Stephen Stills

Music for people who clap when an airplane lands. Neil Young is Mario, David Crosby is Luigi, and Stephen Stills is Toad. I will not elaborate further, but there are mountains of factual evidence to support my claim. Four albums featuring this guy on a list like this is insanity. That's like four crusty phone videos by your drunk neighbor Ted on a "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" list.

Imagine being Stephen Stills. You’re in Buffalo Springfield, responsible for many of their hits, you’re their leader, but there’s high tensions, due in no small part to a creative tension between you and Neil Young. So the band breaks up and you start a new band with the guy from the Hollies and the guy from the Byrds that likes to write songs about threesomes. You bust your ass recording a debut album where you play the majority of the instruments: a real tour-de-force showcase for your talents and it is massively successful, a smash hit. What is your next move? To fill out your arrangements live, you, for some reason, invite Neil Young, the guy who tried to take over to your last band, to join the band. There’s no way he’d do it again, right? Young’s arrival brings even more success to the band: the follow up album you record with him goes to number 1, sells 8 million copies…but the recording sessions were full of conflict and you find yourself butting heads with Neil Young once again. There’s no way he’s going to do it again…try and take control from you over *your* band, right? Neil Young: “I’ll fucken do it again” Then, a month after your album is released, May 1970, the Kent State massacre happens. Neil Young walks into the woods and comes up with “Ohio”. You and the boys put some vocal harmonies over his song, which is more aggressive than anything else you’ve ever recorded. Your record company rushes the song out for release at the same time that “Teach your Children Well” is climbing the charts. You go on an extended tour that summer and by July 1970, CSNY is calling it quits. So, you, Stephen Stills, start a solo career and have success, but your old foil, Neil Young is starting to have hit after hit, becoming a massive star. By the time 1974 rolls around and Young agrees to reunite CSNY for a stadium tour, he is the pretty much the main draw and a precedent has been set: CSNY only happens when Neil wants it to happen. The success of the band you started, the band whose career was started by the excellent record you toiled over in the studio, is now fully dependent on Neil Young being around to pull in a big payday and Neil has had no problem pulling the plug on CSNY at a moment’s notice. Sure, CSN can draw a crowd, but CSNY is another story and that’s how it’s going to go for the next 40 years. Now, reader, I’m sure you’re feeling pretty bad for Stephen Stills. What an outcome for the guy who was supposed to be “it”. Don’t feel too bad…for starters, he’s got tons of money, he treated Neil Young pretty poorly, to the extent that a few of his albums after this one have a Neil Young cover on it as a sort of mea culpa, but also…he managed to get one of Jimi Hendrix’s last solos captured on tape for this album (Good Times Old Times) and then proceeded to bury parts of it under his own organ playing (that’s not a euphemism, get your mind out of the gutter). If you’re still feeling bad for Stills after all that, go ahead and listen to his 1978 album, “Thoroughfare Gap”. Any good will you still had for the man will evaporate in no time - Seriously, you owe it to yourself, as means of better understanding Stephen Stills, to hear “You Can’t Dance Alone” and especially “Can’t Get No Booty”.

I am a stereotype but sometimes that's okay.

A timely companion to After The Gold Rush earlier in the week. Went into this with low expectations, as I have thought Love The One You're With to be a weird and terrible song since I saw Bucks Fizz perform it at Thorpe Park randomly over 35 years ago (disappointingly instead of their current hit at the time which was a real banger, even without any ripped skirts). But I digress: LTOYW is awful here too, the rest isn't as bad although run-of-the-mill, '70s singer/songwriter stuff. Go Back Home is pretty good. Stills seems to be the least interesting of the CSNY set, but I've heard worse solo albums. Yawn

3.5 considering i expected to really dislike this, i was pleasantly surprised. the first half was definitely stronger than the latter in my opinion but it was overall very pleasant background music while i was getting ready. church was my favourite it made me quite happy to listen to.

No. 205/1001 Love the One You're With 4/5 Do for the Others 4/5 Church 4/5 Old Times Good Times 3/5 Go Back Home 3/5 Sit Yourself Down 4/5 To a Flame 4/5 Black Queen 3/5 Cherokee 3/5 We Are Not Hopeless 4/5 Average: 3,6 Nothing groundbreaking. But am enjoyable folk-rock album.

