Ah, Neil Diamond. The Jewish Elvis. The master of sequined suits, Hot August Nights, and hairy chested machismo. Anybody out there remember a time when Neil Diamond wasn't a corny, self-righteous, schmaltz master? Did you know he actually used to play a guitar AND write all his own somewhat rockin' songs? I know it's hard to believe that a man beloved by housewives and grandmothers across this nation actually wrote songs like "Cracklin' Rosie," "Kentucky Woman," and even "I'm A Believer," (for The Monkees of course) but go with me on this one, he really used to.

Well, super producer Rick Rubin for Beastie Boys, Slayer, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Johnny Cash's four American Recordings albums remembers, and can you believe he's a fan? He actually sought Diamond out personally, and after months of lobbying, convinced Diamond to agree to a return to yesteryear - 30 yesteryears give or take. Diamond finally acquiesced and for his part Neil agreed to write all of his own songs and play guitar like back in the day. Naturally since Rubin pulled this off, not to mention coaxing all those amazing records out of Johnny Cash - 12 Songs has to be that long awaited masterpiece, right? Well . . .

The album opens with a song called "Oh Mary," an acoustic tune that sounds like a winner, but ends up being a pretty cheesy piece of work. And then comes "Hell Yeah," an even more pungent hunk of cheese. "Oy vey." Then comes "Captain Of A Shipwreck" and I'm about ready to eject this thing before it leaves a permanent smell in my car. Happily after such a rocky start, Diamond actually starts to pull out some very strong and sincere material - some of his best in nearly 30 years.

"Evermore" is a beautiful string-laden work that starts off acoustic, but by the end is big and robust, (but not in that over-bloated - "someone please kill me now" kind of way). He actually pulls off the big anthem without me wanting to stick fingers in my ears. "Save Me A Saturday Night" and "Delirious Love" are excellent songs that are very reminiscent of some of his earliest work. But the two gems Diamond should be the most proud of are "I'm On To You," a slinky little number in the same vein as "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon," and the album closer "We," a sweet little number that would have been perfect for Harry Nilsson back in his heyday. 12 songs isn't perfect, far from it in fact, but I can honestly say this is the most enjoyable album that Diamond has released in over 20 years, and that's just enough to make a new believer out of me.