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Chris Isaak — Solitary Man
Album: San Francisco Days
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1649









Released: 1993
Length: 2:34
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Belinda was mine till the time that I found her
Holding Jim
Loving him
Sue came along loved me strong that what I thought
Me and Sue
That died too

Don't know if I will but until I can find me
Girl who will stay and won't play games behind me
I'll be what I am
Solitary man
Solitary man

I had it to here being where love's a small word
Paper ring
Part-time thing
I know it's been done having one girl who loves you
Right or wrong
Weak or strong

Don't know if I will but until I can find me
Girl who will stay and won't play games behind me
I'll be what I am
Solitary man
Solitary man

Don't know if I will but until I can find me
Girl who will stay and won't play games behind me
I'll be what I am
Solitary man
Solitary man
Solitary man..........
Comments (202)add comment
What a relief after Neil Young.
I love that Cash version. It’s on American III. No one does heart break quite like Cash.
Has anyone heard the Johnny Cash w Tom Petty version? OMG. It’s killer. BillG: pls find it. This one is good, but Johnny is superb!!
How wood have Ozzie Donit?
Another great one from the Nice Jewish Boy from Brooklyn songbook. Diamond is Forever!
 thewiseking wrote:

NEIL



Somehow my mind flashed on Neil Young there for a second.

Would like to hear Neil Young do a cover of this tune, come to think of it.
NEIL
met him at SFO at baggage pickup. Standing beside me. I looked over. Hey, are you Chris Isaak? He grinned, "depends who's asking". With that, he leaned over and picked up his guitar that arrived on the luggage carousel, and walked off. 
I always thought he was singing "Don't worry about Wilbur"
Hate to say it, but Neil Diamond's version is much better..
Sweet cover.
 Aud wrote:
Yes Aud, agree with you totally. Neil Diamond version (of his own song of course) is just the best.
prefer Neil Diamond. This sounds too whiny
 
I'm a straight cis male but I'd kiss Chris 
 ritajohnson wrote:
It would be great if RP listed the songwriter  when providing the lyrics.  Some of these artists are notable songwriters, and some are performing others' songs.  Good to know, either way. 
 
prefer Neil Diamond. This sounds too whiny
It would be great if RP listed the songwriter  when providing the lyrics.  Some of these artists are notable songwriters, and some are performing others' songs.  Good to know, either way. 
 vandal wrote:
This version lacks passion. Try this instead.
 
30 years on the Sidewinders version is still the best, hands down.
This version lacks passion. Try this instead.
 AndyJ wrote:
I like this better than the original...

Better voice.
Better pacing.
Better music...

You can actually dance to this one vs original...

 
I disagree with all three of your points but this is a pretty good cover.
 kingart wrote:
Blah.  

 
Agree with the blah.
I like this one better than that one but I really LOVE the other one too.
Blah.  
 jab49 wrote:

Agreed. Some songs are too good as originals and shouldn't be covered, IMHO.

 
Gotta agree.  I didn't hate this rendition, but it really pales in comparison to the original artists' renderings of the song.
 justin4kick wrote:

Thank you OTB for the Neil Diamond video. Bill, please play the original instead.

 
Agreed. Some songs are too good as originals and shouldn't be covered, IMHO.
 On_The_Beach wrote: 
Thank you OTB for the Neil Diamond video. Bill, please play the original instead.
Diamonds in the Rough from "Saving Silverman" would not approve.
This is a good album, but I like more the " Baja Sessions" album, with good covers too.

 
I like this better than the original...

Better voice.
Better pacing.
Better music...

You can actually dance to this one vs original...
 hencini wrote:
Hmm... I really Chris Isaak. I really like covers. And I really like Solitary Man. Yet for some reason, I don't like this song. :

The Diamond version might be definitive, but I still prefer the Cash cover. So good.  

 

Yes to all that. He just not nails it.


 ccjemmett wrote:
This cover makes me wish Orbison had covered it.
 
......... oh yes :)
NeilDiamondSolitaryMan
 keller1 wrote:
Just had to pop back and shoot my mouth off about the whole Neil Diamond thing.