Stephen Stills' Stephen Stills hung out with me on my drives to and from my first day of work on this continent, amiably addled company on the way in, something of a guardian angel through the scary rainstorm coming home. Just a very easy album to get on with, hang-out yacht rock. The tunes are laid back, as are the jams - long enough to get absorbed in, short enough to swerve tedium. It's more a vehicle for eyes-closed emotional vibes than for melodies. Earnest, sincere and hopeful, this is music I would once have despised, mistaking doomed idealism for complacency. What the heck is the percussion doing on the opening Bucks Fizz song? Whatever it is, I like it! ‘Love the One You’re With’, I can imagine Clapton hiding behind his heroin beard when Stills was playing that back to him. This list always leads me back to Clapton, my Anti-Mecca. And Neil Young, my hairy Vatican. With one eye to Si's review, this is not as good as 'After the Gold Rush', but better than Young's songs on 'Deja Vu'. On that subject, this record has inspired an idea to reenact the making of Robert Altman’s “The Big Sleep”, with Stephen Stills as Philip Marlowe/Elliott Gould, Graham Nash as gangster Marty Augustine, David Crosby as Sterling Hayden/Roger Wade/Hemingway, Rita Coolidge as Eileen, John Lennon and Yoko Ono as Robert Altman, and special guest star Eric Clapton as Terry Lennox, whom will be shot by Stills at the climax. Neil Young will play the naked hippy girls living across from Stills. As too many of the cast are already dead, this will have to be a written exercise. The twist ending is a final shot of Crosby/Hayden rising back out of the night sea, eyes black, described in Hemingway barks.

Okay

Is it bad? No. But is it good? Also, no.

At times good, at times less good.

Guitar work is great but the song structure is just so...straightforward. Feels like an album full of studio musicians propping up a talented guitarist. Some really abrupt endings. Cherokee into We Are Not Helpless is jarring. Fav Track: Love the One You're With

Right, I literally don't know who he is. I'm not being stupid or anything, but I physically don't know who Stephen Stills is. He could be the leader of the Special Boat Squadron Service.

Really great album. Heavy on the blues with some great folky lyrics.

Rock me to sleep, Steve.

Delightfully jammy. It’s got that classic CSN palette, but applied in a looser way. I dig it.

peak folk rock. Core rock instrumentals without getting too loud. amazing album from start to finish

loved this album, very soft melodie’s

Damn, I expected soft and tender just from seeing the album cover, instead I got rich, thoughtful and expressive. I resonated with this album on an emotional level. Stills' musical choices on the album hit home quite right. He also knows how to keep the tempo going throughout the album. His amazing feel for composing and lyricism really shines in this solo debut album. It was also amazing to read about his inspiration wrought from Jimi Hendrix and his regret of not making a full album with the man.

Where has this been all my life? The songs on this album vary between great and excellent. Stephen Stills possesses a brilliant voice, awesome songwriting ability, AND he is a top notch guitarist.

Quite enjoyable.

If you can't listen to the album you love, honey, love the album you're with. And I did today. One I've never listened to, but so good!

Super-duper!!

Outstanding. Please play Love the One You’re With at my funeral. Thanks.

What an exceptional album… didn’t realize how Stephen Stills played all those instruments… didn’t realize Rita Coolidge busted up CSNY… didn’t realize that the song “Love The One You’re With” - a fantastically realistic love song - came from such a great album. Just terrific!

Such familiar sound. Feels like I've known him forever without eer knowing who it was. Great album

Favorite Track: Go Back Home

..Ja fanfaairt soivat..

Well now. Another confirmation for me that this list is a delightful use of my time. I absolutely loved this. Funky, rocky gospel nonsense with someone talking to God on a Hammond? just take my money

JAMS

Still one of the best albums of all time. It is incredibly varied with consistent high quality. Stills is a formidable singer, guitarist, songwriter and overall musician.

