A Few Hits and Misses
When he was at the top of his game, Neil Young had no peers. The guy was the very definition of rock ‘n roll. He’s a prolific songwriter, a brilliant musician and a talented singer. But like almost everyone in the music industry, his catalogue is a collection of hits and misses. Some are too epic and pure for this world while others, well let’s just say you’re not missing out on much by not listening to them.
He’s had a long outstanding career spanning over five decades. He’s influential and rebellious and you know he will always do what he dang pleases. So buckle up as we take you on this rollercoaster ride.
43. Living with War (2006)
It’s so rushed that it fails to leave ANY impression.
42. Are You Passionate? (2002)
Even for the most ardent Neil Young fans, this is intolerable.
41. Fork in the Road (2009)
The songs don’t really hold that much value today.
40. Peace Trail (2016)
It’s a total mess with so much ranting in between.
39. Greendale (2003)
https://youtu.be/Rxv_l7ool3c
It’s dull – nothing much to see here.
38. Storytone (2014)
There are too many things going on here and not in a good way.
37. Everybody’s Rockin’ (1983)
https://youtu.be/6a6A6oTFdcw
This is what happens when producers try to tell Neil Young what to do.
36. Old Ways (1985)
https://youtu.be/5hVDxvuwafY
If you’re looking for magic, you won’t find any here.
35. Landing on Water (1986)
We dare you to listen from beginning to end without cringing.
34. This Note’s for You (1988)
One word – forgettable.
33. Prairie Wind (2005)
https://youtu.be/XAyl3cWAANY
It isn’t something any respectable artist would be proud of.
32. Life (1987)
https://youtu.be/P8UIILECnBo
The only thing lacking is Neil Young dozing off mid-song.
31. Broken Arrow (1996)
https://youtu.be/uW_ND105WfE
You can tell right away that Young’s heart wasn’t into it – he sounds distracted all throughout.
30. Chrome Dreams II (2007)
It’s the kind of stuff you listen to once then store in your basement, never to see the daylight ever again.
29. Trans (1982)
https://youtu.be/scngKkB5G4A
It’s confusing and that’s it.
28. Hawks and Doves (1980)
There’s just nothing that binds the two sides together.
27. The Monsanto Years (2015)
Yes, it’s about the controversial GMO company Monsanto.
26. The Visitor (2017)
He’s always been very vocal about his political views.
25. Psychedelic Pill (2012)
Because the simpler, the better.
24. A Letter Home (2014)
It sounds intimate and raw but still incomplete for all that.
23. Le Noise (2010)
It’s hypnotic and enchanting.
22. Neil Young (1969)
A promise of what’s to come, basically.
21. Americana (2012)
It’s too loose that it almost sounds like it was recorded during a series of rehearsals no one took seriously.
20. Ragged Glory (1990)
https://youtu.be/u8QodEGQpCY
It may not be his absolute best but it’s still a brilliant album filled with great songs.
19. Silver and Gold (2000)
https://youtu.be/K2WNs1FAPeA
It’s overly dramatic but still makes you feel nostalgic too.
18. Broken Arrow (1996)
https://youtu.be/uW_ND105WfE
It’s not as tight as his other better albums but it still lures you in.
17. Re*ac*tor (1981)
https://youtu.be/OBG6Yi_q8Lw
We can’t exactly pinpoint what it is that made this record so compelling.
16. American Stars ‘n Bars (1977)
https://youtu.be/awQtFc_6Gp8
There are some interesting collaborations here.
15. Sleeps With Angels (1994)
There’s a somber mood over the record that just leaves you in awe long after the last song stopped playing.
14. Hitchhiker (2017)
https://youtu.be/w0ckHW3MFjk
It will remind you why you fell in love with Young’s music in the first place.
13. Eldorado (1989)
https://youtu.be/OBPCTaEwaeA
Neil Young showing everyone how it’s done.
12. Mirror Ball (1995)
This collaboration with Pearl Jam is usually an acquired taste.
11. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (1969)
https://youtu.be/pesIGuV9DDk
The groove and feel – everything is just so darn good.
10. Rust Never Sleeps (1979)
Young incorporated various styles in this one album and we loved it.
9. Comes A Time (1978)
https://youtu.be/xsWrmJjD2eY
It’s full of classics which is what made it truly unforgettable.
8. Tonight’s The Night (1975)
https://youtu.be/G6LVIi7pzZI
There’s so much emotion here you can feel Young’s grief.
7. Time Fades Away (1973)
https://youtu.be/BLv2VviaLX4
While it didn’t sell, it’s as good as it gets.
6. Zuma (1975)
https://youtu.be/m-b76yiqO1E
This managed to capture the magic of Neil Young.
5. After The Goldrush (1970)
https://youtu.be/1e3m_T-NMOs
This will always be one of his greatest musical achievements.
4. Freedom (1989)
It features “Rockin’ in the Free World”. Enough said.
3. Harvest Moon (1992)
More than 25 years after it was first released, it remains untouchable.
2. On The Beach (1974)
https://youtu.be/CKgj1FNToWY
It leaves you depressed but somehow, you keep wanting to hear it again and again.
1. Harvest (1972)
If Neil Young only released “Heart of Gold” and “Old Man” and nothing else, he’d still be a legend.