Reviews (page 8 of 13)
Neil Young really has a great way of transporting you to the exact setting of his songs. The folk bordering on psychedelia is a really interesting feel to his music. Favorite track: Heart of Gold
It's Neil Young, so it's obviously at least a 4. Old Man is clearly an incredible Song. Great lyrics, great chorus, just an amazing song. But the song that blew me away was Alabama. At first the chorus knocked my socks off but the whole thing is incredible
Cool cool cool
Great album with lots of emotion. His voice adds power to the lyrics and one either likes that distinct voice or they don't. Only issue for me, is that on so many albums of those days, there are what I call the throw-away songs that were needed to fill out a vinyl record.
Great album. Lot's of hits.
I would call my self a casual fan of Neil Young. I've always enjoyed his frenetic, raw, emotional guitar playing in several songs. I've known that this is a legendary album and am glad I finally listened to it in its entirety. There's several awesome tracks and a few surprises throughout (hello symphony orchestra - didn't see that coming!). A very enjoyable album. Favorite tracks: Out on the Weekend, A Man Needs a Maid, Heart of Gold, Are You Ready for the Country, Old Man, Alabama, Words.
Great voice and good music
I liked this a lot, shame it's not on streaming but that just means I'll have to get a physical copy!
Heart of gold och Old man är fantastiska, men de är tydligt en nivå över resten. Bra och stabil skiva dock.
Really enjoyable. Good texts and solos
Rounding up from 3.5 stars. Certainly Neil Young’s most commercially successful record - for me it pales in comparison to his other output in the 70s. Also - the George Martinesque orchestral arrangements in ‘A Man Needs a Maid’ really make the misogyny that much worse.
Some classics here!
Let's get this out of the way - Neil Young's music is not my cup of tea. Having said that, based on my limited exposure to the genre he's easily the best at these folk, singer-songwriter affairs. This album is so musically interesting. It's very minimal, with the London Symphony Orchestra only providing additional instrumentals to a couple of songs. There's so much richness with just strings and a few other instruments though, to the point that suddenly having a full-ass orchestra doesn't feel out of place. I came out of listening to this record thinking to myself 'Oh boy, I think I just became a fan of Neil Young?' I'd give this 4.5 stars if I could. Standouts are Out on the Weekend, Heart of Gold, Old Man, There's a World, and Words.
El álbum está muy bueno en general, se me hizo corto y me gustó le doy un 8/10 siento que hay temas aburridos por así decirlo
Some bangers in here.
4 stars, maybe 3.5. I liked a lot of the songs and the general sound but I see why my mom doesn't like Neil Young's voice.
This sounded like the soundtrack to an Oscar worthy film, but at the same time sounded like a guy singing on his porch. Beautiful.
This is a very special album, I learned lots of songs on this album on guitar!! The song There's a world is really bad, most of the other songs are great! 4 stars
Really makes you feel like you are in another place and time. I wouldnt't be able to listen to it non-stop, but this album really gave me melancholy for a time I don't even understand. It's both calming and extremely sad at the same time.
Favorite song: Old Man and Heart of Gold
Good bangers Voice sounds feeble against orchestral backup Non-bangers weren’t exceptional
Some of the tracks are absolute classics.
4 stars
Not my favorite Neil Young album.....but a classic. Favorite Heart of Gold.
Chill
Two things: Neil Young is not that great of a singer AND why do I enjoy listening to him? He's such a paradox. 🤣 👍👍
Classic album
A classic. Too bad Neil won’t put it on Spotify 😂
Good but it did feel like I'd heard all the greatness that took from it and came after so this didn't it like crazy, I much prefer On The Beach's musical palette, but the songwriting and production here is still phenomenal
Hard to rate these albums I’ve listened to 1000 times so they’ve gotten bit stale. This one has three very well know excellent but overrated songs, that I’ve heard too many times: Heart of Gold, Old Man, and Needle and the Damage Done, one excellent and underrated song: Out on the Weekend, one pretty good song: words Two decent songs: Are you Ready for the County and Alabama Two forgettable songs: a man needs a maid and There’s a world which are both crappy and overproduced. Overall it’s a classic album but not Neil Young’s best
The moustache tattoo that I got lasered off of my finger came back after listening to this album. Love the folksy vocals, wailing steel guitar, and how varied the instrumental accompaniments are, ranging from raw guitar and drums to a full orchestra. "The Needle", "Old Man", "Harvest", and "Heart of Gold" are all standouts.
I know every word from every song on this one. It's like an old friend.
Very Neil Young
Like his last album on this list, I enjoyed this considerably more than I was originally expecting.
Fantastic record from him. I've listening to Old Man for a long time now. What a great song written by such a young person. Still annoyed he pulled his work from spotify. 4.5/5
Not my usual style, but pretty good.
Words is 5 stars
Worth it
Since Neil Young is famously not on Spotify, I had to piece this album together from other sources. I *think* I hit most if it, and what I heard, I enjoyed. “Old Man” is such a great song both lyrically and musically. “Heart of Gold” is much simpler, but has a melody that really sticks with you.
Great album
This album is a timeless classic. That being said, there are some tracks that divert my attention. But the opener and closer are pure magic.
Enjoyed this a lot. I knew a few of the tracks already, but the lesser-known ones are every bit as good. Particularly strong finish - final three songs are bangers
Nice
great collection of classic Neil Young tunes
Neil Young’s “Harvest” is a folk-rock masterpiece and the album’s standout tracks, “Heart of Gold” and “Old Man”, showcase Young’s lyrical prowess and distinctive voice.
Lots of classic songs. Pretty flawless album. Would be 5* but not so much to my taste. If you’re into this sound it’s 5. For me a strong 4.
Goooooood.
I have this album but I haven’t listened to it in a long time. Still great!
Highlights: Heart of Gold, Old Man, The Needle and the Damage Done, Words Lowlights: A Man Needs a Maid (what was going on there?)
1/4/24. Gotta give it to Neil Young, he can write a song. Mostly acoustic driven with some tracks having accompanying strings and background vocals. Many of the songs would be fun to learn on guitar!
