Neil Diamond – You Don’t Bring Me Flowers (1978/2016) [Official Digital Download 24bit/192kHz]

Neil Diamond – You Don’t Bring Me Flowers (1978/2016)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 41:13 minutes | 2,03 GB | Genre: Pop
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Geffen

Neil Diamond’s 1978 release “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” was triggered by the worldwide reception to the various homemade mashups of the title song, previously recorded individually by Diamond and then covered by Barbra Streisand. The two superstars teamed up to record an official version, sending this double platinum album into the top five in the US and the top 20 in the UK while the duet was an American number one smash hit. Diamond also scored another top 20 single with the song ‘Forever In Blue Jeans’.

Neil Diamond – the voice, the artist, the entertainer – is best described through this record as a rhapsody of American pop culture during this period in the late ’70s. Directly and appropriately, Diamond sings with sincerity that “the American popular song goes on.” Perhaps this record best demonstrates a mission statement of creating an endearing work of music that all Americans can feel happy and satisfied with. Much of the material is uplifting, both in tempo and lyrical expression. Other songs are emotionally gripping and romantically involved. The work as a whole seems to be vintage Diamond, and does not stand out from any of his other records as unique. However, there is one duet that breaks the mold: his passionate showing with Barbra Streisand on the cover song, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” a slow, powerful, and troubling ballad for those drifting out of relationships. “Forever in Blue Jeans” is the anthem that caught on with easy pop listeners in the late ’70s, and continues to be a staple song for Diamond. “Remember Me” is a gentle song of longing and memories concerning past friendships, past loves, and places traveled. The typical Diamond sound is expressed here to perfection, with the vocals of Diamond backed by a stirring and articulate orchestra. The record doesn’t dive into any deep ocean of creativity, nor does it strive to meet jazzier expectations. The arrangements and the songwriting are written just well enough to appeal to the easy listening audience, and the marching percussions of Diamond’s songs fit the grade. Such a well-performed song of percussion and charging tempo is the cover, “You’ve Got Your Troubles.” Sung with passion and grace, this is Neil Diamond during his peak, and merits a listen for all late-’70s enthusiasts.

Tracklist:
01. Neil Diamond – The American Popular Song (05:16)
02. Neil Diamond – Forever In Blue Jeans (03:39)
03. Neil Diamond – Remember Me (05:03)
04. Neil Diamond – You’ve Got Your Troubles (03:53)
05. Neil Diamond – You Don’t Bring Me Flowers (03:17)
06. Neil Diamond – The Dancing Bumble Bee / Bumble Boogie (04:56)
07. Neil Diamond – Mothers And Daughters, Fathers And Sons (04:09)
08. Neil Diamond – Memphis Flyer (03:11)
09. Neil Diamond – Say Maybe (04:07)
10. Neil Diamond – Diamond Girls (03:37)

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