THE darker Rick Rubin albums saw Neil Diamond back at number one in the charts, but Melody Road is artistically an absolute return to form for those who appreciate the more show-biz side of Diamond and the audience-friendly delights of Cracklin’ Rosie and Song Sung Blue.

Overseen by Don Was and Jacknife Lee, Melody Road captures Diamond on top form. The voice and the delivery is still as sharp as ever, and the songs include all the elements that makes Diamond an enduring family favourite, being laden with melodies, hooks, a good old-fashioned sing-along chorus, where appropriate, and most importantly a good narrative.

In particular Seongah and Jimmy, a heart-warming tale of a Korean girl and her Long Island soul mate finding lifelong happiness together, is lovely and uplifting and rather life affirming. The more obvious Something Blue is a Diamond classic, and instantly belongs on all his future greatest hits packages. At heart Neil Diamond is a supreme story teller with memorable melodies.