Neil Diamond Sings the Christmas Hymns & New Songs on "Acoustic Christmas"

By Timothy Yap Sep 28, 2016 04:01 AM EDT

Veteran pop crooner Neil Diamond will be including traditional Christmas hymns, new songs, and lesser known songs on his new album "Acoustic Christmas." The newly recorded album will be released on Capitol Records. Set for release on October. 28 and followed Nov. 11 by a vinyl version, the holiday collection includes new material alongside Diamond's singular renditions of yuletide classics.

"Acoustic Christmas" was produced by Jacknife Lee (U2, R.E.M.) and Don Was (Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan), the pair behind Diamond's previous release, 2014's "Melody Road." The new holiday album is distinguished by an intimacy reminiscent of what Lee refers to as parlor music, small family groups singing together at home, and, of course, Diamond's inimitable voice, which the producer likens to hot chocolate.

"One need look no further than Neil's earliest hits to know that something special happens when you set his voice in the middle of a few acoustic guitars: the vibrant expression that lives in the nuances of Neil's singing moves to the forefront and creates a profoundly intimate experience," Was said in a statement. "The vibe in the studio seems inspired by the folk scene of Neil's early years in Greenwich Village."

"He's got such a warm voice like gravy or hot chocolate," added Lee. "The moments that worked so well during those sessions were when Neil sat with us and played the songs on the sofa, with his acoustic guitar, and we'd all pick up instruments that were lying about and join in. It was like traditional holiday gathering, when small family groups would sing together at home."

The profound and legendary singer/songwriter has enjoyed a global career spanning five decades, and has sold a staggering 125+ million albums, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Tracklisting:

1. O Holy Night
2. Do You Hear What I Hear
3. Christmas Prayers
4. Hark The Herald Angels Sing
5. Mary's Boy Child
6. Silent Night
7. Go Tell It On The Mountain
8. Children, Go Where I Send Thee
9. Christmas In Killarney
10. The Christmas Medley
"Deluxe" (Target) bonus tracks:
We Three Kings
#1 Record For Christmas

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