Yes it is. Neil Diamond has written a dozen or so very hummable pop melodies, but though the lyrics aren't always excruciating, they are often so. That said, he is a consumate professional. He has taken a limited vocal range, marginal looks, and a handful of pop songs and made zillions. He accomplished this great feat (no sarcasm here, many others tried and failed, right?) mainly by keeping out of the public eye except when he can control all aspects of his presentation for maximum saleability. I'll bet his mother is/was extremely proud of him!
As a commentator in "I Love the 70s" noted: "Neil Diamond was sexy in a sense that he makes you think of your teachers having sex."
I always thought Cracklin' Rosie was a song about S&M, but that shows that I have a dirty mind.