Though he long ago proved his ability to write first-class pop songs, Neil Diamond [ tickets ] has, for the last couple of decades, mostly seemed content to rest on his previous accomplishments. On "12 Songs," Diamond finally puts in another effort that's worthy of his always-passionate live shows.

By now, the story is well known: After a long courtship, producer Rick Rubin--credited with resurrecting Johnny Cash's recording career in the '90s--finally convinced Diamond to work with him to strip away the layers of glitter that have cluttered Diamond's recorded output since the '70s, and to concentrate on the songs.

The resulting album, "12 Songs," is an intimate, low-key affair that holds together as Diamond's best played, most cohesive recording since 1976's "Beautiful Noise." Matter of fact, you'd have to go back to 1972's "Moods" to find a Diamond album with as many quality tracks.

The most interesting moments on "12 Songs" are when Diamond steps away from the light love songs that have become his trademark and into deeper relationship fare--most effectively on the love-gone-bad track "I'm on to You" and the lovelorn plea "What's it Gonna Be."

That's not to say that Diamond avoids his bread-and-butter altogether: "Delirious Love" and "We" are the kind of bouncy love songs that Diamond's fans have eaten up for years, critics be damned.