aaamusic | On 02, Oct 2012

Classically trained Neil Sedaka is a legend. He has written music for over 60 years, created over 1,000 songs and has an endless list of albums. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Real Neil, his first acoustic album, is released in the UK on 1st October, 2012 by Infinity Music and a 10 venue UK tour follows.
His familiar classic songs like Laughter In The Rain still sound good and the new songs added like Heart Of Stone are passionately sung. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, one of his biggest hits, is very emotional and individual in style, but any seriousness completely disappears with Amarillo. His first ever piano concerto, 18 minute Manhattan Intermezzo, was recorded with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and written to reflect the character and spirit of his home town of New York.
The Real Neil is mostly just Neil singing with a piano and any sophisticated production is missing, though some fans may feel they miss this. Occasionally you might find a version of a song you feel has been done better elsewhere, but there are not very many of these. This is another inspiring album from Neil, extremely soulful, personal and professional.

Track list: 1. Intro 2. Beginning to Breathe Again 3. You’ll Be There 4. You 5. Breaking Up is Hard to Do 6. Laughter in the Rain 7. Amarillo 8. Broken Street of Dreams 9. Heart of Stone 10. It’s Hard to Say Goodbye 11. Queen of Hearts 12. Everybody Knows 13. Captured By Your Love 14. Runaway Lover 15. Mi Amor 16. Sweet Music 17. Manhattan Intermezzo.

★★★★★
Author: Anthony Weightman