Neil Diamond releases new album “Wild at Heart” in collaboration with Rick Rubin
Neil Diamond is gearing up to release a new album, and fans are in for a treat. Titled “Wild at Heart,” the album is set to be released on May 8 by Capitol Records and UMe. Comprising ten tracks, the album features outtakes recorded in 2007 with producer Rick Rubin for the “Home Before Dark” album. Diamond finished the tracks recently, culminating in this highly-anticipated release.
Diamond and Rubin initially collaborated on the album “12 Songs” in 2005. Encouraged by Rubin, Diamond embraced a raw, minimalist sound reminiscent of his 1960s recordings on Bang Records. The album was centered around his guitar playing, and tracks like “Hell Yeah” and “Delirious Love” resonated well with both critics and commercial audiences. “12 Songs” achieved a No. 4 placement on the Billboard chart, marking Diamond’s highest charting album since 1980.
Their partnership continued with the release of “Home Before Dark” in 2008, which became Diamond’s first and only album to reach No. 1 in the United States. The album featured emotional tracks like “Pretty Amazing Grace” and “Don’t Go There,” along with a cover of Bob Dylan’s “To Make You Feel My Love.” The album’s success solidified Diamond’s status as a music icon, and the long-lasting impact of his work remains evident in the continued adoration from fans around the world.
“Wild At Heart” consists of nine outtakes from the “Home Before Dark” sessions, along with an alternate version of the album’s track “Forgotten.” Diamond was accompanied by a quartet including keyboardist Benmont Tench and guitarist Mike Campbell, known for their work with Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers. The album will be available in various formats, including CD, vinyl, and digital versions. Additionally, color vinyl variants and a 2CD edition with a bonus disc featuring 10 of Diamond’s hits are also in the works.
Despite a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in January 2018 preventing Diamond from touring, his music continues to captivate audiences. The release of “Wild at Heart” signals a resurgence in Diamond’s career, following the success of projects like the Broadway musical “A Beautiful Noise” and the film “Song Sung Blue.” Fans can look forward to the album’s release on May 8, and there are various ways to pre-order it to secure a copy for themselves.
In summary, Neil Diamond’s upcoming album “Wild at Heart” represents a continuation of his collaboration with producer Rick Rubin and a celebration of his timeless music. With its anticipated release in May, fans can expect an eclectic mix of tracks that showcase Diamond’s enduring talent and creativity.