About the song
“Hello Again,” penned by Neil Diamond and Alan Lindgren, emerged as a poignant ballad featured in the 1980 film “The Jazz Singer,” marking a significant milestone in Diamond’s career. The song not only graced the film’s soundtrack but also saw success as a standalone single, climbing to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 3 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart in the United States. Its popularity earned it the distinction of being Billboard’s 70th top pop single for 1981, underscoring its widespread appeal and enduring impact.
Described by Neil Diamond biographer Laura Jackson as a “slow tender ballad,” and hailed by AllMusic critic Johnny Loftus as Diamond’s “signature late-career ballad,” “Hello Again” resonates with its heartfelt lyrics and evocative melody. The song’s emotional depth is further underscored by its critical reception—Billboard’s Vicki Pipkin praised Diamond’s poignant performance in the film, noting its profound emotional impact, while Record World lauded the orchestral arrangement that complemented Diamond’s deep tenor, heightening its dramatic intensity.
In the realm of film, “Hello Again” found additional resonance beyond its original context in “The Jazz Singer.” It was notably featured in the film “Saving Silverman,” showcasing its enduring popularity and versatility across different cinematic landscapes. Moreover, its musical allure has inspired various covers by artists and orchestras, including interpretations by Celtic Thunder, Donny Osmond, Regine Velasquez, and Steve Cherelle, each imbuing the song with their own unique stylistic flair.
Critics and fans alike have celebrated “Hello Again” for its timeless appeal and its ability to evoke deep-seated emotions with its melodic richness and lyrical sincerity. Its inclusion in “The Jazz Singer” alongside other notable tracks like “Love on the Rocks” underscored Diamond’s musical prowess and his ability to craft songs that resonate on both a personal and universal level.
As a cornerstone of Neil Diamond’s repertoire, “Hello Again” continues to captivate audiences, reaffirming its status as a classic ballad that transcends generations and remains a poignant reminder of love’s enduring power and emotional resonance.
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Lyrics
Hello again, hello
Just called to say, hello
I couldn’t sleep at all tonight
And I know it’s late
But I couldn’t wait
Hello, my friend, hello
Just called to let you know
I think about you every night
When I’m here alone
And you’re there at home
Hello
Maybe it’s been crazy
And maybe I’m to blame
But I put my heart above my head
We’ve been through it all
And you’ve loved me just the same
And when you’re not there
I just need to hear
Hello, my friend, hello
It’s good to need you so
It’s good to love you like I do
And to feel this way
When I hear you say
Hello
Hello, my friend, hello
Just called to let you know
I think about you every night
And I know it’s late
But I couldn’t wait
Hello