This set has examples from the early and middle years. It is a good pair of CDs, but it is sung from his later yaers so the early career songs don't have the zest of the original recordings. If you desire the original "early years" versions, I recommend getting CD versions of the early albums.
I would have rated this better except that most of the best songs on this collection are in mono instead of stereo. Which, in this day and age with all of our technical know-how is simply rediculous! Never the less....The first C.D. is very good with many classic hits that you'll find yourself humming to or singing along with. As for the second C.D.? I think I'ld rather pay half price and not bother with the second C.D. as it has very few GREAT songs. in fact, there's only 2 that I would even bother to listen to. There could easily have been two removed from the first disc to make room for those songs and then a single C.D. would have been acceptable, AND cheaper. Over all, a reasonable buy if you like more than 3 of Neil Diamonds songs.
Overall, this is a good CD set for Neil Diamond fans. The one BIG exception is the live cut of "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother." It is HORRIBLE! It stinks up the room! It is stylized right out of recognition. Newer is not better! I would have been much happier if they would have used the original studio version of the song. The other live cuts are not as bad. Other than that, I like the CD set.
Such a great two disc set. So many songs I remember from my childhood!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
i bought the cd because the music brings memories to my childhood. my sister played the songs a lot. i cant think of any reason to dislike it. i decided to buy after i watched a program on television about the johnny cash show and they were showing the various musicians that were on the show. i saw neil diamond and deciced i missed listening to the music
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