This is the ultimate
Neil Diamond record. Not necessarily the best -- he's at his most appealing crafting in the studio -- but certainly the ultimate, capturing all the kitsch and glitz of
Neil Diamond, the showman. And that also means that it's not just loaded with flair, but with filler, songs like "Porcupine Pie," "Soggy Pretzels," and "And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind" -- attempts to write grand, sweeping epics that collapse under their own weight. Still, that's part of the charm of
Diamond and while it can sound unbearable on studio albums, it makes some sense here, surrounded by his pomp and circumstance. That spectacle is the great thing about the record, since it inflates not just his great songs, it gives the weaker moments character. And while this does wind up being a little much -- 21 songs -- it nevertheless is the one record for casual
Neil fans, after the hits collections, since this shows
Diamond the icon in full glory. [The album had already been reissued in 2000 with the addition of four bonus tracks. The 2012 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition further adds to the 2000 expansion of the album by tacking on three more ("Gitchy Goomy," "I Think It's Going to Rain Today," and "Modern Day Version of Love"), and
Neil's introduction of the musicians. The package also includes new liner notes by
Steve Baltin. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
![Songs of Surrender [Super Deluxe Collector's Edition]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0602448147684_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Songs of Surrender [Super Deluxe Collector's Edition]")
![All That You Can't Leave Behind [20th Anniversary]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0602507363482_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "All That You Can't Leave Behind [20th Anniversary]")
