Legendary songwriter performs variety of styles on 1973’s ‘Rainbow’
Neil Diamond is one of the most prolific songwriters in the history of pop music.
Diamond, who burst onto the scene in the 1960s, has generated classic tunes such as “I Am, I Said,” “Play Me,” “Solitary Man,” “Red Red Wine” and many, many others. His early live performances were truly legendary, and his works are adored by generations of fans. In addition to his vast library of original classic songs, he also covered songs by other artists throughout his career.
In 1973, Diamond was riding high after releasing “Hot August Night,” one of the best live albums ever recorded. MCA, his longtime record company, took advantage of that album by releasing “Rainbow,” which compiled a selection of his covers recorded between 1969 and 1971.
Opening the 11-track LP is a notable version of “Everybody’s Talkin’.” Made famous by Harry Nilsson, the song was originally released in 1968 and re-released a short time later after appearing in the film “Midnight Cowboy.” “Rainbow” also includes renditions of two Joni Mitchell tunes: “Both Sides Now” and “Chelsea Morning.”
Roger Miller’s “Husbands and Wives,” Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Mr. Bojangles,” “He Ain’t Heavy … He’s My Brother” by the Hollies and Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne” also make the cut, as does Randy Newman’s “I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today.” While the original songs are classics, Diamond makes them his own with his signature vocal stylings.
While obviously not highlighting Diamond’s incomparable songwriting skills, “Rainbow” is charming enough in its own way, as it pays tribute to the singer’s contemporaries, as well as some of the artists that possibly influenced him along his career path. It’s definitely worth a listen for fans of Diamond and of pop music in general.
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