His latter day schmaltz notwithstanding, this guy was one of the songwriting giants of the late 60s/early 70s period: A Little Bit Me (and its twin Cherry Cherry), I'm A Believer, Thank The Lord For The Night Time, Sweet Caroline, Kentucky Woman, Girl You'll Be a Woman Soon, this one.

As for Chris Isaak "ruining" this one —- nah.  You want to see someone destroy a great original look no further than Eight Miles High by Roxy, Heard It Through The Grapevine by CCR, Tomorrow Never Knows by 801, and, in a category of awful all its own, Gimme Shelter by Grand Funk.

And if yer as big of a fan of this tune as me, in addition to Neil's and Chris's versions, the third one in our IPod is by the Sidewinders, which has become something of a bar band staple around Toronto.



 
Responding 3 1/2 years later is pretty funny but:

1. Totally agree that Neil D wrote some terrific songs back in the day.  
2. I really like Issak's version of this, never heard Roxy's 8 miles high, nor Grand Funk's Gimme Shelter, but I think both CCR's Grapevine and the Eno/Manzanera 801 edition of the brilliant Tomorrow Never Knows arequite good.

So I can't wait to hear Roxy and GFunk's covers :-) 
Hmm... I really Chris Isaak. I really like covers. And I really like Solitary Man. Yet for some reason, I don't like this song. : \

The Diamond version might be definitive, but I still prefer the Cash cover. So good.  
Johnny Cash's version will curdle the blood..
Thank you Blueyes for this tune!
This cover makes me wish Orbison had covered it.
Chris Isaak, the new Elvis Presley.
Neil Diamond - Solitary Man 

Last Play: Jul 23, 2004 - 09:27

I rest my case. 
 WonderLizard wrote:
Nit picking here. Yeah, there's a "Neil Diamond version," but dagblamit he wrote the friggin' song! Isaak's cover underscores the strengths of Diamond's songwriting, yes?
 
Yes
Nit picking here. Yeah, there's a "Neil Diamond version," but dagblamit he wrote the friggin' song! Isaak's cover underscores the strengths of Diamond's songwriting, yes?
Ditto.  While I can't stand anything ND did after 1970, some of his early songs were dynamite, especially this one.

 
bachbeet wrote:
Good cover of one of Neil's best songs.
 

Sounds like Orbison.
Good cover of one of Neil's best songs.
 Xeric wrote:

Huh.  I was just thinking that this ain't bad but I like Neil's version better. . . .

 
Really, Neil Diamond's is the definitive version.  This is quite good, though.

Nice! I heard the Radiators perform this with Bob Weir at the Sweetwater. A great song! Thanks, Neil. :)
Think I like this better than Diamond's.
 anotherlistener wrote:
Pretty good version but, Neil Diamond's voice and this song were made for each other.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rz92JWtS50

That's sort of funny; when people below were talking about "Neil's version" all I could think of was Neil Young.  Duh. The old brain is doing peculiar things these days.

Pretty good version but, Neil Diamond's voice and this song were made for each other.
Great song.

OK version.

{#Meditate}
It has been mentioned, but I do love the Cash version better.
This is very good and very Cris Isaak! {#Cowboy}

 keller1 wrote:


And if yer as big of a fan of this tune as me, in addition to Neil's and Chris's versions, the third one in our IPod is by the Sidewinders, which has become something of a bar band staple around Toronto.
 
Hey thanks for the reminder. I used to have that CD but it's not on our computer. Wonder where it is, then...

 keller1 wrote:
Just had to pop back and shoot my mouth off about the whole Neil Diamond thing.

His latter day schmaltz notwithstanding, this guy was one of the songwriting giants of the late 60s/early 70s period: A Little Bit Me (and its twin Cherry Cherry), I'm A Believer, Thank The Lord For The Night Time, Sweet Caroline, Kentucky Woman, Girl You'll Be a Woman Soon, this one.

As for Chris Isaak "ruining" this one —- nah.  You want to see someone destroy a great original look no further than Eight Miles High by Roxy, Heard It Through The Grapevine by CCR, Tomorrow Never Knows by 801, and, in a category of awful all its own, Gimme Shelter by Grand Funk.

