Acclaimed singer-songwriter Son Stone (Ben Diamond) is set to release his latest single, “Don’t Take Me Back, Carleen,” delivering a compelling blend of heartbreak, humor, and honesty. Produced by three-time GRAMMY winner Justin Guip at Milan Hill Studio near Woodstock, NY, the track showcases Stone’s signature lyrical wit and emotional depth.
Despite its romantic-sounding title, “Don’t Take Me Back, Carleen” isn’t about a former lover—Carleen is actually a former co-worker whose name just fit the song’s soul. “She’s super sweet,” Stone says, “and I’ve always loved her name.”
The song tells a richly textured story of love, regret, and self-awareness. It’s a reverse love song—a vulnerable plea to not rekindle an old flame. The track explores “the struggle between desire and practicality, ” capturing a moment of clarity in the emotional chaos that follows heartbreak.
Recorded over three intense 12-hour days in a converted barn on a hill in Milan, NY, the track was shaped by the creative energy of producer Justin Guip—best known for his work with Hot Tuna and Levon Helm. Guip’s hands-on approach brought the best out of the Son Stone Project’s musicians, with unforgettable moments like yelling, “YOU DON’T GET TO SOUND LIKE NEIL YOUNG UNLESS YOU’RE AT 10!” to guitarist Ross, and coaching Ben with gentle encouragement.
“Justin brought magic to the sessions,” Stone recalls. “His ideas pushed us beyond our comfort zones, and his ear for tone was phenomenal. It felt more like a spiritual retreat than a recording session.”
With a musical style often compared to John Prine and Tom Waits, Son Stone has written over 200 songs spanning folk, rock, blues, pop, and Hawaiian slack key. His performances have earned acclaim from American Songwritermagazine and stages like The Bitter End (NYC), My Father’s Place, The Landmark Theater, and the upcoming Fiddle and Folk Festival .
