"I'm Alive" by Neil Diamond

One of the finest singer/songwriters of the 70s and 80s, Neil Diamond is ranked #29 of the greatest artists of all-time in the Joel Whitburn Top Pop Singles book. He actually made his first top 40 appearance in 1966 with "Cherry, Cherry", which soared to #6.

Through his stellar career, Diamond hit the #1 spot three times: in 1970 with "Cracklin' Rosie", 1972 with "Song Sung Blue", and 1978 with "You Don't Bring Me Flowers". Despite the changing musical tide, he stayed strong in the 80s, with one of his biggest songs - "Heartlight" - inspired by the smash hit movie E.T. in 1982- it went to #5 on the Top 100.

The wonderfully upbeat and optimistic tune "I'm Alive" would prove to be Diamond's last appearance in the top 40, dying at #35 in 1983. I think it deserved much better.