And if yer as big of a fan of this tune as me, in addition to Neil's and Chris's versions, the third one in our IPod is by the Sidewinders, which has become something of a bar band staple around Toronto.
 
I have two Sidewinders CDs and still listen to cuts off of them regularly on my iPod. 

Witchdoctor
and Auntie Ramos Pool Hall each have some great stuff.  Witchdoctor does have the unfortunate "Worlds Apart," whose lyrics are compelling but is almost ruined by Andrea Curtis' weirdly uneven vocal performance.  Like you, I really dig their version of "Solitary Man."  In fact, I dig it so much that I uploaded it.  However, it didn't even make the LRC.  Sounds like I need to visit T.O. and get a fresh dose. . .

Just had to pop back and shoot my mouth off about the whole Neil Diamond thing.

His latter day schmaltz notwithstanding, this guy was one of the songwriting giants of the late 60s/early 70s period: A Little Bit Me (and its twin Cherry Cherry), I'm A Believer, Thank The Lord For The Night Time, Sweet Caroline, Kentucky Woman, Girl You'll Be a Woman Soon, this one.

As for Chris Isaak "ruining" this one —- nah.  You want to see someone destroy a great original look no further than Eight Miles High by Roxy, Heard It Through The Grapevine by CCR, Tomorrow Never Knows by 801, and, in a category of awful all its own, Gimme Shelter by Grand Funk.

And if yer as big of a fan of this tune as me, in addition to Neil's and Chris's versions, the third one in our IPod is by the Sidewinders, which has become something of a bar band staple around Toronto.


 BWolfie1959 wrote:
wasn't it a traveling wilberrries song?
 

No - the "Flip-Floping Goosebumps" did it.
 TJS wrote:
Well, he ruined this one.
 

Soooorry...?

He ruined the song?

RP-folks are...silly way too often!!
PERFECT INTERPRETATION!


For a moment there I thought the Big O had been delisped.


Can't get over his voice...some kind of affectation like Lyle Lovett. Just annoying.
As a young man I always miss heard Neil D singing the title phrase as "Son of the River"

Don't ask me why
I like it, it is a very good version of ND's song.  I have seen Chris perform in many great places, my favourite was a small theatre down town Boston in 1996.  After the show he stayed in the foyer and chatted with his fans, nice touch.
I think the guitars in this version make it better than the ND original.
Well, he ruined this one.
 Xeric wrote:

Huh.  I was just thinking that this ain't bad but I like Neil's version better. . . .
 

Yep.  I'm with ya, X.
I have to agree - I have moments when I absolutely adore him and listen to all my CI cd's one after another and then other times when I think "hmmmm" - but sometimes thats just the way it is. This particular song would have to be one of my fav's - I love Neil's version also though  . . . . . . . 

 
RedTopFireBelow wrote:

When Chris Isaak first came on the scene I thought he'd be the next Elvis his voice was so rich and distinct, and his style was his own.  Though he hasn't risen to Elvis' stature, I still love his music.  

"Baby did a bad bad thing... baby did a bad bad thing..."


 

When Chris Isaak first came on the scene I thought he'd be the next Elvis his voice was so rich and distinct, and his style was his own.  Though he hasn't risen to Elvis' stature, I still love his music.  

"Baby did a bad bad thing... baby did a bad bad thing..."


 DeemerDave wrote:
Sounds soooo much better than Neil. Best interpretation of this song that I have heard. Anyone know of any other versions better?
 
Huh.  I was just thinking that this ain't bad but I like Neil's version better. . . .

Bill is getting to really listen this morning, every tune just catches me.
Sounds soooo much better than Neil. Best interpretation of this song that I have heard. Anyone know of any other versions better?
I never knew Chris took a swing at this Neil Diamond pleasure.  Nicely done...
 meloman wrote:
Every time I hear this guy sing, I keep expecting him to break into tears. His voice is just too precious, too affected, for my liking; there's no edge at all. It's just too much like that hairdo of his.
 
thanks for putting it into words for me

yes it is..fidelity is fleeting these days.   slowhand wrote:
Top Shelf cover of a great song!
 