I grew up with my mom playing this album quite often! It's beautiful from start to finish!

this was a lovely surprise

Absolutely great - every song was remarkable. I had heard of Stills just from Crosby, Stills & Nash but never actually listened to him separately. Will definitely add to my favourites and listen to it again.

great album i love the acoustic feel mixed with the gospel additions on some of the tracks. lyrics go from so so to really good so they even out. the blues fusion with roots notes is perfect. best songs: church, love the one you’re with, we are not helpless

Hat Spaß gemacht

Engaging and fun. Great album… Stephen jumped up to my top rated artists.

BL: I've heard the name Steven Stills be mentioned a few times but never really got the chance to dig into him in any particular way so will be excited to hear this record. AL: I loved this record a lot. The perfect mix between emotional ballads and more traditionally upbeat story writing. Highly worth the listen, stylistically nothing mindblowing especially for the time. But the musicianship and lyricism was highly worth the listen. Also a special mention to a very cool (but very 70s) cover art FT: "Love the One You're With", "Church", "To a Flame", "We Are Not Helpless" 5/5

Slow and beautiful

great

This was a complete surprise. I knew Love the One You’re With and I thought the rest would just be him noodling. This whole record maintains the heights of its first track. This is great 70s blues and keep an amazing momentum throughout

Soup for the soul.

My First «play on repeat»-album! Right up my alley, and this will be a stater in my collection. Awesome songwriting, great musicianship, and a whole album I enjoyed from start to end.

Aika kova. Ei ihan kympin kokonaisuus, mut kai tää silti viiteen tähteen pyöristyy. Folkkia, countria, bluesia, gospelia.. kaikki 70-luvun saundeilla ja menolla.

Liked this wayyyy more than I thought I would, thought it'd just be cool songwriting but the amount of different styles and themes across this album while still remaining super cohesive is fantastic. Cool asf

A nice album from an incredible songwriter. I wish he had more songs to make this album a little longer, though. 4.7/5 Favorite: “Sit Yourself Down” Least Favorite: “Cherokee”

Hendrix and Clapton as features on the same record is pretty incredible. Then you’re gonna flute it up another notch on Cherokee? Get out of town

Didn't really care for his collab work with Bing Crosby and Ogden Nash, but this album kinda slaps.

Really enjoyed that album and there are definitely some songs, i will enjoy further on. Never heard of Stephen Stills before, but his lyrics and guitar skills are outstanding and top class. I am really glad now, having joined this 1001 gen app. My top 3 in a particular order are: 1) Do for the Others 2) Go Back Home (awesome song concerning the sequences of e guitar, bass and piano. Outstanding e guitar solo btw) 3) Black Queen (really enjoyed the country style guitar parts) 4.8

Significant contributer to the rock genre. I‘m loving the blues and rock combinations in the songs. Knew him already from CSN(&Y). Love their songs too. Personal Top3 in no order: Old Times Good Times Go Back Home Black Queen

One of the first vinyls I bought because it was easily obtainable at thrift stores. It kicks ass. Love the whole thing still to this day

Great record.

Man this was really great. Great arrangement, vocals, songs, and not horribly dated like much of the stuff of the era. Very strong from start to finish. 9/10.

I enjoyed that hell out of this. Really good songwriting, delightful performances, and great production. There's such a good blues vibe here. It's chill but still energetic. I can't really find anything bad to say about this one. Over the corse of the relatively short album it steadily rose from a 4 to a 5-star album. That's despite the saxophones and jazz flute, mind you. The guitar work on "Black Queen" alone is enough to overcome a half-dozen saxophone solos. Which is good because "Cherokee" pushes my limits on both.

4.95/5 je reexoute. Très bon e chanson d'un super artiste.

I thought this would be mostly Americana songs in the vein of Love the One You're With, but it was very eclectic. Some blues, soul, and funk mixed in. And I enjoyed reading about and listening for the other notable musicians who contributed, like Ringo and Hendrix.

Pleasant surprise. A little more three dimensional than CSN, a little more 'rawk.'

Can't do much better than Stephen Stills.

What a tremendous album from the Stills of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. Album standouts include Love The One Your With, Do For Others, Old Times Good Times, Go Back Home, Cherokee, and We Are Not Helpless.

