Customer Reviews
One more irresistible album - By: Sandy Brooklyn, 08 Sep 2008 
I purchased this album very recently having loved the songs I had heard Neil sing in concert, but wondering whether I would like the rest of the instrumentals. As usual I needn't have worried once again it was musical magic & loved instantly. It would give myself any many more fans I expect a great thrill if Neil would turn his hands to more film scores. Please carry on with the magic you create when you put your pen to paper, pick up your guitar. & sing from the heart. Love your music
Diamond Flying High - By: gnagfloW, 25 May 2008 It's good to see the renewed interest in Neil Diamond's work. Although most people know him via his hits during the 60s, 70s & early 80s, this album is completely different from most of his other recordings.
I heard this album the first time a few years after its release & despite a young age got hooked on it. My mother introduced it to me & the constant playing practicallly burned it in my mind. The choice of the song Skybird became almost a no-brainer at her recent funeral. It has a majestic feel alll over, as if it flew over the musical landscape of its period, & probably would do the same even if being released today. One could claim that it gave signals of the new age sound that later developed. In other words, it has aged remarkably well.
Anyone who has any of his compilations & actuallly listens to them should not let this Jonathan Livingston pass them by. Even those who do not have any interest in Diamond's other work may enjoy this album. It is timeless & a constant pleasure.
Flying High - By: Music Man, 04 Apr 2007 Is it any coincidence that the exquisite album that preceded this one, ("Moods") was produced by Tom Catalano, Arranged & Conducted by Lee Holdridge & Engineered by Armin Steiner? Why you may ask. Well, the same trio did exactly the same on this album & turned out yet another masterful production.
As concept albums go, this had a head start with Richard Bach's excellent book. (Shame about the film) I say concept rather than soundtrack because the film doesn't warrant such recognition.
The music here is sumptuous, & for that, Lee Holdridge deserves a lot of credit for his involvement. How such a magnificent piece of work can be attributed to just one man seems unjustified.
However, as for the music, it captures you from the opening note to the final fade. It is a complete piece that is best judged by listening to it in its entirety. There aren't a lot of songs to list as in a conventional album, but those on offer are superb. Be, Lonely Looking Sky & the almost hymn like Dear Father, are offerings of the highest calibre. The jaunty Skybird offers something refreshing & different. All fit in nicely with the sum of the whole.
This is definitely one for the headphones where you immerse yourself in its beauty. Swooping & soaring as the mood & tempo takes you off on a flight way above the clouds & into the sun.
Love the book but... - By: PJ, 25 Aug 2006 
Must admit I am a bit disappointed. Love the book, love the lyrics but ... maybe Neil's voice is just not the one I imagined. Pity!
Timeless.... - By: Gertraut Seib, 26 May 2006 Be, as a page that aches for a word which speaks on a theme that is timeless... Do you know words that sum up this CD better? I don't. As others before me, I started with the book, then saw the film & after that it was a must to buy the CD. It is absolutely wonderful & it has something of a healing quality for me. And the sequence 'dear father, we dream, we, dream, we dream... while we may' sums up our lives in a beautiful way. And if this CD ever breaks, I will for sure buy a new one on the spot. I know a lot of music written & sung by Neil Diamond, but this is his best for sure!