Listened to this while playing Under Falling Skies. I won! I liked this a lot more than I was expecting to. The album sounds amazing, and I was really impressed with the sonic diversity. I was a particular fan of the last track.
southern rock mixed with folk. the pain and anguish you hear in neil young’s voice is impossible to ignore. solid album with one of the most heartbreaking songs you will ever hear about drug addiction.
Beautiful album.
Really liked this, can totally understand why it’s considered a classic
I usually don’t like Neil Young but his voice isn’t so offensive in this album. Still prefer Johnny Cash’s cover of Heart of Gold.
So this is the reason why I love this project. Over course most of these albums have hits that you love but you really get to see what wasn’t “great” or maybe what you missed. A Man needs a Maid is so lame. No Neil, a Man needs to grow up. Old Man is a complete classic, love it. Alabama inspired a whole other classic which is pretty epic. I didn’t like listening all the way through. Felt very repetitive and his voice got on my nerves after a while. I give it a 3.5 but will round up because I’m a glass half full type
Favorite: Out On The Weekend.
Ok fine I like Neil Young 4
It was nice :) I listened to it twice because I enjoyed it, real sitting on porch vibes
Platonic ideal of a Neil Young album. Earnest, sometimes sweet, and unfussy.
A fantastic album that I have loved for a long time. It's a long time since I've listened to it (many years) but it is as strong and powerful as ever.
I liked all the songs without the harmonica.
Incredible record.
Cool cozy autumn vibes. Liked it quite a bit! 9/10 gets sick and orchestral at times.
A little slow
I don't know anyone who thinks this is NY's best but it's still very good. An essential step towards who he was going to be.
Neil clearly up a lot of heart and emotion into this album. That bleeds through in every track. I'm not the biggest fan of his voice but this album complements it very well.
Surely one of Neil Young's best albums with a lot of strings and the guitar that works kinda against them. That's brilliant in its own right and of course the texts of the songs are, too. It's no "On The Beach" in the way the bummer songs have a certain bittersweetness on them and I think that's why I would rate this not as high.
Really good album.
Let’s start with this: I love Neil Young. I own a slew of his solo albums, archive releases, and records from bands he played in. He may be the most represented artist in my collection, excepting Bob Dylan. His creative output is probably second only to Dylan in terms of quantity of quality releases, and if the ‘60s belonged to Dylan then Neil’s decade was the ‘70s. Harvest is not my favorite album, even if it is really good. The two orchestral songs have always seemed out of place and keep it from five stars for me. Otherwise, I enjoy every song. My favorite Young works are his jams with Crazy Horse, so it follows that my favorite songs here are Albama and Words, though the loose, country twang of Heart of Gold, Harvest, and Old Man, etc. are a close second. Heart of Gold may be slightly corny and overplayed, but I still love it. The band gels— those harmonies, the loose (yes, I’m using that word again but I can’t think of a better descriptor) rhythm section, the pedal steel, the sound of the acoustic guitar, and the harmonica. It gets me every time. Out on the Weekend and Are You Ready for the Country are not as well known but they’re also standout tracks for me. I absolutely love Words as the closing track— the rhythm and especially the guitar work. The solo that starts off with the faintest tapping as if barely played and slowly builds to stabbing screeches is amazing. I have to end with this: my wife hates Neil Young. I think he’s great road trip music and she forbids me playing him in the car if she’s with me. And I get it, his nasally high pitched voice isn’t for everyone. She also doesn’t care much for anything that has even a hint of country to it, so that’s an added detractor for her. To each their own.
That’s a great album. Love the guitar work. And storytelling.
I need to listen to more Neil, great folk album
Gear:Hifiman Arya Artwork: ✒️☀️🪙 Production (50th Anniversary): 🔍🌌⚡ Music: 🥾🎭🌟 Rating: 🍞🥖🫓🥪/5
Can't knock it. Discovered man needs a maid good tune. Needs a few guitar solos. 8/10
Ate
Love Neil Young. I had already heard a few of the biggest tracks off this album, but was nice to listen through the whole thing. Heart of Gold, Old Man, and The Needle and the Damage Done are all incredibly beautiful songs.
Jako najs
Great Neil Young album. Quintessential.
I thought I knew this album, but actually I had been listening to some kind of compilation (with many of the same tracks). There are some great songs, reminds me of a long car trip we took when the kids were little. Kermit the Frog - not a bad comparison - but it still works for some reason
милое кантри - для уютного зимнего вечера самое то. и многие треки отзываются, будто бы я их уже слышала. НО спотик мне не открыл альбом, слушала на яндексе - что удивительно.
Dobre to bolo
The songs with the harmonica are great, the others not so much 4/5
I started out thinking 'aww this is a cute and mellow album', then the orchestral drama of a man needs a maid hit lol. Are you ready for the country lowkey bangs too. A good album! 23/10/2023
I enjoyed this album. Heart of Gold is a great track.
It was good! I wish it was on Spotify :/ “The album's success caught Young off guard and his first instinct was to back away from stardom. He would later write that the record "put me in the middle of the road. Traveling there soon became a bore so I headed for the ditch. A rougher ride but I saw more interesting people there."[10]”
Annoying voice after awhile good songs
The strumming on the guitar at the beginning of Harvest Moon will always melt my heart. The good songs push this up a half a point. Might have been an easier decision had I a song list to reference while listening.
Pensive, melancholic, and youthful twang. Classic Young
Not terrible. I've heard Neil Young here and there and to me it just sounds like sad Dad music.
Really strong album, instrumentation is really good. Words is an insanely good southern rock song. Favorites: Words ^^^^^ Alabama ^^ Heart of Gold ^^
It's a little too chill for me, but undeniably influential.
I like every song on this album except maybe "A Man Needs a Maid," and I think the album holds up as a very influential album for folk and rock. It has hard hitting drums and some of his guitar playing has always been more of the rock side of folk, even when he's not playing electric guitar. I think the biggest flaw with the album is that it doesn't feel as cohesive as it could. The songs don't flow as well as I think they would, if the album was made and released today.
I'm not a big folk guy so I wasn't expecting too much with this but the variety and breadth of instruments going so far to have the London Symphony Orchestra chime in on A Man Needs a Maid and There's a World, great listen cheers
Neil Young "Harvest" is a solid 70s folk-rock album. The songs have enough variation and nuance to keep a listener engaged.
