Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Diamond is set to release Wild at Heart on May 8th, a new album born from his prolific collaboration with producer Rick Rubin. The 10-track collection represents the final chapter in a trilogy that began with 2005’s 12 Songs and continued with 2008’s critically acclaimed Home Before Dark, which remarkably became Diamond’s first-ever album to reach the top of the Billboard charts.
Wild at Heart draws upon previously unreleased recordings from the Home Before Dark sessions, revisited and completed by Diamond in recent years. The album promises a stripped-down aesthetic, characteristic of the partnership with Rubin, focusing on Diamond’s signature vocals and songwriting against minimal arrangements. This release offers fans a glimpse into the creative process behind one of music’s most enduring artists and a final testament to a fruitful collaboration.
A Labor of Love: Diamond Reflects on the Rubin Partnership
“My work with Rick was a labor of love,” Diamond shared, according to a press release. “and I’m so gratified that these songs will finally be set free into the world to complete our trilogy of work.” The partnership, which initially sparked with 2005’s 12 Songs – hailed as one of Diamond’s most entertaining albums – clearly resonated with the artist, leading to further exploration and this final collection. The success of Home Before Dark, praised by PopMatters as “an album of rare beauty, grace, and eloquence,” solidified the creative synergy between Diamond, and Rubin.
Musical Landscape and Featured Musicians
Like its predecessors, Wild at Heart features a core group of musicians that includes Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell, both formerly of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, alongside guitarists Smokey Hormel and Matt Sweeney. The album’s tracklist includes nine previously unheard songs, as well as an alternate grab of “Forgotten,” which originally appeared on Home Before Dark. Listeners can expect a blend of philosophical reflections, as found in tracks like “Shine On” and “You Can’t Have It All,” and Diamond’s signature romantic storytelling, showcased in songs such as “The Secret You” and “You Still Look Good to Me.”
The album is available for pre-order and will be released on CD, vinyl, and digital platforms via Capitol/UMe on May 8th, with limited edition colored vinyl and 2CD versions too available. Fans can also watch the official music video for “Wild At Heart” and a trailer for the album on Neil Diamond’s official website.
Diamond’s Continued Legacy
Whereas Neil Diamond retired from performing in 2018 due to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, he remains an active figure in the public eye, appearing at award ceremonies and in connection with A Beautiful Noise, the Broadway musical based on his life and songs. His enduring influence on popular music continues to be celebrated, and Wild at Heart offers a poignant final chapter to a remarkable creative partnership.
The release of Wild at Heart provides a fitting coda to Diamond’s work with Rubin, offering fans a chance to experience previously unheard material and reflect on a legacy that spans decades. What remains to be seen is how this final installment will be received by critics and fans alike, and whether it will further cement Diamond’s place as one of the most important songwriters of his generation.
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