First time I heard of this version, I thought it was not good..but after listening to it a couple of times, I began to understand the musical emotions of both Herbie Hancock and Neil Diamond and began to think that this version is not bad after all..just like looking into a dirtly doodle of an abstract painting..wonderful version!!
To all of you critics of Diamond. What is TALENT? Does it fit the litmus test of time? If so, Neil is loaded with talent. Does it sell it's weight in bought Cd's & Albums? If so Neil, passes the talent test here also. Does he speak rather then sing completely through songs? Tell that to his concert audiences who buy out his shows. Not only in his time, but ours also. You critics inspire me to think you couldn't recognize TALENT even when you see and hear it.
@havenoneatall Is Neil Diamond a talented individual? Judging from the things you stated, absolutely. But does that mean that everything the man does is spot on 100% of the time? True fans shouldn't be lemmings and just blindly accept everything a particular performer does. True fans should have the ability to critique and discern the quality or lack thereof of any performance. Do talented individuals have off days or make not-so-good decisions? Absolutely. No one is perfect.
I consider myself a huge fan of Neil's but I have to say that his pairing with Herbie Hancock was a horrible decision. Their musical styles are light years apart and it painfully shows in this performance. Not only is Neil's annoying habit of "speak-singing" detracting from the song but Herbie's jazzy keyboard style just doesn't fit the mood of the song and further destroys it. A true train wreck of a performance if I ever heard one. Couldn't they tell in rehearsal this just wouldn't work?
You are obviously one of those 'in denial' Neil Diamond fans who thinks that the guy can do no wrong. I too am a big fan, but I can certainly spot a train wreck, and in this case it has nothing to do with his emotions. The fact is, Neil Diamond is not generally recognized for being a great vocalist. He is known and respected in the music world as being a great songwriter and performer with a UNIQUE, (but not necessarily great) voice.
In the last 10 years he has chosen to talk through many of his songs as opposed to actually singing them. Even when performing 'live', he speaks and/or screams out many of the lyrics as opposed to singing them. This has become his MO. The thing is, while he may be able to sell this strategy while performing his own songs, he certainly cannot when performing songs (especially iconic tunes) made famous by other people. Neil needs to remember what first made him a star and only sing HIS OWN MUSIC.
Although Neil's performing gesture is very honorable considering he is donating his time to the "Stand Up To Cancer" cause, from a musical standpoint, his decision to perform this song (from his upcomng 'Dreams" album) has got to be one of the lowest points in his career. Aside from the fact that his voice 'cracks' on ocassion, he begins singing flat and chooses to talk through most of the song as opposed to actually singing it. Neil, what the hell were you thinking?
Neil! You were my moms favorite singer. She lost her battle a little over a year ago to cancer. She definitely wore out her cassette copy of the Jazz Singer back in the day! I took her to see you probably four years ago while she was sick - man she loved the show! Beautiful version brother.... I am donating in memory of my mom, Marlene. Love you momma!!!
First time I heard of this version, I thought it was not good..but after listening to it a couple of times, I began to understand the musical emotions of both Herbie Hancock and Neil Diamond and began to think that this version is not bad after all..just like looking into a dirtly doodle of an abstract painting..wonderful version!!
manuelergcruz 3 weeks ago
To all of you critics of Diamond. What is TALENT? Does it fit the litmus test of time? If so, Neil is loaded with talent. Does it sell it's weight in bought Cd's & Albums? If so Neil, passes the talent test here also. Does he speak rather then sing completely through songs? Tell that to his concert audiences who buy out his shows. Not only in his time, but ours also. You critics inspire me to think you couldn't recognize TALENT even when you see and hear it.
havenoneatall 1 year ago
@havenoneatall Is Neil Diamond a talented individual? Judging from the things you stated, absolutely. But does that mean that everything the man does is spot on 100% of the time? True fans shouldn't be lemmings and just blindly accept everything a particular performer does. True fans should have the ability to critique and discern the quality or lack thereof of any performance. Do talented individuals have off days or make not-so-good decisions? Absolutely. No one is perfect.
tellitlikeitis002 1 year ago
@tellitlikeitis002 You're right. Even as a big Neil Diamond fan I have to agree with you
sunlady01 1 year ago
I consider myself a huge fan of Neil's but I have to say that his pairing with Herbie Hancock was a horrible decision. Their musical styles are light years apart and it painfully shows in this performance. Not only is Neil's annoying habit of "speak-singing" detracting from the song but Herbie's jazzy keyboard style just doesn't fit the mood of the song and further destroys it. A true train wreck of a performance if I ever heard one. Couldn't they tell in rehearsal this just wouldn't work?
thenewhorizons 1 year ago 2
You are obviously one of those 'in denial' Neil Diamond fans who thinks that the guy can do no wrong. I too am a big fan, but I can certainly spot a train wreck, and in this case it has nothing to do with his emotions. The fact is, Neil Diamond is not generally recognized for being a great vocalist. He is known and respected in the music world as being a great songwriter and performer with a UNIQUE, (but not necessarily great) voice.
IdoubledogdareU 1 year ago
In the last 10 years he has chosen to talk through many of his songs as opposed to actually singing them. Even when performing 'live', he speaks and/or screams out many of the lyrics as opposed to singing them. This has become his MO. The thing is, while he may be able to sell this strategy while performing his own songs, he certainly cannot when performing songs (especially iconic tunes) made famous by other people. Neil needs to remember what first made him a star and only sing HIS OWN MUSIC.
IdoubledogdareU 1 year ago
Although Neil's performing gesture is very honorable considering he is donating his time to the "Stand Up To Cancer" cause, from a musical standpoint, his decision to perform this song (from his upcomng 'Dreams" album) has got to be one of the lowest points in his career. Aside from the fact that his voice 'cracks' on ocassion, he begins singing flat and chooses to talk through most of the song as opposed to actually singing it. Neil, what the hell were you thinking?
IdoubledogdareU 1 year ago
Neil! You were my moms favorite singer. She lost her battle a little over a year ago to cancer. She definitely wore out her cassette copy of the Jazz Singer back in the day! I took her to see you probably four years ago while she was sick - man she loved the show! Beautiful version brother.... I am donating in memory of my mom, Marlene. Love you momma!!!
ccspiti 1 year ago