All those years I thought that voice belonged to David Crosby

Something about this type of music that just soothes my soul! Just good old classic folk rock with some awesome harder guitar riffs in there. And backing guitar in sone tracks by Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and other legends! This is a great album. Listen again: yes Purchase for my collection: yes Favourite Song: Love The One You’re With

Nice simple singer/songwriter album. Classic tracks, pleasant ballads, and jamming blues inspired make for a jaunty listen.

first listen it good

## In-Depth Review of *Stephen Stills* by Stephen Stills Stephen Stills' self-titled debut album, released on November 16, 1970, stands as a significant entry in the rock canon. Emerging from the shadows of his work with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY), this album showcases Stills' multifaceted talents as a musician and songwriter. The album reflects the tumultuous personal and professional landscape of the time, marked by themes of love, loss, and the search for identity. ### Lyrics The lyrics of *Stephen Stills* traverse a range of emotional landscapes, often drawing from personal experiences. Stills' songwriting is characterized by: - **Introspection and Vulnerability**: Songs like "Do for the Others" explore themes of romantic longing and emotional turmoil. The lyrics reveal a deep sense of yearning, capturing the essence of relationships that are both fulfilling and fraught with complications. - **Countercultural Reflections**: Many tracks resonate with the ideals of the 1960s counterculture, reflecting societal changes and personal struggles. For instance, "Love the One You're With" embodies a carefree yet poignant approach to love and connection amidst chaos. - **Imagery and Metaphor**: Stills employs vivid imagery in his lyrics, as seen in "Old Times Good Times," which evokes nostalgia while grappling with loss. The metaphors often serve to deepen the listener's engagement with the music. However, some critiques point out that certain lyrics can veer into cliché or heavy-handedness. For example, "Church (Part of Someone)" has been described as nearly too earnest in its delivery, which may detract from its impact. ### Music Musically, *Stephen Stills* is a rich tapestry that blends various genres: - **Folk and Blues Influences**: The album features acoustic and electric blues elements that highlight Stills' prowess as a guitarist. Tracks like "You Don't Love Me" showcase his ability to reinterpret blues standards with a fresh perspective. - **Gospel Elements**: Songs such as "Sit Yourself Down" incorporate gospel influences, characterized by vibrant melodies and harmonies that elevate the emotional weight of the lyrics. The backing vocals add depth to the arrangement, creating a communal feel. - **Rock and Experimental Sounds**: The presence of legendary musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton adds an experimental edge to the album. Hendrix's guitar work on "Old Times Good Times" is particularly noteworthy, blending seamlessly with Stills' organ arrangements. The production is generally polished but retains an organic feel that allows Stills' raw talent to shine through. However, some critics argue that certain arrangements can feel overcrowded or intrusive, potentially overshadowing Stills' vocal performance. ### Production The production of *Stephen Stills* is marked by: - **Collaborative Spirit**: Recorded between tours with CSNY in both London and Los Angeles, the album features contributions from an impressive roster of musicians. This collaboration infuses the album with diverse influences while maintaining a cohesive sound. - **Self-Directed Approach**: Stills took significant control over the production process, allowing him to explore his artistic vision without compromise. This autonomy is evident in his multi-instrumental performances throughout the album. - **Varied Arrangements**: The album's arrangements vary widely from track to track. While some songs benefit from lush instrumentation, others are more stripped down, highlighting Stills' vocal and guitar work. Despite these strengths, some reviews note that certain tracks suffer from overproduction or excessive layering that detracts from their emotional resonance. ### Themes The themes explored in *Stephen Stills* reflect both personal narratives and broader cultural sentiments: - **Love and Relationships**: Central to many songs are themes of love—both its joys and its complexities. Tracks like "Love the One You're With" convey a sense of immediacy in romantic encounters while also hinting at deeper emotional currents. - **Nostalgia and Reflection**: A sense of nostalgia permeates several tracks, particularly those reflecting on past relationships or experiences. This theme resonates strongly in "Old Times Good Times," where Stills reminisces about lost connections. - **Existential Questions**: The album grapples with existential concerns—questions about identity, purpose, and belonging are woven throughout the lyrics. This introspective quality invites listeners to reflect on their own lives alongside Stills’ narratives. ### Influence *Stephen Stills* has had a lasting influence on rock music: - **Pioneering Sound**: The blend of rock, folk, blues, and gospel elements set a precedent for future artists seeking to merge genres. Stills’ ability to navigate these styles has inspired countless musicians across generations. - **Cultural Impact**: As part of the larger CSNY narrative, this album contributes to the legacy of 1960s counterculture music. Its themes resonate with listeners who experienced or continue to engage with similar societal shifts. - **Musical Collaborations**: The collaborations featured on this album have paved the way for future musical partnerships within rock music. The interplay between artists like Hendrix and Clapton exemplifies how collaboration can elevate individual artistry. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Musicianship**: Exceptional guitar work and vocal performances showcase Stills' talents as a musician. - **Diverse Soundscapes**: A rich blend of genres creates an engaging listening experience. - **Emotional Depth**: Lyrical content offers introspective insights into love and relationships. - **Cultural Significance**: Reflects key themes of 1960s counterculture while remaining relevant today. #### Cons - **Uneven Material**: Some tracks may feel less inspired or overly produced compared to others. - **Cliché Lyrics**: Certain lyrical choices can come off as clichéd or heavy-handed. - **Overproduction Issues**: Some arrangements may detract from the raw emotional impact intended by Stills. ### Conclusion Overall, *Stephen Stills* stands as a testament to Stephen Stills' artistry during a pivotal moment in music history. While it exhibits both strengths and weaknesses—ranging from lyrical depth to production choices—it ultimately captures an important chapter in rock music's evolution. Its influence continues to resonate within contemporary music scenes as artists draw inspiration from its innovative blend of styles and heartfelt themes.