Chill folk music. Surprisingly enjoyable. 4/5
I liked it.
Are YOU ready for the god damn county?
Another plinky plinky folk album, turns out these are quite nice to listen to. Was going to give it a steady 3 but the fact that one of the songs is basically final fantasy it's upped to a 4.
A perfect endcap to Crosby Stills Nash and Young that bridges the gap between the 60’s and the 70’s well. Has the classic tune Heart of Gold.
A true classic.
Highlights: Old Man, Alabama, The Needle and The Damage Done, There’s A World In a nutshell: are you ready for this kind of country? Neil is better as a solo artist with an accompanying band, NOT in a band. And that he is a cantankerous bastard I'm sure many of us would agree with those opinions. In my opinion, it has it's flaws (namely A Man Needs A Maid) so it narrowly misses out on being declared a masterpiece. Sorry not sorry Boomers and music nerds. Overall: 8/10
Far better than I thought it would be after first songs. At first I thought it would be another country album on that list, but it changed directive into more rock style music. Much more in my liking.
Great album, shame it's not on spotify.
1. Out on the Weekend - it’s not too bad, harmonica solo…I like the music but feel like it could go a bit harder or faster. 2. Harvest - I don’t like this one very much it’s giving more country than rock. 3. A Man Needs a Maid - piano driven I actually quite like the musical style of this one but the lyrics are a little weak for me. It really snapped in the last min of the song. 4. Heart of Gold - this one is pretty good I can see why it was a hit. 5. Are You Ready for the Country - again it’s very country influenced so don’t love it, I liked the lyrics in the second verse though. 6. Old Man - I actually like this one it’s got a nice theme to it, the music and lyrics are good. 7. There’s a World - this one has really dramatic songs, don’t love it but I appreciate trying to do something different. It sounds like musical theatre or like cinematic score to me. 8. Alabama - finally hearing some electric guitar so it’s more rocky to me. And much boppier. Actually I kinda love this one just read the lyrics and it’s criticising Alabamas racism! I’m a sucker for that 9. The Needle and the Damage Done - I didn’t mind this one, not that memorable. 10. Words (Between the Lines of Age) - I don’t mind this one again the sound is much closer to the kind of rock I like. Not sure it needs to be 6 mins long. Overall I didn’t mind this one done off the songs were a little too country tinted for me. I liked the rockier ones but also I don’t love his style of writing lyrics that much, some are a little pretentious.
-seeing Young live a couple days ago really helped with this listening experience. It really made appreciate his music and his songwriting. -losing points for not being available on Spotify. Can't believe he removed all of his discography because of Joe Rogan. Smh. -Heart of Gold, Old Man, and Needle and the Damage done are so fantastic on this album and they hit every single time. -Did not know that the song he wrote trashing Alabama was on here. This is what lynard skynard responded to on their first verse to 'Sweet Home Alabama' Overall great listen and even a greater listen if you are a fan of very simplistic folk music. His simple instrumentations paired with is complex and deep songwriting makes for the perfect blend of easy listening
Really calm and relaxing album in my opinion
This is my second Neil Young album in a row. Improvement over Rust Never Sleeps, but not by much.
Third album of Neil Young that has come past on this list and the first that finally made me understand why Neil Young is so revered. This realy was a great album.
Neil Young's a sometimes food for me, but when I'm in the mood, it's really good to have his stuff around
This already gets a 4 or 5 because I own it. So now I have to articulate why it has been in a place in my heart and head lo these many years. Simplicity is one thing. Tunes lyrics sounds blending like a slow dance. Honest experiences we could weep over and feel. He didn't just write about rejection he owned it and we could own his thoughts like they were our own. We'd all been through it by 24. Canadian cowboy songs are a little depressing. When this was new most didn't care for orchestration and Neil's voice doesn't actually fit the mold but the way it's used goes back to the dance. Partners aren't the same or its too slick. This is not meant to be polished. Taken as a whole the orchestration builds then drifts away before song 10 leaving us with a crafted work vs a collection of songs. It's also used to see the stark differences between an industrial world and the world lived by a poet. This was a world apart from Crosby stills Nash and young. Starkly sung from the heart.
supa cool best song: Heart of Gold
Brilliant, time less album. This is the kind of album that really shows how difficult the 5* rating is. Should it deserve a 5? It’s so close. And so much better than other 4* ratings but equally you don’t want to devalue 5* ratings by dishing out too many. I’m probably overthinking this
Very poetic.
Feel like most of the songs are quite simple but all work very well. Neil has a great voice in this record, will listen to it again.
Fav: Heart of Gold
the album was pretty good. maybe i would’ve enjoyed it more if it was actually on spotify 😒 but regardless my favorite songs were “Heart of Gold,” “Alabama,” “The Needle and the Damage Done,” and “Words (Between the Lines)”
I really need to dive deeper into Neil Young. Basically everything I've heard from him I enjoy, but I've never taken the initiative to really commit. 4.5/5
I liked a lot of the more acoustic songs like Needle and the Damage Done, Old Man, etc. It's easy to see why these have become the classics from this album. The big orchestral moments didn't land as well for me. Still, it's a nice listen.
4.5
What a great album! Haven't listened to it or Neil Young in too long. His voice is so good, much more quieter than most of his output. Such classics as Heart of Gold, Old Man and The Needle and The Damage Done will never get boring. Such an influential artist. The grandfather of Grunge lol gets a 4.
timeless
A few great songs and some really good lyrics. It didn’t “grab” me all the way through.
I like this guy's calm kinda folky sound. Lyrics are poetic. Really enjoyed this one
A nice relaxing album with songs that make you think a little. It's grand sweeping songs will get you in the mood to feel a little down, but at least you'll be swaying along with it. Stand out songs: - Old Man
Un Neil Young qui arborre fièrement son badge "6 mois", représentant 6 mois de sevrage d'alcool. Et le moins que l'on puisse dire c'est que ça lui réussi musicalement.
