Classics: The Early Years (1966-67) - Diamond, Neil (CD 1990)

Neil Diamond: Classics, The Early Years -- this album is the one I remember most from my childhood! My mom and dad loved Neil Diamond and passed that on to me.
This album features great acoustic guitar, hand claps, piano and strings. It's a "feel good" album.
"Kentucky Woman", "Cherry, Cherry", "You Got to Me", "Thank the Lord for the Night Time", "I'm a Believer", and "The Boat That I Row" are all fast songs that just make you want to sing along and clap your hands! "I'm a Believer" was written by Neil Diamond, but most people don't know that because the band The Monkees made it popular. Neil Diamond wrote the words and music to every song on the album.
"Solitary Man" is the song that Neil Diamond was known for back in the 60s. This song, along with the other slow songs on the album, features very poetic lyrics and truly emotional vocals.
Neil Diamond has always been a songwriter. He didn't start singing his own songs right away because he never thought his voice was all that good. His voice is extremely masculine and low with just a trace of raspiness.
If you like Neil Diamond, I think you would probably like Alan Jackson, Billy Joel, or Waylon Jennings.