Neil Diamond Announces ‘Wild At Heart,’ Final Collaboration with Rick Rubin

Neil Diamond is set to release Wild At Heart on May 8th, a 10-track album representing the final chapter in his celebrated collaboration with producer Rick Rubin. The album draws from recording sessions originally conducted in 2007 during the creation of Diamond’s 2008 album, Home Before Dark, which marked his first time reaching the #1 spot on the Billboard charts [1].

A Trilogy Completed

Wild At Heart is billed as the third and final installment in Diamond and Rubin’s collaborative work, which began with the critically acclaimed 12 Songs in 2005 [1]. The project features ten previously unreleased tracks, including nine newly completed songs and an alternate take of “Forgotten,” which originally appeared on Home Before Dark [3].

Stripped-Down Sound and Collaborative Spirit

Like its predecessors, Wild At Heart maintains the stripped-down aesthetic Rubin brought to Diamond’s later career, emphasizing Diamond’s vocals and guitar work with minimal arrangements [4]. The sessions included contributions from Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, alongside guitarists Smokey Hormel and Matt Sweeney [4].

Themes and Reflections

Songs on the album are described as exploring philosophical themes, such as “Shine On” and “You Can’t Have It All,” even as others, including “The Secret You” and “You Still Look Good to Me,” continue Diamond’s tradition of romantic storytelling [4].

A Labor of Love

“My work with Rick was a labor of love,” Diamond stated, expressing his gratitude that these songs will finally be released to complete their collaborative trilogy [1]. Despite retiring from performing in 2018 due to Parkinson’s disease, Diamond remains active in the public eye, appearing at award ceremonies and celebrating the success of the Broadway musical A Beautiful Noise, based on his life and music [2].