Melody Road
Neil Diamond
(Capitol) Three stars
When you have been making music for more than five decades, expect a few reinventions. Neil Diamond is no different. The 73-year-old's most recent evolution was a pair of sparse but acclaimed records, 12 Songs (2005) and Home Before Dark (2008). The monochrome vision of those have now been jettisoned for the lush schmaltz of the Diamond of old. Melody Road is not about making a splash, it's simply a collection of songs by someone enjoying their craft. In the country shuffle of the opening title track, Diamond croons about faith in his songwriting muse. In the jaunty country rocker First Time, he savours everything from first love to writing an opening lyric. This focus on life's simple pleasures hasn't dulled Diamond's knack for composing a sweeping song, however. The cross-cultural romance of Seongah and Jimmy is a string-laden epic and totally overblown, while Nothing But a Heartache is elegantly introspective. Smooth and unhurried, Melody Road is a satisfying ride.
