Neil Diamond Reflects on ‘Three Chord Opera’ – His Most Personal Work Yet
In a recent rare interview, legendary singer-songwriter Neil Diamond opened up about the emotional journey behind his 2001 album “Three Chord Opera” – a deeply personal and introspective body of work.
The album was a milestone in Diamond’s long career, marking the first time all 12 tracks were written solely by him, without any outside collaboration. Known for his co-written hits in the past, this project became a bold declaration of identity.
“I wrote it during a time when I felt uncertain about life – I didn’t know what was coming. That’s why I wanted this album to be 100% me,” Diamond revealed.
✦ A Musical Memoir
Songs like “I Haven’t Played This Song in Years,” “At the Movies,” and “Leave a Little Room for God” read like diary entries – reflections on love, nostalgia, fear, and faith. While the album wasn’t his most commercially successful, critics and fans alike consider it one of Neil’s most honest and revealing creations.
“Every time I perform a song from this album, it feels like opening an old journal,” Diamond admitted.
✦ A Subtle Farewell?
Now living with Parkinson’s disease and no longer actively touring, Neil’s choice to revisit this particular album strikes an emotional chord. Fans speculate that “Three Chord Opera” may stand as a quiet message from Diamond – one that says everything he couldn’t put into words.