Song#: 1310
Date: 01/15/1983
Debut: 72
Peak: 35
Weeks: 12
Genre: Pop, Adult Contemporary
Pop Bits: Thanks to inspiration from the film "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial," Diamond got his last pop Top 10 hit with the #5 "Heartlight." This second single from his "Heartlight" album would then become his final Top 40 pop entry. It would do much better at AC where it peaked at #5. Although Diamond's Top 40 days were done, he continued to chart well at AC gathering six more Top 10's. The "Heartlight" album would be his final regular studio release to reach platinum status.
ReduxReview: I could be wrong, but I think Diamond was looking for "America, Pt. 2" here. This has a very similar feel to that 1980 hit. However, it doesn't have the same impact. This is actually a good latter-day Diamond song, but the production lacks and it's just not as exciting as it should be. I think this song could have been a bigger hit if it had a kick-ass arrangement. Hand claps and thin-sounding synth strings just don't do the song justice. Still, it's a worthy listen.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Although it may sound like a stage name, Neil Diamond is his given name (Leslie is his middle name). Prior to the release of his first album, Diamond wanted to change his name. Apparently he didn't like "Neil" and it was a name that kids made fun of in school. So he wanted to shed that name. He came up with two choices: Noah Kaminsky and Eice Charry. He though Noah Kaminsky was strong and biblical while Eice Charry was just rock n' roll sounding. Luckily, he kept his own name and I think he and all of us are glad he did!
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