Rockin' Friday: Sweet Caroline

This week’s Rockin’ Friday tune comes from someone who is both much-loved and much-maligned. Neil Diamond is often criticized for his soft rock stylings, but the truth is he wrote some of the best rock songs of the 1960s and ‘70s, for himself and other singers as well, like The Monkees I’m A Believer.  He was even inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, so I’d say he qualifies as a rocker.

Mrs. Dude and I were lucky enough to see Neil in concert last week. I didn’t really know what to expect before we got there. Other than a ton of sequins, that is. We were the youngest people at the show by at least a decade. But that didn’t matter when he started singing the classics. Everyone was up and dancing. Even those who needed portable oxygen tanks.

The highlight of the show was the extended version of Sweet Caroline.  Neil knows how to work a crowd and he made this tune go on for 3 extra reprises. Whatever the case, it’s a great song. Just ask any Boston Red Sox fan.  Or Caroline Kennedy, who the song was written about.

What's your favorite Neil Diamond song?