Best Song: The Needle and the Damage Done. Haunting, helped by the fact that Neil literally sings like a cartoon ghost. Probably his best poetry, and I actually prefer him when he's more folk than rock. Worst Song: A Man Needs a Maid. Weak writing and way to "upper register" for ol' Neil. He needs at least some guitar oomph to contrast his voice. Overall: The older I get, the more I appreciate Neil Young for doing exactly what Neil Young wants to do. He's got legitimately great songwriting skills, and even his nasally manner of singing has really grown on me. Aged like a fine whine.
Neil Young is one of those artists that I've listened to plenty of, but he's never completely clicked with me. So I made sure to give this album a few full listens to really try and get into it, and by the end of the day it was really starting to open up to me. There's some gorgeous songs on here, Heart Of Gold especially. Looking forward to hearing some more of him now.
1st August 2023 Haven’t listened yet, been meaning to put it on the new record player. But I know it’s a classic full of bangers.
Solid. Big fan of folk and this did not disappoint.
I am tired of Neil Young because of this project. However, not so tired that I can realize this is a beautiful, honest and frankly essential record.
Classic Neil Young...lots of memories of my father listening to this one. Just a solid listen end to end. 4/5
A very solid album with some amazing stand-outs.
Helvetin kova levy. Sääli että Neil Young veti kappaleensa spotifystä. Heart Of Gold tietenkin klassikko
first listen not sure i love his voice, but this is a good album
I’ve loved this album for a long time and will keep coming back to it
What a great and respected album. This was an easy listen today, but I'm sure it would stir some fires at a different time. Nice one Neil.
Album 84 of 1001 Neil Young - Harvest Rating : 4 / 5 Favorite Track : Old Man Hard to be impartial, as I'm a Neil Young fan. While I prefer "Everybody Knows This is Nowhere", this is a quality recording. I like his odd falsetto voice and I can even like him and Lynyrd Skynyrd at the same time. Bolstered by the popular Heart of Gold and Old Man, it offers 2 sides full of awesome music. Only going for 4 of 5 because, while I think it is an excellent album, I don't feel it is up there with some of his other stuff.
5 stars just for Heart of Gold and Old Man but I wish more songs on this one grabbed me
Overrated? Possibly. But a 1970s overrated Neil Young album is better than most artist's rated albums. ;)
Damn good album. I love how acoustic yet bass heavy it is. This is the first album by Neil Young I ever listened to.
Alright, this was good. There, I complimented Neil Young. Are you happy, Dimery??
Niilon hittilevy josta hititkin yllättävän vähän vituttavat. Kestää aikaa. Omasta on kannen selkämystä jauhanut joku eläin. Sopii tunnelmaan. Kylläpäs mä nyt annan näitä nelosia. 4/5
Kovia hittejä ja muutama muukin tarttuva biisi. Ei ehkä ihan suosikkini Youngilta, vaikka loistava levy onkin.
This is (apparently) the one album of Young's that I not only tolerate, but enjoy.
Might have considered a 5 if not for the truly terrible A Man Needs A Maid and the fact that I've heard Heart of Gold so many times while browsing the dairy aisle in supermarkets that now it just makes me think of milk
This hits hard. Losing home, love, and friends can inspire some great songs.
Great album, he really grew on me.
Honestly not too bad: I was expecting some strong American folk rock country shit but was really surprised. The first sign it was going to be bad was that it wasn't spotify (big complaint but petty). When I hit play on that YT vid I pleasently surprised. The guitar riffs flowed nicely into each other and the vocals just felt right. A surprising hit for me.
Out on the weekend Harvest Heart of gold Old man Alabama The needle and the damage done 6/10
Surprisingly not a deep album, but some of my favorite classic songs of all time.
One of my favorites
Pretty good. I mean it's Neil Young so you kind of know what you're getting.
наконец-то музыкальный Нил! Прям стало все намного лучше и интереснее
Нил Янг, вернись на спотик, пожалуйста... Вообще интересно. Примерно такие же ощущения, как от прослушивания симфоний от Bee Gees. И здесь то же самое: очень мощные аранжировки, эпические даже местами. Лондонский симфонический оркестр раздаёт жару. Ну вот из трёх альбомов, которые мы послушали, этот звучит как самый приличный. Возможно за счёт мощных аранжировок. Как в рок-операх. Хотя например Rolling Stone пишут, что это не самые "мощные" композиции Янга и приводят в пример Expecting To Fly 1967 года. Что ж, послушаем. В любом случае, здесь всё ещё остались немного нудные кантри-фолк песенки, которые хотелось поскорее пропустить. Поэтому четвёрочка. Да, это добавляет альбому разноплановости, но просадка по динамике колоссальная.
Brilliant. I've always had the impression he's a bit self-serious.
It’s the Neil Young album I love. The only one as can take or leave him a lot of the time Heart of Gold and Needle.. are all time great songs
Neil Young’s peak? Definitely one of his best. A stone cold classic.
I didn't manage to listen to all the songs... BUT it was def good vibes, love the harmonica, very autumn I didn't really like a Man Needs a Maid tho- that one was odd. The music was lovely but you could barely hear his voice over it. All in all it was kinda jarring.
Favorite Song: "The Needle and the Damage Done" Definitely got some Pink Floyd vibes from the last song, "Words (Between the Lines of Age)", although the album was predominantly folk-y. I definitely need to re-listen so I can pay attention to the lyrics.
Good
"Harvest" is the fourth studio album by Canadian-America musician Neil Young. Young recruited a group of session musicians in Nashville where some of the recording was done and he nicknamed them The Stray Gators. The album itself is more folk and country-rock and is quoted as the pinnacle of West Coast Country Rock. At least three songs were written for and to Carrie Snodgress who is the mother of their son Zeke Young. The album was a big commercial success, hitting No. 1 in the US and UK and was the biggest selling album in 1972 in the US. "Out on the Weekend" begins the album with an acoustic guitar and Young's recognizable melancholy harmonica. It's a slow, country ballad and laid back. It's about a boy who can't relate to joy, reflecting on the past and a love song for Carrie. Another recognizable harmonica start to Young's only song to hit No. 1 in "Heart of Gold." James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt on backing vocals. Another song for Carrie. A great Young quote: "This song put me in the middle of the road. Traveling soon became a bore so I headed for the ditch. A rougher ride but I saw more interesting people ther." And that's where he would also write best music. Another big Young song "Old Man" opens Side 2. it was written for the caretaker of the ranch he bought and about young men having the same needs as old men. JT and Ronstadt again on backing vocals. I always liked the acoustic and slide guitars on this song. Young rehashes his acerbic feelings for the South in "Alabama." He would later regret the lyrics and had no issue (might have actually agreed) with Lynerd Skynerd's response in "Sweet Home Alabama." "The Needle and the Damage Done" was a lament for all the great artists addicted to heroin including Crazy Horse guitarist Danny Whitten who died. An emotional acoustic song recorded live in concert. And what would a 70's Neil Young album be without a song with long stoner guitar jams. And we have that here with album closer "Words (Between the Line of Ages)." Stephen Stills and Graham Nash are also on backing vocals. I admit to liking Young's subsequent 70's albums where's he in ditch better but this sounded great today. Although slight outliers, even the two songs where he uses the London Symphony Orchestra kept the laid back tone and observational lyrics. Even if you're not a country rock fan, an album worth listening if only for Neil Young.
