“Be” by Neil Diamond: An Ethereal Odyssey Through Sound and Spirit
In the lush soundscape of the early 1970s, Neil Diamond’s “Be” emerges not merely as a track from an album but as a profound musical experience. Featured on the soundtrack for the film Jonathan Livingston Seagull (1973), this piece transcends typical cinematic music, offering a window into the soulful depths of Diamond’s artistic vision. Recorded under the banner of Columbia Records and produced by Tom Catalano, “Be” showcases a period of significant transition and exploration for Diamond, following his triumphant live album Hot August Night from 1972.
“Be” is enveloped in the essence of Diamond’s return to a more introspective and narrative-driven style. This track, nestled within an album that notably grossed more than its film counterpart, represents a unique vertex in Diamond’s career—his experiment with blending orchestral elements with his signature vocal prowess. As the second track on the album, “Be” functions as a thematic and auditory introduction to the character of Jonathan, encapsulating his aspirations, his flights, and his inevitable falls. The song spans over six minutes, a duration that allows Diamond to explore and expand the melodic boundaries of a traditional ballad.
The composition of “Be” is a masterful layering of gentle yet expansive orchestral arrangements—a testament to Diamond’s ability to convey profound emotion through music. The song begins with a serene yet somber piano, setting a contemplative tone that gradually builds into a more dynamic and emotionally charged crescendo. This progression mirrors the journey of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, aiming to inspire listeners to soar beyond their mundane experiences toward higher spiritual and philosophical altitudes.
Critics, like Willie Freckleton from the Irvine Herald, have lauded “Be” as “classical Diamond singing a very powerful ballad,” highlighting the song’s capacity to resonate deeply with its audience, evoking a sense of limitless possibility and intrinsic desire for personal freedom. The track’s ability to intertwine narrative depth with captivating melodies makes it a standout piece not only in the album but in Diamond’s entire discography.
Furthermore, “Be” reflects a pivotal moment in Neil Diamond’s career—a juncture where he revisited the roots of his musicality while pushing into new territories of orchestral sound. This track, along with the entire album, earned Diamond a Grammy in 1974 for Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special, cementing its status as a critical and artistic success.
As one delves into “Be,” it becomes clear that this is more than just a song; it is an invitation to journey through the expansive skies that Jonathan dreams of. It is a piece that appeals not only to fans of Neil Diamond but to anyone who appreciates the profound connections between music, narrative, and the human spirit. The song, with its lyrical simplicity and complex orchestration, remains an enduring symbol of the aspirations that we all harbor within us—the yearning to be more, to transcend limitations, and to achieve a semblance of the divine.