Tom Jones did it. So did Johnny Cash. Now it's Neil Diamond's turn for a second or is it third?) coming. The iner's ditched the sequined shirts, reconnected with his inner tortured artist, and recorded his best album in 40 years wit the help of legendary producer Rick Rubin (Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, Johnny Cash, Jay-z, Red Hot Chili Peppers), with the album stillin production for November release, we snuck listen to eight songs. And they were enough to deer he most brooding, deep, an drunk collection in recent memory--and Rubin's best workever. The production isspare and intimate, and the songs, which range from broken-down a busted defiantand redemptive, are indelible. The best pop number?"Saturday Night." It already sounds like a Diamond classic: "Save mea Saturday nigh mesomeroom at your table/1 wanna slip into your h might/And stay as long as I'm able/ Baby, urday night." After this record, Neil deserves your whole weekend. -LORRAINE ALI