I mostly love Neil.
Not on Spotify but still super good
Having stated that I wasn't much of a fan of Neil Young before, I was glad for the opportunity to listen to this classic one as I quite enjoyed it. Of course, it's the most popular album of his, and I think with good reason. This is your Neil Young gateway album. I'd be happy to keep listening.
Neil Young is a universal treasure.
Heart of Gold and Old Man are essential listening A Man Needs a Maid should have been left in the previous century, never to emerge again 4/5
love the chill autumn mood :)
Fanns bara tre låtar på Spotify..
Auch wenn ich net der größte Fan von neil youngs stimme bin, ist es einfach gute Musik
4.3 al nisan ga poslisala cilog pa
A solid Young album for this Neil head, but not weird enough?
Heart of Gold is an amazing song. Some weird sonic shifts on this album. Enjoyed it overall.
This is the Neil Young that I tend to like more. Folksy, mostly, but with some rock in there. A really good listen with some great songs.
Un clásico moderno del folk americano
ok
Nema svih pjesama na spotifyu
Folk-rock de Neil Young. Le pongo un 4 por ser quien es.
Increíble. A ratos no conecto con este disco pero en general y pensando el año en que se hizo, en como suena, en todo. Imprescindible.
4/10, 40% 1, 4, 6, 8
Really enjoyed it.
I love this album, but the lyrics of “A Man Needs A Maid” have not aged well and the string arrangements on that song and “There’s A World” feel out of place with the rest of the album.
I write this on February 1, 2023, seeing Harvest being the first Neil Young featured for our listening, and somewhat early on the list. I was encouraged by On The Beach popping up to get this one rated and reviewed. I love Harvest and I love Neil. The album and Neil himself holds a huge place personally in terms of nostalgia factor. My parents played a good amount of Neil when I was younger, mainly his greatest hits. However, when my parents bought me a record player for graduation (because I’m pretty cool), Harvest was the first record I stole from them, and is the Neil record I’ve spent the most time with as a whole. I began with Harvest before moving onto his other albums. In the way I used to obsessively listen to music, Harvest was the only Neil for a while. In retrospect, it is him going somewhat country, influenced by his move to record the album in Nasheville. To put it bluntly, this is kind of Neil Young at his most neutral. To call it bland Neil would maybe go a little too far. From his greatest hits, I was familiar with songs like ‘Hey Hey, My My’ and ‘Like a Hurricane’ that demonstrate a somewhat unrestricted Neil. Or a softer song like ‘After the Gold Rush’ that exemplifies his shrill voice to the fullest, but does not have the melody or sound that quite fits the Harvest mold. Harvest is different. Harvest is almost too clean sometimes. When I put the needle down on the album, it’s excitement and anticipation. The first beat of ‘Out on the Weekend’ plays and I instantly relax with the opening beat. I’m transported to a warm, lazy day. I’m traveling through some farmland on the back of a wagon, staring off in contemplation, listening as I ride along. His intentionally abrupt inflection at the end of the line, “She got pictures on the wall, they make me look up” is captivating, putting me in the memory of some unnamed romance. Then moving to a line like “the woman I’m thinking of she, loves me all up, but I’m so down today”, where my feelings of infatuation feels real again, the good and the bad. All of this somewhat non-specific, often intense, emotion calmed by the song itself. This album is packed with other greats. ‘Harvest’, which continues my wagon ride, but now we’ve arrived in town. Again, lazily moving along the streets, observing the events being sung. ‘Heart of Gold’, with Neil maybe at his most accessible over his entire discography, diving into his unending search for love. ‘Old Man’ and ‘Needle and the Damage Done’ come in to showcase Neil’s lyricism. The former has Neil in serious reflection of his own life compared to that of an elder, and the latter speaking on heroin affecting his life and those he knew. The chorus of ‘Old Man’ features shrill Neil, but not the shrillest. ‘Are You Ready for the Country?’, ‘Alabama’, and ‘Words’ adds some rock ’n roll to the picture. He slightly turns it up for us, with a couple of the aforementioned songs giving us a taste of Neil’s sporadic soloing. However, there’s still a little bit of bite missing when thinking about other great Neil Young songs. Lyrically, ‘Words’ beginning with “someone and someone were down by the pond, looking for something to plant in the yard” is almost too vague for me. Before I continue, I want to take a second to say that I despise ‘Every Man Needs a Maid’ and ‘There’s a World’. They do not fit in the slightest. The idea to use the London Symphony Orchestra might lead one to believe that, if used properly, it would propel the album above and beyond. These songs do not. If I remember, or have the ability, to skip them while listening, I do. As much as I love Neil, and this album, Harvest is not perfect, and there is better Neil out there. In my opinion, the his other albums show what makes Neil Young, Neil Young. The nostalgia factor gives this album a 5 in my heart. However, given my familiarity with Neil now, and for the sake of knowing and being excited for the Neil to come, I give Harvest a 4.
Great
Still full of good songs and only a few are rock. Heavy on the piano, harmonica and acoustic guitar. Unite good singing - for Neil.
Great album
Didn't really enjoy other NY albums on this list, however really enjoyed this, specifically Heart of Gold & the titular Harvest. Seems to be a bit of a headphone journey album with the feelings of time progressing slowly and long summer days. This was good!