A fun and sometimes touching rock/blues album. Some cool instrumentals throughout, and the choir accompanying Stephen Stills was nice. Simple lyrics, but they were endearing. A pull yourself out of the mud kind of album, but not preachy. Standouts: Love the One You’re With, Church (Pt. If Someone), Old Times Good Times, To a Flame, and We Are Not Helpless.

Folk rock that rips, although it doesn't veer too far down the rocky roads of rock exploration, it does fit the bill of a lovely and interesting record. I will say that his blues licks are tight. Solid stuff, Steve.

Enjoyable. First time hearing this guy (though I'm now assuming he's of the Cosby stills and Nash fame). Some songs missed the mark but most were a good listen.

Nice

lovely album, good displays of vocals such as in the last track. But also some unique/playful tracks like Go Back Home that explore using other instruments to get its sound. (Just saw on wiki that jimi played the guitar on Old Times Good Times!)

Album art is a tricky thing. It can give you insight into the psyche of the artist, possibly giving you a clue to the tenor and tone of the album. Stephen Stills's self-titled debut album cover gives you a sense of the quintessential seventies singer-songwriter - a pensive, sensitive soul pouring out a vulnerable masculinity over acoustic strings. Maybe this package is wrapped in the dulcet hushes of the Laurel Canyon sound, perfected so well by Stills and his compatriots in Crosby, Stills, & Nash. But the cover belies the festival of sounds exploding from the grooves on the black lacquer of the disc inside. The album reveals the musical depth of Stills' range and talent, a talent often overshadowed by Neil Young's grungy cantankerousness or David Crosby's infamous alienating personality. Contained within are gospel-flecked hymns to common humanity, classic seventies love songs, muddy blues guitars, and a host of all-star collaborators, including Nash, Crosby, Jimi Hendrix, Booker T. Jones, Eric Clapton, Cass Elliot, and Rita Coolidge. While the opener (Love the One You're With) may resonate with a sense of dissatisfaction, the closing song (We Are Not Helpless) contains the soaring challenges I need to hear this week. " Open up, my friend, and learn to hear." It's a call to feast on this album. A call to not give up on this collective grand experiment. Those who have ears, let them hear.

Solid album, the singles are geat.

Something about the ‘sound’ of this record bugs me a bit - like it’s tape artifacts or something. Maybe this is an Andy Johns signature sound or something haha It’s not always unpleasant but it’s not awesome either... Nonetheless there is some really excellent writing and truly phenomenal playing on this one. Clapton and Hendrix and Ringo Starr and Booker T and Rita Coolidge and Case Elliot and then Halverson/Johns doing the recording - this is a supergroup-style record! Highly enjoyable and if there was one more song with as much oomph as the opener Love The One You're With this would probably rate a 5.

