If you say the name Neil Diamond, younger people will have no idea who you’re talking about. But then if you say Sweet Caroline, there’s a good chance you get a “BUM BUM BUMMMMMM”. Despite having a song that’s by far more popular than the rest, Neil Diamond is an amazing artist who has made a lot of great music. Due to his amazing voice and song writing, he even got his own movie called The Jazz Singer. 

I’m a big fan of the movie, but it is definitely showing its age. One aspect of it that is still exceptional to this day though is its soundtrack, which was eventually released as an album with the same name. 

This album is just full of amazing songs, classics from the Jewish religion, fun upbeat songs, and even striking ballets.

There are some songs that I’m not a fan of, two of which are Songs of Life and Hello Again. These are both slow love songs, and in the context of the movie they are okay, but by themselves, they are just boring. Being in an album full of fun upbeat songs, these two are a real mood killer.

The two slower songs I did like were Kol Nidre and the best song on the album, Love on the Rocks. Kol Nidre is all vocals and Neil Diamond’s voice is just perfect for it. I personally don’t know a whole lot about the Jewish religion, but just from a musical standpoint, I think he absolutely nailed it. 

I don’t think there’s anything I can say I dislike about Love on the Rocks. The piano is so calm and soothing, and then Neil Diamond’s vocals and lyrics just hit you like a truck. When the strings and drums pick up after the first verse, you just can’t help but smile. This song is beautiful, and it’s one of the few times I’ll give a song a 10/10 rating.

The rest of the album is just straight up fun. Robert E Lee is a certified banger and despite being in a very problematic scene, so is You Baby. I mean there are just so many amazing songs like America, Amazed and Confused, Acapulco, Hey Louise, I mean I could go on and on. 

I wish that not only this album would get more attention, but also just Neil Diamond. He’s an amazing artist that created this masterpiece, but unfortunately, he always going to be known for Sweet Caroline. I hope that people go check out some of his other stuff, especially this album. I give the album as a whole a 9/10.