It’s always a kick to hear a song performed by the person who wrote it even if another artist recorded the definitive hit. Hearing Neil Diamond sing "I’m a Believer" Thursday night in Blaisdell Arena was a perfect example.

The Monkees’ hit version, released back in the mid-’60s when Diamond was still better known as a songwriter, was a youthful celebration of romantic fulfillment. Diamond sang it as an introspective ballad, his voice and phrasing that of a man who has learned that being a "believer" doesn’t always guarantee lifelong happiness.

"I Am … I Said," a Top 5 hit for him at the age of 30, is as relevant now as it was 41 years ago. It too has aged well.

There were many other memorable moments. Diamond performed for a solid hour and 40 minutes and included what must be a few personal favorites along with an assortment of his chart hits.

"Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good)" was greeted with ecstatic applause. The fans sang along from the beginning and did the "So good! So good! So good!" chant on cue.

And when it seemed that the "good times" were over, and it was time to move on to another song, Diamond called on the band for "one more reprise!" — and then called for another.

That wasn’t a bad thing. Most of the crowd seemed in the mood to sing "Sweet Caroline" all night.

Diamond had fun with the crowd between songs. A well-timed comment — "You give away your age when you don’t get up and dance" — got almost everyone on their feet, if not actually dancing. Another announcement — "This show is about me going where the noise is" — got people in all parts of the arena screaming at him to come their way.

The show opened with an expansive arrangement of "Soolaiman (African Trilogy II)" that presented the well-known song as a triumphant anthem that was bigger and more powerful than the familiar recording. "Forever in Blue Jeans" also had extra energy to it. Diamond didn’t have to cue the audience to clap along; the rhythm was irresistible.

The set list included "You Got to Me," "Hello Again," "Cherry Cherry" and "Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon" as well.

The encore rocked. Diamond kicked it off with an up-tempo rendition of "Cracklin’ Rosie," then introduced "America" with a short story about his grandmother’s journey from Russia more than a century ago. He dedicated the song to her.

Diamond capped the show with a dramatic arrangement of "Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show" that brought the intensity of a modern "tent show" revival to the arena. It was remarkable work, and an excellent concert.

Diamond will do it again tonight.