Home Before Dark is the twenty-seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter
Neil Diamond. Released on May 5, 2008, it was the artist's second album for
American Recordings.
Home Before Dark received generally positive reviews from critics upon its release and topped the national albums charts in the
United States, the
United Kingdom, and
New Zealand. It has since been accredited with
album certifications in several regions.
In May 2008, at the age of 67, Neil Diamond was the oldest performer to have a number one record. This mark was previously held by
Bob Dylan in 2006 with his Modern Times album, released when he was 65. However, Bob Dylan's 2009 album, Together Through Life, earned Dylan that position again, because Dylan released his most recent work at 67 years and 11 months compared to Diamond's releasing Home Before Dark at 67 years and 3 months.
The album is Diamond's second to be produced by
Rick Rubin, a producer of
hip-hop and
heavy metal music, who had discovered a talent for re-invigorating the careers of musicians when he produced
Aerosmith and a string of albums with
Johnny Cash. After Cash's death, Diamond became the next artist to find his career given a shot in the arm via Rubin's production on his 2005 album 12 Songs. The album consists of original works and some remakes and was mixed by
Dana Nielsen. The orchestral parts were arranged and conducted by
David Campbell[6][7]
Track listing
All songs were written by
Neil Diamond, except where noted.
"If I Don't See You Again" – 7:13
"Pretty Amazing Grace" – 4:53
"Don't Go There" – 6:04
"Another Day (That Time Forgot)" (feat.
Natalie Maines) – 6:12
Additional Recording – Bernie Becker, Jason Lader and Dana Nielsen.
Assistant Engineers – Phillip Broussard, Chris Holmes and Jim "Bud" Monti.
Recorded at Arch Angel Studios and Akademie Mathematique of Philosophical Sound Research (Los Angeles, CA);
Conway Studios (Hollywood, CA); Punkerpad West (Van Nuys, CA);
Mixed by Dana Nielsen at Little People Studio (Los Angeles, CA).
Mastered by
Vlado Meller and Mark Santangelo at Universal Mastering Studios (New York, NY).