Nasally reedy voice, sometimes earnest, usually forceful in a quiet persistent way. A bit country but musically thick and fully produced. Some iconic tracks with a consistent mood through. Very good album. Makes me feel like I'm in my girlfriend's parents car in the 70s or something
Jokainen biisi on hyvä. Elokuvallinen levy. Aika sama rytmi pysyy ja aihepiiri, joten teemamainen, vaikkei ole teemalevy? Mutta silti vaihtelua joka biisissä aika 60-lukutyyliin. Tyylikäs kansi myös.
This was an awesome 70s rock jam
Eka olin sillee että meh, mutta alkaen Old Manista, loppulevyhän oli ihan timanttista paatosta!
Pretty fantastic! not many thoughts just a good listen. what’s with guitar singer-songwriters and heroin songs (see: Bert Jansch)? Highlights: heart of gold, words (between the lines of age), old man
3.7 I think it's awesome that Neil is protesting Spotify but YouTube just is not the same
Was between 4 and 5 for this. Some of Neil's most memorable songs on here, and some more forgettable. Classic album nonetheless.
4.5!!
First of all, I am a devotee of Buffalo Springfield and love what Neil Young had to offer CS&N. As a solo artist, however, I've always felt like I'm "supposed to love Young." I don't. His solo guitar work is sophomoric at best (distinctive, but not in a good way) and his vocal can become grating. HARVEST, however, is pretty classic, with well-written, memorable tunes.
Classic for a reason, but a couple clunkers. Looking at you Man Needs a Maid
A brilliant songwriter and musician. I am not a huge fan of his voice, but he is a fantastic story teller and lyricist. I will be giving this album more attention in the future.
A very fine album. Mr. Young's most popular album to date. And the album that really established the Canadian as something to reckon with—though he already had a handful of incredible (arguably better than this) solo and group albums under his belt. Remarkable that these songs were written by a 27-year-old. So much heartbreak and wonderful musings on age, death, loneliness, relationships, drug use, and so on. But, while this album famously gets Young into "the middle of the road," and earns him the recognition he deserves as a great songwriter, it is not an album of his I return to often. I think there are better versions of the best of these songs on Live at Massey Hall 1971, a live album that captures the heartbreak in his songwriting from the time much more vividly. (Indeed, the "Needle and the Damage Done" performance here is taken from that show.) I also much, much prefer Neil Young's subsequent "Ditch" records; those that he made trying to get himself out of the middle of the road and away from the pop spotlight. I even probably listen to his 1992 album Harvest Moon more than this. Let alone After the Gold Rush, which is easily my favorite. But that said, I'm surprised how much I still enjoyed this album listening to it today. It's probably not in my top 10 Neil Young albums and as such I don't revisit it often. I never cared for "There's A World" and I still don't. "Alabama" is just okay. But every other number basically is either really great, or absolutely essential. So it's a great record. And the fact that I think there are better Neil Young albums just speaks to the songwriter's prowess. He's one of a kind. Would I like this album more if it wasn't so popular? Admittedly, maybe, yes. But I've been at enough Neil Young concerts where everyone and their mother is screaming for him to play "Old Man" to be a little peeved at the popular shadow this record casts over the rest of his career. So Harvest gets a 4 from me.
I've never really given Neil Young's music a fair listen, which is totally unfair of me. I found a YouTube video of a vinyl rip, which I have no doubt elevated the experience. Really moving songs, great performances, and I love the orchestral stuff mixed in, which actually elevated the music without it feeling corny at all. Some undisputed classics on this album as well, which felt like they happened at the right time. I really enjoyed it, and I can't believe I never gave Neil Young a chance before now! I know that doesn't need to be said, but it pains me that this isn't on Spotify, so I don't know how often I'll go back and listen to it. Scarcity in music! What an idea. We're used to having everything all the time. I enjoyed my time with this album, and hope we'll meet again soon.
Neil Young at his best
Classic rock. I was too young first time round but came back to Neil Young out of curiosity and absolutely loved him.
A nice and gentle singer-songwriter album. I enjoy. 4 stars.
Great songs and and production
enjoyed it tbh
Hardly clean, but surely the sweetest I've heard Neil yet. Harmonica, steel, movements between acoustic and electric guitars are always welcome. Rootsy music in the accessible and good senses.
As much as I don't like Neil Young, I like this one. Great instrumentation and songwriting - 4 stars
Out of all his biggest classics, this must be the one I like the least. Let's be honest here: Are You Ready for the Country and There's a World brings this thing down a bit. Also, I'm not the biggest fan of the orchestral tracks, I can see why people like them but songs like A Man Needs a Man ends up getting on my nerves. I'd rather hear acoustic versions of those tracks. This is still a great album obviously, I just don't think it's one of his best.
Spotify causality, so dont get to listen to it much unless I stream some rip from YouTube - oh well
I haven’t listened to much Neil Young. It was very grand. I liked it.
Beautiful!
Solid stuff by The Godfather of grunge
A couple misses on this album, but other than that it's a brilliant album. The orchestration, arrangements, and song-writing is amazing. Doesn't have the last star due to the couple of songs that didn't hit.
Not his greatest album but “old man” absolutely slaps
This has some good bangers, like Old Man. Overall, I enjoyed it and would return to it. 3.5/5
A Man Needs A Maid is a hauntingly beautiful song and a little bit Disney in a good way. Old Man is really catchy with a banging chorus. Not every song hit me thoroughly but generally enjoyed this.
J'avais quelques attentes étant donné la réputation de cet album (et de l'artiste) Un début un peu lent et larmoyant je trouve (c'est un peu le style de Young). Cependant après Heart of Gold, on sent qu'il à repris un peu d'entrain. J'aime notamment Old Man, j'aime aussi Words (Between the Line). Album intéressant, album qui a bien vieilli, qui mérite une autre écoute de ma part.
Solid. Probably my favorite Neil Young album
Fantastic. Old man is starting to mean a lot more than it used to.
