Just as Neil Diamond's hipness factor is again on the ascent, the singer is preparing his first album of all-original material in more than 25 years.

Columbia Records announced that Diamond's new record, "Three Chord Opera," is due in stores July 24, and the singer will embark on a major tour to support the album.

The new album, his first all-original set since 1974's "Serenade," is described as one of his "most personal records, a song collection which meditates on love and loss while celebrating life's joys and glories through music, showcasing the patented Diamond blend of balladry, doo-wop, show tunes, jazz, pop and rock & roll."

Diamond's currency has revived in recent years. The first signs of the Diamond comeback came with Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction," which featured Urge Overkill covering "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon."

More recently, Labatt's Blue used his song "Sweet Caroline" in an ad campaign, Diamond qualified as a sub-plot unto himself in the film "Saving Silverman", and the Arizona-based band Super Diamond (fronted by a singer named Surreal Neil) has carved out a niche for themselves with a popular tribute act.

The great man has even placed his stamp of approval on Super Diamond (who performed at a Labatt's Blue party in Toronto in May), jamming with the band on several occasions.

"Three Chord Opera" (the title is likely a nod to Bertholt Brecht and Kurt Weill's "Threepenny Opera") was produced by Peter Asher -- formerly of '60s hitmakers Peter And Gordon, whose production resume includes Linda Ronstadt, J.D. Souther, Bonnie Raitt and 10,000 Maniacs -- and Alan Lindgren, whose songs have appeared on many of Diamond's albums).

Tracks on "Three Chord Opera" include "I Haven't Played This Song In Years," "Don't Look Down," "I Believe In Happy Endings," "At The Movies," "Midnight Dream," "You Are The Best Part Of Me," "Baby Let's Drive," "My Special Someone," "A Mission Of Love," "Elijah's Song," "Leave A Little Room For God", and "Turn Down The Lights." (More on Neil Diamond)