Re-teaming with
Don Was
and
Jacknife Lee
, the pair who produced his 2014 album
Melody Road
,
Neil Diamond
cut
Acoustic Christmas
, his fourth holiday album and first since 2009's
A Cherry Cherry Christmas
. The title
suggests that this 2016 LP will be sparse, but it's hazy and open, consisting of much more than a man and a guitar. Usually he's supported by a full band -- a rhythm section, another guitarist, a keyboardist, and backing vocalists -- and that gives
some spunk, which is enough to keep things lively. If
Diamond
isn't always original -- his version of "Children Go Where I Send Thee" follows the contours of
Nick Lowe
's 2013 version exactly -- he nevertheless performs with gusto, particularly on the closing "Christmas Medley." That showmanship is ultimately what gives
its personality and is the reason to return to the record: it may not align with the spirit of the season, but it's charming nonetheless. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine