Rank: 222 (Rolling Stone Magazine’s November 2003 ranking of the Top 500 Albums)
I own this on CD
It often seems like a cop-out to include a hits collection in a “greatest albums” listing, but in this case it fits. At his best, Neil Diamond was (is?) a hit-maker, and this set covers his most successful period. This disc does a pretty good job of covering Diamond’s output from 1968 through 1972, including 12 of his 13 Top 40 hits in that span. It also includes 2 singles that missed the Top 40, and a live version of a pre 1968 hit.
Neil Diamond is a member of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame (Class of '11), and deservedly so.
1. Sweet Caroline – #4 in 1969
2. Cracklin’ Rosie – #1 in 1970
3. Song Sung Blue – #1 in 1972
4. Play Me – #11 in 1972
5. Brooklyn Roads –#58 in 1968
6. Shiloh - #24 in 1970
7. Crunchy Granola Suite – did not chart
8. And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind – did not chart
9. Holly Holy – #6 in 1969
10. Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show – #22 in 1969
11. Stones (live) - #14 in 1971 – #30 in 1970
12. Soolaimon - #30 in 1970
13. Walk On Water - #17 in 1972
14. Cherry Cherry (live) – live version of hit from 1968
15. I Am I Said - #4 in 1971
16. Done Too Soon - #65 in 1971
17. Morningside – did not chart
18. He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother - #20 in 1970
Overall, this is a very strong collection from a specific window of Neil Diamond’s career. Personally I would’ve liked to have see 2 changes. Drop “And The Grass Won’t Mind” and “Morningside” in favor of 1970’s “Do It” (#36), and Diamond’s cover version of his own “I’m A Believer” (#51 in 1971). But it is still a worthy offering.
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