LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Rarely has a pop superstar so divided music fans for so long. Neil Diamond is a guilty pleasure to some, no less than a reason to be for others. Then there are those who flat-out despise him. Yet he continues to pack arenas decades after his last hit, based on the memory of past glories onstage and on record.
It's probably best to stick with the legend.
The showman in black -- with sparkly ruby-red sequins on the shoulders, of course -- returned to Los Angeles on Thursday for the first of four straight sold-out dates at the cavernous Staples Center. And while the nostalgia factor was high for songs from his mid-'60s to early-'80s heyday, Diamond has settled in as a simple generation-spanning crooner, his fiery performing days seemingly a memory.
His warm, comfy voice is still entirely distinctive, but it now lacks the power and, yes, the drama that fueled his most enduring songs. And of the tunes that still sound good on the radio, many were drowned by the overlarge backing band, which included three semi-soulful-at-best backing singers, an unremarkable brass section, two full-time keyboard players providing schmaltzy faux strings and such and an otherwise solid percussionist who doubled as cheerleader to ultimately deadening effect.
Indeed, Diamond's generous though Vegas-leaning live act is the epitome of Professional Show Business.
Still, there was no shortage of adulation and way-offbeat hand clapping from the mature crowd. (Where were all the kids who usually accompany parents to see vintage acts? And why the huge patches of empty seats for a sold-out show?) They sang along with the big hits and politely applauded the lesser-known songs.
They even cheered Diamond's cheesiest patter, like when he introduced the forgettable "Forever in Blue Jeans" with, "Anybody out there in blue jeans -- this one's for you." Later, he rapped a few lines during "Red Red Wine," with his, er, flow including, "Everybody's gonna have some fun when UB40 made it No. 1."
The 28-song set list ranged from such pop standards as "Cracklin' Rosie" and "Sweet Caroline" to a rally-killing "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" medley and "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," the latter slowed to dirge speed and unhinged by one of Diamond's backup singers, who faltered in the Streisand spotlight.
Highlights included "America," accompanied by Ellis Island-era snapshots on the video screens and with inherent jingoism played up; "Shilo," easily one of Diamond's most enduring melodies; and "Play Me," which, despite the oft-maligned lyrics, boasts a still-catchy chorus.
In fact, it was on those quieter songs -- such as "And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind" and "Glory Road" -- that Diamond was most solid, focusing on his voice rather than the distracting full band.
Always a sucker for a simile, spoken-sung lines and attention-getting hand gestures, Diamond remains a master of his craft. The songs featured book-perfect structure, and the show gave the people what they wanted. He's a legendary songwriter, but he really only has a handful of true pop classics. Then again, that's a handful more than most.
By the way, there was no mention of his upcoming album produced by Rick Rubin.
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