I'm excited for this one. I already love harvest moon so much it's one of my favorite songs. I like the album artwork, the typography is cool and pretty. man needs a maid gets so grandiose, starting slow and chill and getting so cinematic in the end. I like heart of gold, I've definitely heard it before and enjoyed it. I know old man as well. some of the songs feel like movie scores. it's a pretty calm album for the most part, nice guitar and nice voice.
Nice one here. Iconic
Classic album that makes me yearn for a time that I never knew. “Man Needs Maid” feels intimate, like I could feel the exchange of emotions. “Old Man” is iconic poetry that hits my heart. I loved the big anticipation energy in “There’s a World”. “Needle and Damage” was powerful and sad, and had me thinking about our more recent drug epidemic of accidental overdoses.
Not on Spotify. :'(
A great album but its not the best I've heard of his from this generator. Heart of Gold and Old Man are stone cold classics which deserves a casual listen here and there, and came away liking a few more songs like The Needle And The Damage Done. Wasn't a massive fan of the orchestral overdubs though. Also interesting to hear Alabama which along with Southern Man, inspired a much better song Lynyrd Skynyrd would make in response.
Not super well versed when it comes to Neil Young, but I like the vibe of this album
Before I listened to him I thought Neil Young made sentimental music for dads, but I was pleasantly surprised by his balance of heartfelt country and intriguing musicality. Pretty cool :)
Äbangeeer
Favorites: Out on the Weekend, Heart of Gold, Old Man, Alabama Great album every song feels like it belongs. A short but sweet album.
4.1 + I hemmed and hawed over this review for a few months and it'd been sitting incomplete for all that time. Originally, I listened to this back in the fall when it was still up on Spotify and thought it was the perfect backdrop for an afternoon drive through vividly colored backroads. Returning to it many months later, I find my enthusiasm cooled slightly. I love the casual way "Out on the Weekend" breezes in on a groove to open up the record. Then there are songs like "Heart of Gold", "Old Man" and "The Needle and..." that are probably my favorite of his songs. But mixed in are a couple forgettable tracks like "Are You Ready for the Country?" Also, "A Man Needs a Maid" I just find strange. I was expecting great but got very good. Still, it's very good.
Wasn’t sure at first but quickly grew on me.
A classic
70s classic rock still rings true.
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Heart of gold, There is a world
Great!
Not my favourite Young album, by any means, and I'm not sure the addition of a full orchestra does much for his sound, but still, a solid listen. Fave track - "The Needle and the Damage Done" - probably my fave Neil Young track overall!
Well at least 2 of them are on spotify… Out on the weekend is a fine Neil young track nice, mellow, well written with a good use of the harmonica. It’s not my favourite song but it’s good. The guitar riff in the album’s title track is very reminiscent of like American cowboys sitting on the hay bales with a piece of straw in their mouth as the tumbleweed bounces by. A rather relaxing aesthetic with broad appeal but not one that i’am all too fussed about. The instrumentation on a man needs a maid is pure class especially in the over the top chorus, I’am not too sure on how honest the lyrics are meant to be and I sure hope it’s not cause it’s a lil sexist. Still my favourite song off the three albums I’ve herd though! Heart of gold is like the better version of the first song amazingly written and performed harmonica based rock. Are you ready for the country is one of those true American western-y type songs well done but not a huge fan. Old man is a great well pieced together single not necessarily one of my favourites but still really good compared to his other albums. Looking at the YouTube views there’s a world is UNDERRATED an amazingly well done theatrical tune that deserves all the love. I love how dramatic Alabama sounds again very strong yet under appreciated song. The penultimate track is the short, raw yet beautifully tragic the needle and the damage done it’s quite obvious what it was about and the themes were tackled perfectly alongside good guitar work. The album ends on words ( between the lines of age) this is a rather creepy yet epic sounding sendoff that this album deserves. If you asked me before the review on what I thought about Neil young I probably would’ve written him off as overrated but now I’ve herd this I kinda get why everyone loves him. It’s by far not my favourite album of all time but still very solid.
There are some great songs, but it's not 5 star Neil.
Great. 4/5
Folk-rock de Neil Young. Le pongo un 4 por ser quien es.
We were on the fence between a 4 and a half. Do think it is his best, but is it Ian’s favourite? No? But sometimes, you must distinguish between *the* best and *your* favourite………..
This is such a good album apart from the unnecessary excrescence of the London Symphony Orchestra on "A Man Needs a Maid" and "There's a World". Not that either of these would be great songs if you stripped them back but the recordings would be a damn sight better. Otherwise, great stuff, one of Neil's defining moments.
Zeer goed, erg van genoten
A reet scabby baby covered in shite roond its wee bumhole.
This has to be considered one of Neil Young's best known and top-selling records. Lots of great songs on here and though I don't regard this his best or my favourite album of Young's, this is a classic. I still prefer his "rocker" albums.
Neil Young is arguably the greatest Canadian musician ever. I really can't think of anyone that can compare with his prolific output of consistently great music over so many years. Wiki describes Harvest as his "signature" album, and that's apt since it has a few of his most popular songs on it. As good as this album is though it still has a few filler songs, so it just misses out on a perfect 5 score according to my admittedly overly rigid scoring criteria.
Strange, after all the Spotify turmoil which led me to join Tidal and spend two days listening to Neil Young records, most of his stuff has disappeared from that platform as well. Anyway, I still have my beat up, scratched to hell copy on Vinyl which I got for about $1 back in 1994. Though I don't play it often, I love this album. For me it is the most accessible of Neil Young's work. Not too Mellow not too driven by directionless noise.
8/10 not really a favorite but Neil Young is always pleasant to listen to
This album had its moments. 7/10
Shoutout to all Spotify peeps who can't listen to this one. Thoughts an prayers 🙏
This is first one
Don't think I'd ever really listened to it before; previously it had just been on whilst doing something else. I enjoyed it, though I find Neil's warbling grates after a while. His albums might be better if he got someone else to sing them!
Great album really good country rock tunes on here
Pretty good, The joe Rohan shit is an L take but oh well. The vibes were on point
Fantastic album, not a weak song on the whole thing. Needle and the damage done a personal favourite of mine, but there are so many stand out tracks.
Schöner Folk mit einigen herausragenden Stücken.
Have listened to this album before. None of of his albums are on Spotify anymore
Its incredibly sweet
2 weak tracks away from being a 5. But a solid 4!
