Neil Diamond Unveils New Album 'Wild At Heart'

Neil Diamond is set to release Wild At Heart, a new album created in collaboration with his long-time producer Rick Rubin. This collection highlights Diamond’s enduring talent, blending intricate arrangements with his powerful vocals and insightful lyrics to create a reflective and entertaining musical experience. Drawing on the acclaim from his past two decades of work, this album further cements Diamond’s significant impact on rock and popular music.

According to a press release from Neil Diamond’s management, Wild At Heart is slated for release on May 8th.

This album marks the finale of Diamond’s acclaimed collaboration with Rick Rubin. The songs were initially born from the sessions for Diamond’s chart-topping album, Home Before Dark. Featuring ten tracks, it showcases his signature heartfelt vocals accompanied by sharp, poignant lyrics, all set against urgent yet minimalist arrangements.

Diamond first partnered with Rubin for the 2005 album 12 Songs, which was celebrated as “one of the most entertaining, satisfying albums Diamond has ever released.” The partnership was fruitful, leading to the release of Home Before Dark in 2008, which became his first-ever Number One album on the Billboard charts. Critics widely praised the album, with PopMatters’ James Bassett calling it “an album of rare beauty, grace, and eloquence” that captures Diamond in his honest and heartfelt essence, marking it as the most intensely personal release of his remarkable career.

Pre-order Wild At Heart here:

Neil Diamond expressed, “My work with Rick was a labor of love. I’m gratified to share these songs with the world as they complete our trilogy of work.” Recently, Diamond revisited this material, refining nine new tracks for their premiere along with an alternate version of “Forgotten,” which originally appeared on Home Before Dark.

The distinct selection of songs on Wild At Heart—both archival and brand-new—will be available on CD, vinyl, and digital formats through Capitol/UMe on May 8, 2026. Limited-edition colored vinyl and a 2CD version will also be offered.

To prepare for the album’s release, digital Deluxe Editions of 12 Songs and Home Before Dark have been made available, featuring bonus tracks that were previously only accessible through limited physical releases. You can listen to 12 Songs HERE and Home Before Dark HERE.

Diamond truly enjoyed collaborating with Rick Rubin, alongside an exceptional group he gathered for the Home Before Dark sessions. This ensemble included keyboardist Benmont Tench and guitarist Mike Campbell from Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers, as well as session guitarists Smokey Hormel and Matt Sweeney (who co-founded the NYC indie rock group Chavez and frequently worked with Will Oldham). “Working with these guys, coupled with Rick’s impeccable ear, made it incredibly enjoyable,” Diamond remarked to Billboard in 2008, calling the experience “magic.”

Wild At Heart showcases Diamond’s signature emotional depth and cohesion, stemming from material recorded years prior. His vulnerable and commanding vocals are accompanied predominantly by his guitar, which he has utilized sparingly in past recordings, leading minimalist arrangements driven mainly by soft guitars and keyboards.

Watch the official music video for the lead track, “Wild At Heart”:

Neil Diamond – Wild At Heart (Official Music Video)

In Wild At Heart, Diamond embodies a contemplative and philosophical tone, delivering deeply personal insights. In “Shine On,” he encourages his son to “never doubt yourself” and to “sing what you feel inside.” The striking track “You Can’t Have It All” remains tactically relevant, as Diamond queries, “What’s the matter with the world? Can’t everyone take care?”

A master of love songs, Diamond enriches his repertoire with new gems like “The Secret You” and “You Still Look Good To Me.” Meanwhile, tracks like “Talking It To Death” and “Forgotten” delve into the more tumultuous aspects of love. With “You’re Getting To Me,” “You’re My Favorite Song,” “You Never Know,” and the title track, listeners will find the classic Diamond hooks infused with a cozy intimacy that feels like a personal performance in their own living room.

Neil Diamond’s illustrious career, spanning over five decades, has sold over 130 million albums, positioning him among the best-selling rock musicians in history. With 18 Top 10 albums and nearly 40 Top 40 singles—10 of which reached the Number 1 slot—his 1969 hit “Sweet Caroline” has left an indelible mark on pop culture, becoming a staple at sporting events and a favorite in film and television soundtracks.

A GRAMMY® Award winner, Diamond is also a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has received prestigious accolades, including the Johnny Mercer Award and the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award.

In addition to the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award, Diamond was recognized as NARAS’ MusiCares Person of the Year and received the Kennedy Center Honor for his lifetime contributions to American culture. His accolades also include a Golden Globe Award, 13 GRAMMY nominations, an American Music Award, an ASCAP Film and Television Award, and a Billboard Icon Award.

Diamond, who starred in the 1980 film The Jazz Singer, has also seen his life and music transformed into the Broadway musical A Beautiful Noise, which debuted in New York City in 2022. With over 650 performances, it became one of the longest-running new musicals on Broadway post-pandemic. The show is set to launch its first tour in 2024 and will perform in Australia starting August 2026. You can check out the Original Broadway Cast Recording of A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical HERE.

Additionally, Focus Features released Song Sung Blue on December 25th, featuring stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Directed by Craig Brewer and based on a true story, the film follows two struggling musicians who form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band. The film has been a major success, with Hudson receiving Oscar, SAG Actor Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA nominations, and is set for international streaming in late Spring.