picture for “Jonathan Livingston Seagull”.
1974 Nominee for Best Original Song – Motion Picture for “Jonathan Livingston Seagull”.
1981 Nominee for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for “The Jazz Singer”.
- Grammy Awards
1972 Nominee for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male for “I Am, I Said”
1973 Nominee for Album of the Year for “Song Sung Blue”.
1973 Nominee for Album of the Year for “Moods”.
1974 Winner for Album of Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special for “Jonathan Livingston Seagull”.
1979 Nominee for Song of the Year for “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”.
1980 Nominee for Record of the Year For “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”.
1980 Nominee for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus for “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”.
1982 Nominee for Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special for “The Jazz Singer”.
2000 Nominee for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance for the album “As Time Goes”.
2012 Nominee for Best Album Notes for “The Bang Years”.
2018 Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Razzie Awards
1981 Nominee for Worst Original Song for “The Jazz Singer”.
1981 Winner for Worst Actor for “The Jazz Singer”.
- The Kennedy Center Honors
2011 Winner for The Kennedy Center Honors.
- Walk Of Fame
2012 Winner of the Star on the Walk of Fame on the 10th of August 2012.