J'aime bien Neil Young même si j'ai pas écouter bcp de ses albums, c'est triste qu'il est pu sur spotify
Great album! Makes you instantly feel like you’re driving through the west.
this is my shit
Country(-Rock). The album is off to a strong start with its opening track Out on the Weekend, which grooves and has full, partly electric arrangement. But the album quickly loses steam afterwards. The following songs are more sparse and generally on the weaker side. The best songs are the aforementioned Out on the Weekend and (of course) Heart of Gold; The Needle and the Damage Done is another well-known track. I'm quite indifferent about the rest, honestly. Still, 3.5/5.
This album would have gotten a 5 if not for one song that I strongly didn't like (Alabama, if you were wondering). Otherwise this album was good. Highlights: Harvest, Are You Ready For The Country?, The Needle and The Damage Done
I had assumed that this album would be as annoying as the many (MANY) copycat albums that came like a flurry of pale carbon copies its wake, but I can actually see why this record is as beloved and influential as it is. Some really classic tunes (heart of gold, old man, needle and damage done, harvest), great playing and singing (big ups to the backing vocalists, including Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, CSNY) tasteful orchestration and some surprisingly muscular playing (including electric guitar)_ when required. I get it now.
3.5/5 A decent soft rock / folk album with hits that are still great today. I enjoyed the other tracks I hadn’t heard but “A Man Needs A Maid” and “There’s A World” definitely stick out with the former track just not being good. I didn’t search much for the historical impact of the album but it definitely seems like an album that’s carried by its hits, which I’m sure I’ll continue to listen to when in the mood for a country playlist. Fav Songs: Heart Of Gold, Old Man
Well thank goodness NY redeemed himself with this album. I actually really enjoyed this! A couple of weird ones in there like "There's a world" - bit annoying. But some gems too that I'll listen to again. Wish I could give this a 3.5 but I guess I should round up
Yeah, good ol' Neil Young. I didn't realise this came out in 1992! I've always thought of it as a classic 70s Neil Young album but I guess anything that was realised before we were born is just an album from 'before times', weird.
Ugodno i relax, 4
He's growing on me.
4/5. Solid folk mr Young :)
Neil is good!
I'm glad that NY kept his best stuff from CS&N to make this, CSNY are a great group but this album would've suffered under the full group. This is up there with Neil's best. 4.5/5
Always think I’m not going to enjoy NY, but then I do! I believe this is his Magnus opus!
It's a great listen, never paid attention to the more orchestral flourishes on this, and just a great listen. 38mins of any timescale well spent.
Neil Young is a referent. Good compositor, good singer and good guitarist.
The history of my knowledge and impression about country music can be expressed in two parts: Before discovering Neil Young's "Harvest", and after discovering Neil Young's "Harvest". And guess which one has a better impression (clue: it was during the time when I know some awesome harmonica driven country rock/folk music by a surprisingly great singer).
The first 3 songs I didn't really enjoy but the rest if the album was great
not my kind of music, but neil is a great songwriter
It's a great album. I've always liked it. Some people don't like his voice, etc, etc.... but just listen to this album 2 or 3 times and you'll probably change your mind.
Strålande album, några svaga låtar men de är undantag, osar av 'känsla', lyckas sy ihop inte bara klassiska rock/blues instrument men också stråkar och kör. Skulle säga att 7/10 av Neil Youngs topplåtar ligger på denna platta vilket gör banger-ration skyhög. Rätt behaglig längd, känns lite som en trevlig trerätters middag en tonsättande inledning, stark mittdel och UTSÖKT dessert!
Den här är svår att betygsätta för mig. Vet inte vad jag skulle ge detta om det var första gången jag hörde det, men Out on the Weekend, Needle and the Damage Done och Old Man sitter så djupt etsade efter otaliga lägereldsversioner, och Neil sjunger så satans sårbart och fint, så jag måste klämma i med ett högt betyg, även om resten av skivan inte övertygar lika mycket som de topparna.
Man needs a Maid was suprisingly powerful
1 great 3 great 4 10/10 5mhh ok 6 top 7meh 8Alabaaaaammaaa 9 yep 10 great closer 7
An absolute banger
Another one I've lived with since I was a kid. Songs that crawl into your airing cupboard and live with you all winter.
Only recognized Heart of Gold and Old Man. Not a fan of Harvest. Like the pedal steel and harmonica. Pretty orchestral music but kind of a weird combo.
Well, I liked it. I think Neil Young is hard for me to listen to objectively, because so many folks think he's great. I had two "next song" moments, which is relatively low for a full album listen. Neil's distinct voice is what stays with me.
My background with music is spotty at best. I figure that is why I am here. Country Music is a notoriously weak spot, so getting this album as my first is appreciated as just about every song will be fresh. Overall, the album has a mellow feeling to it that I could see myself enjoying while painting or getting lost in the woods. However, there were definitely some songs that just felt a little out of place. "There's a World" was a big miss for me, but all in all, there were more hits than misses. The Needle and the Damage Done was very emotional and it instantly struck a chord with me. Words quickly became another favorite of mine once I heard those guitar solos. All in all I see why this album has stayed so popular for so many years. Top Songs: The Needle and the Damage Done, Heart of Gold (a song even I recognized), Words
Quality album from Neil Young. There is such a rich overall sound you can ease back into. And no singer is quite as distinctive as NY. Heart of Gold, Alabama, Words are real highlights. The orchestral tracks are a couple of low lights and feel out of place. An album which rewards repeat listening.
Some absolute classics weakened by some poor choices in arrangements/accompaniments (A Man Needs a Maid, etc). Mainly a few 5s packed with filler.
Great album showing the versatility of Neil. Slow, fast, country, rock..... And always great lyrics
A wonderful album. Timeless
As good as the day it was first recommended.
Classic album, definitely worthy of the list. Happy to see Canada represented. Neil is one of our greatest treasures.
like
Such a mournful voice
Lovely stuff
Todo un disco auténtico de rock con toques country. Voz muy influyente, con carisma y muy característica. Canciones muy a medio tiempo. Agradable de escuchar y evocador.
heard it. good album, but not his best.
OK
Classics, rather weird production choices, could grow