Top Shelf cover of a great song!
love this version!

Neil diamond's version is, well, it's SO wrong that it is funny ;-) for a while...

you can judge by yourself:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0RE-XKbxr4&feature=related


This is nice but I'd like to hear Neil Diamond's version.  The horns in that version really elevate the song.


brians201 wrote:
Boring ... wimpy ..


what?!  this is a great, classic song re-done by an awesome american singer!  LOVE the big crescendo at the end~  BRAVO CHRIS!!

Boring ...  wimpy ..
 copymonkey wrote:
Since we're doing Neil Diamond covers—-how 'bout "Kentucky Woman" by Deep Purple—that one rocks!

(so does Urge Overkills "Girl You'll be a Woman Soon.")
 

Yes - would love to hear both - Neil was a fine pop/rock songwriter.
Love Chris, detest Neil, so unfortunately I'm having trouble erasing the insta-connect made by my synaptic network.
 Bleyfusz wrote:
The follow-up to the previous song suddenly made me realise, that York and Isaac share something of a vocal style. Don't they? Listen carefully if you disagree.
 

Don't see that but love Thom and like Issac.
Nice tune, but I prefer the Cash-cover {#Wave} 7

Hmm, good song. I've played it a few times on my guitar, but I don't really like singing songs with girls  names in it for some reason.

I get the sentiment, but singing the names takes the heart out of the song for me,since I can't relate.

Maybe I need to go out and ask girls-OK- Is your name Melinda or Sue? OK- then I want to date you , then you break my heart, then I can feel right about singing this Neil Diamond song. {#Lol}

edit- But regarding Neil Diamond and "Sweet Caroline"-man did one of those Caroline chicks rip my heart out, stomp on it and leave in a smoking, burning mess.

