Neil Diamond – Hot August Night II

Neil Diamond – Hot August Night II

Neil Diamond – Hot August Night II is the celebrated live sequel to Diamond’s classic Hot August Night, capturing the veteran singer-songwriter in concert with a set packed with some of his most recognisable songs. Originally released in 1987, the album revisits material from across Diamond’s career, combining intimate ballads, upbeat pop-rock favourites and the sweeping concert performances that made his live shows so popular.

Opening with the atmospheric “Song Of The Whales (Fanfare)”, the album quickly moves into a selection of Diamond classics including “September Morn,” “Thank The Lord For The Night Time,” “Cherry, Cherry” and the enduring singalong “Sweet Caroline.” Elsewhere, “Hello Again,” “Love On The Rocks,” “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” and “America” demonstrate his talent for emotionally direct songwriting and dramatic, melodic arrangements.

The second half of the collection draws heavily on Diamond’s established catalogue, featuring “Song Sung Blue,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “I Am... I Said,” “Holly Holy” and “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show.” The set also includes later material such as “Headed For The Future” and “Heartlight,” giving Hot August Night II a broader perspective on Diamond’s career than the original 1972 live album.

Part of the enduring appeal of Hot August Night II is the way it brings together several generations of Neil Diamond songwriting. From the early pop success of “Cherry, Cherry” and “Sweet Caroline” to the introspective “I Am... I Said” and the cinematic sweep of “America,” the album showcases the distinctive voice, melodies and stage presence that established Diamond as one of the defining American singer-songwriters of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

A particularly appealing choice for fans of Neil Diamond, classic rock, adult contemporary, singer-songwriter music and live albums, Hot August Night II offers a broad career-spanning concert set and a natural companion to the original Hot August Night.

Tracklist

1. Song Of The Whales (Fanfare) – 1:59
2. Headed For The Future – 3:28
3. September Morn – 4:44
4. Thank The Lord For The Night Time – 3:23
5. Cherry, Cherry – 3:13
6. Sweet Caroline – 3:51
7. Hello Again – 3:32
8. Love On The Rocks – 3:12
9. America – 3:59
10. Forever In Blue Jeans – 3:26
11. You Don't Bring Me Flowers – 4:42
12. I Dreamed A Dream – 4:38
13. Back In L.A. – 2:25
14. Song Sung Blue – 2:52
15. Cracklin' Rosie – 2:54
16. I Am... I Said – 5:10
17. Holly Holy – 4:38
18. Soolaimon – 1:20
19. Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show – 5:34
20. Heartlight – 4:00