Robert Larrabee 'Time To Be Kind'
- robertlarrabee9
- May 11
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Time to Be Kind: The Neil Diamond Moment
April 23rd, 2026. Robert Larrabee was in the studio recording "Time to Be Kind," searching for the right vocal approach. The lush strings, solid 84 BPM tempo, electric guitar, horns, and dynamic arrangement were all in place—but something wasn't clicking.
Then it happened.
As the music filled the studio, Robert started singing in the style of Neil Diamond. It wasn't forced. It wasn't planned. It was pure instinct meeting perfect fit. His low baritone voicing aligned perfectly with Neil Diamond's cadence and registry. The adult contemporary, folk-rock arrangement with its 80's feel was made for this approach. In that moment, Robert could see Neil Diamond performing this very song.
The outcome? Pure gold.
"Time to Be Kind" is now the Neil Diamond song he never recorded—but it's also an all-original Robert Larrabee tune. It honors the influence of a master while standing completely on its own as authentic, original artistry.
The timing runs deeper than just vocal style. Neil Diamond's legacy has been experiencing a cultural renaissance, particularly with the recent release of "Song Sung Blue"—a film celebrating the intersection of tribute artistry and original creation. Robert's journey mirrors this narrative perfectly. For nearly 40 years, he's lived at the intersection of two worlds: as a tribute performer commanding standing ovations with "An Evening With The Legends," and as an original artist with Nashville-recorded albums and award-winning film work.
"Time to Be Kind" is where these worlds converge—an original song that carries the emotional weight and vocal sophistication of a master storyteller who understood that music's power lies in its ability to touch the human heart.
Release Date: May 1st, 2026
"Tony Michaelides" is adding 'Time To Be kind to his Radio shows.
Mentor, Radio station
"Great job, hits home on the very first play. Vocals are very good too together with the songs arrangement. Love the guitar. It also hits home on the very first play which is vitally important nowadays.I will play this on both my radio shows over the coming weeks. Wishing you the best. "
Tony Michaelides
Mentor Radio Station
As a music industry publicist working with artists including David Bowie, U2, Peter Gabriel, Stone Roses, New Order, Depeche Mode, The Police and many more my greatest skillset was artist development having being responsible for U2's first network TV and BBC session I now host two radio shows called The Promised Land together with a podcast called Moments That Rock on the largest music only podcast site in the world.
Dear Robert Larrabee, This record carries a rare kind of moral clarity that immediately sets it apart, and “Time To Be Kind” arrives as a fully formed statement rather than a casual composition. Your vocal delivery stands at the center of its impact, unfolding in a grounded baritone that carries both authority and warmth, turning every phrase into a deliberate act of communication. The restraint in your phrasing is one of the most powerful choices here, nothing feels rushed, nothing is exaggerated; instead, each line is allowed to settle with weight and intention. That controlled emotional pacing gives the message its full strength, framing kindness not as sentimentality but as a conscious discipline shaped through lived understanding. The way your voice maintains its steady emotional register while still allowing subtle shifts in tone creates a sense of honesty that is difficult to fabricate, and it is exactly this sincerity that anchors the entire track. What stands out most is how the song’s message is carried entirely through vocal conviction rather than lyrical ornamentation or performative intensity. The theme of choosing empathy in a fractured world is delivered with consistency and purpose, and your vocal interpretation ensures that this idea never feels abstract. Instead, it becomes personal, direct, and grounded in human behavior. The chorus sections, reinforced by your steady vocal emphasis, function as moral reflections rather than traditional hooks, and this elevates the song beyond standard adult contemporary writing into something more reflective and enduring. The emotional architecture you build through repetition and phrasing reinforces the idea that kindness is an ongoing decision, not a fleeting emotion. This is where the record gains its strongest identity, your voice does not merely carry the message, it embodies it, shaping the listener’s emotional response through tone, restraint, and clarity. Beyond the vocal and thematic core, the production and instrumentation provide a carefully constructed emotional environment that enhances your performance without competing with it. The arrangement maintains a polished adult contemporary and folk-rock foundation, where warm harmonic layers from strings expand the emotional depth while subtle guitar and rhythmic elements provide steady forward motion. Everything is balanced with precision, ensuring that space remains for your voice to remain dominant in the mix, which strengthens the intimacy of the message. The production choices emphasize warmth and openness, creating an atmosphere that feels reflective rather than decorative, allowing the song’s moral message to breathe naturally. Together, your vocal performance, the thematic focus on empathy, and the restrained yet richly textured instrumentation form a cohesive artistic statement, one that stands out for its emotional discipline, sincerity, and its unwavering commitment to delivering meaning with clarity and depth. Warm Regards, Daniel (Dulaxi Team)





Comments