Neil Diamond is a showman. And a showman needs songs that let him exaggerate his movements and his vocal phrasings. Working with producer Don Was (Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones) and his assistant Jacknife Lee, Diamond achieves the grandeur of his best ‘70s work. These songs take chances. The title track recalls the easy gait of “Song Sung Blue.” “Seongah and Jimmy” centers on syncopated rhythms and orchestral bells and whistles. “Nothing but a Heartache” cranks up the drama. Melody Road features all the elements that made Diamond a legend, with new songs that do their best to celebrate his talents one more time.