Neil Diamond, the 85-year-old singer-songwriter, is preparing to release a latest album, Wild at Heart, on May 8. The album represents the final installment in a trilogy of collaborations with producer Rick Rubin.
A Trilogy Concludes
Wild at Heart draws from recording sessions originally conducted around Diamond’s 2008 album, Home Before Dark. The new release will feature ten tracks, including nine previously unreleased songs and an alternate take of “Forgotten,” which originally appeared on Home Before Dark. This follows earlier collaborations with Rubin on 2005’s 12 Songs and Home Before Dark.
According to Diamond, “My work with Rick was a labor of love,” and he expressed his gratitude that these songs will “finally be set free into the world to complete our trilogy of work.”
A Familiar Sound
Wild at Heart continues the musical approach established in Diamond’s previous work with Rubin, emphasizing stripped-down arrangements that highlight his vocals and guitar playing. The sessions included musicians Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell, both formerly of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, as well as guitarists Smokey Hormel and Matt Sweeney.
The album’s tracks reportedly explore a range of themes, with songs like “Shine On” and “You Can’t Have It All” leaning toward philosophical reflection, while others, such as “The Secret You” and “You Still Look Good to Me,” continue Diamond’s tradition of romantic storytelling.
Diamond retired from performing in 2018 due to Parkinson’s disease, but he has continued to make public appearances at award ceremonies and in support of A Beautiful Noise, the Broadway musical based on his life and music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of this album?
Wild at Heart is the final album in a trilogy of collaborations between Neil Diamond and Rick Rubin, drawing from sessions originally conducted for Diamond’s 2008 album, Home Before Dark.
Who contributed to the album’s creation?
The album features contributions from Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, alongside guitarists Smokey Hormel and Matt Sweeney.
What has Neil Diamond been doing since his retirement from performing?
Neil Diamond retired from performing in 2018 due to Parkinson’s disease, but he continues to appear in public at award ceremonies and in conjunction with the Broadway musical A Beautiful Noise.
As Neil Diamond revisits and completes this chapter of his musical journey, what impact might this final collaboration have on his enduring legacy?