It's just one of those solo albums of Crosby, Stills, Young and Nash group. And similarly to their records, with small exceptions, they are all good, enjoyable, but slightly lacking in substance. I don't think that 55 years really preserved it well. But regardless, the whole group just knew their stuff well enough.

Really nice acoustic guitar and horns

Probably one of the most (unwittingly?) downright hilarious album artwork among all the records mentioned in the 1001 albums book. I mean, OK, it's Stills freezing his ass off while playing guitar outside at a ski resort. But that psychedelic giraffe, man... What the hell??? With such a kitschy cover, you kind of expect the former Buffalo Springfield to sing his own version of the Frozen soundtrack -- if you can forgive me uttering this lame anachronistic joke. And maybe the giraffe will sing it too. But *in a way*, what Stephen Stills does on this record released around the time of Crosby Stills Nash and Young's *Déjà Vu* is not so far from the sentimental, wear-your-heart-on-your-sleeve shenanigans of a Disney movie, thanks to his recurrent use of soulful and epic female background vocals throughout this record. And starting with the anthemic "Love The One You're With", the first three cuts are memorable anyway, and certainly up to the level of the best Stephen Stills songwriting chops and performance abilities around the late sixties / early seventies, from CSN to the Manassas project. The rest is maybe a notch under those first three highlights, admittedly. Yet it's still pretty good, especially the closer. Maybe having both this debut and Manassas in the 1001 Albums book is a little overkill, though, and my preference will certainly go to the Manassas album. But hey, if ever a miracle happens and I have room left in my own list, I'll try to remember about this record... Miracles rarely happen. Yet maybe the "christmas spirit" infusing this wonderful album cover will bring Stephen Still a little luck, who knows? 🙃 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums, rounded up to 4 8.5/10 grade for more general purposes (5 + 3.5). Number of albums left to review: 39 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 415 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 243 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 306

Great singer songwriter/country with a touch of soul/gospel and a lot of energy

Great album from an incredible singer, songwriter, and musician.

When I got it during the morning, I was not excited about it, but it ended up being the best of the solo projects from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young! (I think I've already got at least one from each on the list) I liked the atmosphere, the lyrics, and the fancy instrumental. Nice job. I'll probably not be looking for more from Stephen Stills so soon, but this one is worth it.

thoroughly enjoyed it

Very early rocky

Surprised. Always liked in CSN and CSNY but never paid much attention to the solo efforts.

Some timeless and beautiful songs in here, but not enough for 5 stars.

Tää on yllättävän kova folkrockalbumi! Mahtavan outo kansi myös. Pitää otteessaan aika nastasti. 4/5

Mies ja kitara-levy paremmasta päästä. 4/5

Not one of the first of the post Deja-Vu CSNY solo albums that I go to but still a solid one that holds up great.

I hear the Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young sensibilities. Good guitar. 4/5

Before starting, I assumed this would be a 2 or maybe 3 (at best) star album. The opener, which I already knew, is great. The rest of the album, however, exceeded expectations. This has a more aggressive rock drive to it than I remember hearing coming out of CSNY. I'd listen to this again. 4 stars.

Good, but it would be super cool if this guy teamed up with some other musicians.

Loved the guitar and instrumentals here. 4.5

Good variety of cool guitar licks and catchy choruses with some gospel like backing. Only a few tracks didn't land with me

The song was actually amazing and shockingly, I’d never heard it before. It really was just incredible. I feel like the album definitely fluctuated for me and there were a couple au was skeptical of but Stephen Stills really has a lot of talent and it shows here. I would definitely listen to him any time.

My Dad actually had this on an 8 track. Have you ever seen or even used an 8 track? Worst format ever (...not relevant to this review really but it's likely my only chance to reference the 8 track.). 20+ years later a band I was in headlined at my university playing the "Love The One You're With" valentine's dance. In retrospect, kind of a spicy and borderline questionable title for the event. Again, irrelevant to the album. Stills' voice is of course immediately recognizable but his guitar playing has always been underrated. Didn't know he learned lead from Hendrix (who is on track 4 here). Surprisingly diverse album that doesn't necessarily follow the massive single that leads it off; that's not a bad thing - get the pop hit out of the way. Reveals more upon repeat listens - I like it. 7/10 4 stars.

