Home Before Dark
by Neil Diamond
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: May 6, 2008
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. AllMusic
    80
    Home Before Dark offers aesthetic proof that "12 Songs" was no fluke. This is a much stronger, less "civilized" album.
  2. Hartford Courant
    80
    Like much of Diamond's canon, these songs are rich with melodramatic flare-ups.
  3. NOW Magazine
    80
    This is understated folk pop, and as a result, some may be disappointed by the lack of big pop hooks. However, for those of us who always found Diamond overwrought and too extroverted, this restraint is refreshing and welcome.
  5. Mojo
    80
    Fans of dramatic Diamond are well taken care of here. But the real masterpieces are the opening and closing tracks. [June 2008, p.104]
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  6. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    The songs are deeper and richer than on 2006's "12 Songs," but still naked and raw.
  7. Uncut
    80
    Some of it is as good as anything Diamond has done.
  8. Q Magazine
    80
    Home Before Dark offers a dignified and, yes, hip addition to the Neil Diamond canon. [July 2008, p.110]
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  9. Billboard
    70
    While not quite as revealing and rewarding as its 2005 cousin, the new album will certainly please fans of Rubin and Diamond's stark-yet-comfy acoustic direction.
  10. Boston Globe
    70
    This year's model is not quite as stark or stirring as its predecessor; the emphatic melodic thrusts and vocal bravado of "Whose Hands Are These" and "No Words" will resonate with fans of Diamond's adult-contemporary glory.
  11. Slant Magazine
    70
    The result is an album of the kind of sophisticated pop that proves that such exemplary songcraft should always be relevant.
  12. PopMatters
    70
    Blemishes and all, Home Before Dark is an album of rare beauty, grace, and eloquence that captures Diamond in all his plain-spoken and big-hearted glory.
  13. The A.V. Club
    67
    It's sure to please its predecessor's fans, but the filler-to-killer ratio here is skewed a little too far in the wrong direction.
  14. Hot Press
    60
    Neil doesn’t do things by halves. His words and melodies are, like Roy Orbison, Cecil B De Mille scaled. That said, there are more than a few points where he misses the mark.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. JohnO.
    Jul 13, 2008
    9
    I enjoy this disc more every time I hear it.
  2. Greg
    Jun 10, 2008
    10
    Surely does deliver sadness regret, and other mature revelations but does it in Neil Diamond style and I am one of those people and I loved Surely does deliver sadness regret, and other mature revelations but does it in Neil Diamond style and I am one of those people and I loved it I will hope the artisti see's the response and hears the cheers and keeps creating for the glory of the song. I am still waiting and hoping for Neil Diamonds "GRACELAND" equivalent. A mix of Pop Royalty and creative passion that shakes up everything and Everyone. Maybe he should have lunch with Paul Simon on some Hot August Night and learn the benefits of being still crazy after all these years.. Home before Dark proves Neil is still out there. So Neil, from one Brooklynite to another for the next one.....Send Rick home .F*** Lonliness .....GONNA FLY.… Full Review »
  3. JohanV.
    May 29, 2008
    9
    Neil's latest cd is a terrific one! I feel almost compelled to listen to it all day! Keep up the fine work, Neil!
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