12 Songs
by Neil Diamond
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Nov 8, 2005
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 42
  3. Negative: 5 out of 42

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  1. ChrisF
    Nov 15, 2005
    1
    If you can get past the first tune on this CD, you're a die hard Neil Diamond fan. Conservative production can't mask Diamond's over-the-top sacharine-sweet sentimentality.
  2. EvanP
    Nov 17, 2005
    0
    This is one of the CDs Sony crippled with their rootkit that opens your PC to hackers and viruses. Avoid at all costs.
  3. BF
    Nov 21, 2005
    0
    Horrid, horrid, horrid
  4. RemyL.
    Nov 24, 2005
    3
    The stark production only makes the weakness of the songwriting clearer. I'm sorry but it seems Neil lost his touch for good. Listen to Mccartney's last for quality "veteran" pop songwriting
  5. FredW
    Nov 12, 2005
    0
    I know it's not Neil's doing but how can I support and enjoy a CD that has Sony Spyware?

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Best Album of 2005
92
#92 Most Discussed Album of 2005
88
#88 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. AllMusic
    80
    But if 12 Songs does occasionally come across as slightly affected in its intent and presentation, it also is inarguably Neil Diamond's best set of songs in a long, long time.
    Read full review
  2. Billboard
    60
    While the all-original material is not strong enough to qualify this as the instant classic some have suggested, heartfelt tracks like the jubilant "Delirious Love," the rousing "Hell Yeah" and the string-tinged love song "Evermore" are outstanding. [12 Nov 2005]
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    [The] tension between Rubin's desire to pare it down and Diamond's tendency to amp it up makes for the best musical checks and balances; nothing gets too unplugged or too bombastic. [11 Nov 2005, p.67]
See all critic reviews »