Just going off the cover I expected just some basic folk rock, but there's actually quite a bit of variety on here with the instruments. Makes it an engaging listen, enjoyed it a lot.

At it's best this is sublime, but for much of it, Stills tries to hard to sound gritty black man. Stills sounds best in his relaxed voice. The standouts are the groovy numbers like 'Cherokee' and 'Old Times Good Times' (featuring the last solo recorded by Hendrix before his death). The closing 'We are not helpless' is a suitably dramatic climax.

Good album. Not as good Crosby, Stills and Nash stuff but still very good.

A most pleasant surprise! I was dreading this one, because I don’t really like CSN, and these days I’m not feeling the folky vibe. And then if you had told me about the gospel-like elements? I would have been really worried. But here the music is way out in front of any lyrical embarrassment. Sure, it’s got its corny moments, and its preachy moments, but much less than I would have expected. And on the other hand it’s beautifully balanced and listenable the whole way through. The two best tracks feature just amazing guitar work from Hendrix and Clapton, respectively.

Wow, a who's who of talent participated on this lp, Hendrix, Clapton, Booker T, Ringo, Cass Elliot and Andy Johns in the engineer seat. No wonder it sounds as good as it does.

The only album with Clapton AND Hendrix on it? There's something I didn't think even existed. The first time I heard the opening song, (probably one of Stills' most well-known pieces) I had borrowed an LP and taped it from that. Unfortunately, the player was at a slightly higher speed, so he felt a little Mickey-Mousey. It wasn't until I heard a live version I was like "oh, THAT is how this supposed to sound." I feel dumb that between Hendrix and Clapton I could not identify who played who. I got their songs mixed up, and I would have thought I would have been able to pick them out. Stephen Stills is not my favorite of the four in CSNY, but he is a part of a whole, and you can hear what he brings to them with this album. There is a wide variety here, but still within Stills' wheelhouse. It doesn't sound like him trying to reach too far, Probably one of the few songs that was just okay to me was "Church (Pt. of Someone)" and even that after a quick relisten makes me rethink my thoughts about it. The other song that I could not pick out as "wow" was "Cherokee". Everything else I really enjoyed. Top songs: "Love The One You're With," "Old Times Good Times," "Go Back Home," "Black Queen,"

A good album, but kind of uneven. Side 1 is excellent and starts with the classic "Love the One You're With" (TIL the famous lyric came from something Billy Preston liked to say). Do For the Others is a nice chill song with a great interplay of acoustic guitar and an interesting vocal line. This is followed by the gospel-y Church (Part of Someone) which sounds like it should have been sung by Ray Charles. Old Times Good Times has Jimi Hendrix on guitar in one of his last recordings. Has a great jam at the end that ends too quickly, unlike the next song, Go Back Home w/ Eric Clapton which drags a little prior to the ok jam at the end. Side 2 is a lot weaker than Side 1. Sit Yourself Down and To a Flame are both basic easy listening. Black Queen is a great acoustic blues track, but it's a little awkward to hear a white guy singing "Black queen, where's your black man?" Cherokee sounds like it should be the theme for a 70s TV show. Very dated, and has a strangely abrupt ending that segues immediately into We Are Not Helpless, which starts off as an easy listening anthem, transitions into a motown section a little over 2 minutes in, and then has kind of a gospely anthemic ending. The album is decent, but stylistically all over the place. I think I'd give it a 3.5 given the chance, but I'll round it up to a 4 on the strength of Side 1.

Live the one your with is a strong opener. I actually found myself really enjoying the album- it captures the sound of the late 60s into early 70s so well. Stephen's voice sounds great and the acoustic guitar is on point. Really easy to listen to. Overall I enjoyed it- really great example of folk/soft rock

I don't know why I thought this would be a slow folk album—maybe it's the cover? Anyway, it had a lot more variety than I expected; I really enjoyed it. The cameos were fantastic, and for once I'm really digging the choir elements as well. The stand-out track to me is 'Old times good times'. 4 stars