No Cracklin' Rosies though. {#Lol}

don't like him{#Hand}
a singer with one of the sexiest voices
Great song and great cd {#Angel}
Tracy Grammer does a nice cover of this tune as well
This is a great song. Neil Diamond earned his pay with this one. And then Chris Isaak cuts it? Just wonderful! Sue came along and loved me strong That's when I thought: "Me and Sue" But that died too.
The follow-up to the previous song suddenly made me realise, that York and Isaac share something of a vocal style. Don't they? Listen carefully if you disagree.
This is cool!
Since we're doing Neil Diamond covers---how 'bout "Kentucky Woman" by Deep Purple--that one rocks! (so does Urge Overkills "Girl You'll be a Woman Soon.")
Kneel before this diamond!
BWolfie1959 wrote:
wasn't it a traveling wilberrries song?
Would that be 'Travelling Wilburys'? Incredible! Someone who's apparently never heard of Neil Diamond (and no, he's far from dead)!
"Diamond's new album "Home Before Dark" was released on May 6, 2008. On May 15, 2008, the Billboard Hot 200 listed the album at number one. This marked the first chart-topping album of Diamond's storied career. On May 18, 2008, the album also entered the UK Album Chart at number one. It's was his second British number one on that chart, after hitting the summit in 1992 with a compilation-album. As a result, Diamond, whose debut album was released in 1966, became the artist who has taken the longest to top the album chart with an original work."
~Wikipedia Bill, we've got our work cut out for us. Let's start with 'Song Sung Blue', shall we? Of course we need to remember what Bill Murray said in What About Bob?: "There are two types of people in the world: those who like Neil Diamond and those who don't." I like 'im! Yikes! There's a 'Dead People server'? How morbid! Get over it - all things (including us) must pass!
A considerable improvement on ND, for mine. Very, very considerable..........
wasn't it a traveling wilberrries song?
With the exception of "Wicked Game," I've generally considered Isaak's covers, like this one, superior to his original compositions. Since, as Earlwine observes on AMG, Isaak's so fond of the Sun Studios ambience, a whole album of Orbison covers would be appropriate--even welcome.
Stefen wrote:
Is Neil Diamond alive? (as of 4/20/8)
No listing on the Dead People server, https://dpsinfo.com/dps/index.html#top , so I would assume he is alive.
meloman wrote:
Every time I hear this guy sing, I keep expecting him to break into tears. His voice is just too precious, too affected, for my liking; there's no edge at all. It's just too much like that hairdo of his.
This sums up my feelings as well. I've felt for years that I *should* like him, but I just can't bring myself to do it.
Stefen wrote:
Is Neil Diamond alive? (as of 4/20/8)
Getting ready to tour this summer.
Is Neil Diamond alive? (as of 4/20/8)
Every time I hear this guy sing, I keep expecting him to break into tears. His voice is just too precious, too affected, for my liking; there's no edge at all. It's just too much like that hairdo of his.
I saw Chris in a small club in DC sing this song, Oh La La. Be still my beating heart.
Yeah, this is nice.
7 - 8 Great cover. I do miss the horn arrangement. That 60's "Bacharach" kitsch was good for something.
ludite wrote:
I agree The Sidewinders version of "Solitary Man" totally rocks. It's electric guitar at it's distorted best. After listening to The Sidewinders version, you might want to get a tetanus shot, just to be safe.
I was going to go upload it, but
Rejected: Sidewinders - Solitary Man
Oh well. This version's fine, and this album is great.
it might as well been written for him
RobK wrote:
Not lacking at all...I've always really liked his cover of this song. Very solid.
Agree. One of the rare instances where the cover is much more than the original. Feels more natural with a country twang to it, and Chris Isaak's voice suits it nicely.
He has a nice voice, but this has always struck me as another weak, unnecessary cover. Neil Diamond certainly took it a step towards the melodramatic in his version, but I at least had the impression he was feeling the lyrics. Isaak may as well be doing a commercial.
This is awesome. Chris rocks!
ludite wrote:
...After listening to The Sidewinders version, you might want to get a tetanus shot, just to be safe.
What a great line - come to think of it - the arrangement on this tune does sound a little antiseptic.
not bad very Isaakified
andesitic wrote:
Man, this version is lacking... I don't see what some of you see in this version? Could it just be the Isaak is more attractive than Cash?
Not lacking at all...I've always really liked his cover of this song. Very solid.
I agree The Sidewinders version of "Solitary Man" totally rocks. It's electric guitar at it's distorted best. After listening to The Sidewinders version, you might want to get a tetanus shot, just to be safe. vandal wrote:
The Sidewinders version totally kicks ass over Isaak's.
Just a bit overstated.
jpm9678 wrote:
love neil's and chris's both
Yep, me too. Chris is different in style, but I think he does this song justice. I'm sure Neil would be proud!
Daniel_Pittenger wrote:
I think he butchers the Neil Diamond version. Neil Diamond is one of my favorite artists, and this song is one of his best. I'd like to see some Diamond on RP, that would be neat.
I wouldn't go that far - I think he does the chorus well but the verses are lacking. I think this was actually Diamond's first hit and one of the best
love neil's and chris's both
On_The_Beach wrote:
What's up with Chris Isaac's carreer; first the TV show, which was pretty good actually, but lately he's been co-hosting one of those horrible "Infotainment" shows like "Access Hollywood". Chris, buddy, you're better than that!
Seriously!? Gag. He uses the pained warble much too much. Roy Orbison was a *little* like that, but a lot less affected. I really liked Isaak's "Wicked Ways", but he sings a lot of his other songs with the same overwrought "Oh! my anguished heart!" delivery. Weird Al Yankovich could probably do a good Chris Isaak parody.
andesitic wrote:
Man, this version is lacking. . . I don't see what some of you see in this version? Could it just be the Isaak is more attractive than Cash?
No. Not better than Neil Diamond either IMO.
Saw Chris many years ago in Newport Beach at a very small dinner concert to benefit the Surfrider Foundation. Maybe a hundred people. Great music,food and wine.
Man, this version is lacking... I don't see what some of you see in this version? Could it just be the Isaak is more attractive than Cash?
The original is a great song... hard to do a bad version of it.. I am not crazy about this version, but it's pretty good.
What's up with Chris Isaac's carreer; first the TV show, which was pretty good actually, but lately he's been co-hosting one of those horrible "Infotainment" shows like "Access Hollywood". Chris, buddy, you're better than that!
Not digging it, and I can't really explain why.