After The Gold Rush

It’s kind of amazing how Lynyrd Skynyrd completely missed the point of “Southern Man” (and “Alabama”, from Harvest) when they responded with “Sweet Home Alabama”. In fact, they pretty much proved the point Neil Young was making in those songs: that the south was unapologetic in its past and then-current bigotry. “Sweet Home Alabama” praises segregationist/racist Alabama Governor George Wallace, Richard Nixon’s abuse of presidential power against a political rival and implies that Neil Young should be the one with a guilty conscience…because, uh…he is against those things? That song is pretty much the musical equivalent of saying “Mind your business, Yankee”. Which would be fine, I guess, if “Southern Man” and “Alabama” hadn’t been such well written and damning condemnations of the southern populist attitudes of the day. Like I said, Lynyrd Skynyrd only proved his point. Thats enough about Skynyrd, the confederate flag waiving doofuses, we’re here to talk about After The Gold Rush: Another classic Neil Young album in a string of classic Neil Young albums that were released between 1969 and 1979. Put any 70’s artist up against Neil Young’s catalog in that time. You’ll find very few whose output comes close to matching that of Neil Young’s in terms of consistency, quality and longevity. I’d argue that David Bowie is maybe the only one who comes close. The two are similar in at least one respect: Their steadfast adherence to their artistic visions in the face of massive success resulted in some of the greatest albums of the decade, if not all time. “After the Gold Rush” sits comfortably among the all-time greats.

Somewhere between a solid listen and changed my life

Nice enough album, having been subjected to Rage Against The Machine prior to this, it felt like I had just been released from Guantanamo Bay and been sent to live with a nice elderly grandmother in sheltered housing. For the most part it was calm and gentle, despite her having a weird voice, I still felt safe.. albeit bored at times (she only really wants to play backgammon and watch a Miss Marple omnibus). The saving grace at points like that though, was knowing that she'd be gone soon.. and I found peace in that, as the album was only about half an hour long. Preferred this to the last Neil Young album on here.. hopefully the inevitable 50 others that come up here will be alright too.

Wasn't on Spotify so just listened to Southern Man for 40 min straight. Great song. Know the album like the back of my hand anyway, incredible.

Went in expecting to hate it based on Neil's other work on this list. Didn't hate it. Didn't really like it either. I just don't really like his voice. It's whiny and grating.

A quintessential lying on the floor and thinking about why he left you while the rain pours outside and the heater’s on the fritz album. Simply superb.

I can only hit 5 stars so fast, you know?

Thoroughly enjoyed. Very melancholy album sung through a beautiful voice

Oh my gods, is this whole thing sung in this godawful falsetto? Hey! I know "Only love can break your heart" - unfortunately I know it from the infinitely superior St Etienne version. The best thing I can say about listening to this album is that it is mercifully short. The best thing that I can say about this album is that there's tracks on here that have inspired other people to make better music.

Of fucking course Neil Young comes out again on a day when I'm in the car and can't piss about with YouTube. So after Everybody Knows This is Nowhere, i know there is Neil Young albums out there that i can enjoy. This is probably his most famous one? maybe tied with Harvest. First track wistful and gorgeous. a great opener. The title track also fantastic, Neil doing his silly falsetto whine on this one that in just can't take seriously, but its a great track. Only Love Can Break Your Heart I heard first as the St Etienne cover, but have heard this before and its also great. We're really doing very well here Mr Young. Southern Man is a little bit meh folk rock, but some really nice picking at the end, is that Nils Lofgram? An ad between literally every track so far. cheers Neil. Till the Morning Comes, another great ditty. Lonesome Me doesn't do much for me, Don't Let it Bring You Down sounds like a bout 4 different songs which all came after it. Birds is gorgeous, When You Dance is a lively rocker and good. I stuck Everyone Knows on later on to see which I preferred and I think it's still that for me, but overall v much enjoyed.

Not on Spotify except one song. It was a shit song. Probably not a 1/5 in truth but I just hate him so much.

10 out of 10. The idea that an old metalhead like me would be so enthralled by Young's slow and easy guitar solos astonishes me. On one hand you have some Herman Li solo with 10 billion notes, on the other Young hangs out on 4 or 5 notes, but the emotion is bleeds nourishes my soul.

After The Gold Rush is a quintessential Neil Young manoeuvre, parsing a never-to-be-filmed script from his 60s-fried neighbour Dean Stockwell to badge a bunch of songs he had already, inspire a couple of god-puncher new ones, and knock them all together into a perfect undulation of ballad, rocker, folk lament and whimsy, irrefutable evidence that Young is a lot more clear-eyed and calculating in record arrangement than his "we just banged this out in a weekend" demeanour might suggest. He had an absolute armada of treasure galleons over the '70s, and from both what he put out then and what has come out recently, he was wily in how he rationed it. More of a journey than a trip, duke. Very amused to read that he has trouble singing some of these lines as they are now gibberish to him too. Such magnificent gibberish, though!

Seminal early Young. Evocative of a loss of innocence and the instrumental embellishments of horn and piano thru out are very tasteful. Perfect.

I’ve never really been into Neil Young, it was okay but probably won’t listen again

I got Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere fairly early into this adventure and when that blew me away, I took it upon myself to dig into some of Neil’s stuff on my own. That included On the Beach, Harvest, Harvest Moon, and admiring how fucking good his score is for Dead Man. The research also included this album, which knocked my damn socks not only off but down the block. Every song works, the lyrics are substantial, and it’s short enough that repeat listens are accessible enough — undoubtedly a favorite musical discovery for 2025, including Mr. Young’s discography in general. Guy rules.

Neil Young's 1970 album, After the Gold Rush, stands as a monument of singer-songwriter artistry. It's a record that transcends genre, weaving folk, country, and rock into a tapestry rich with emotional depth and lyrical brilliance. This review delves into the album's core elements, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses. Lyrics: Poetry in Motion Young's lyrics on After the Gold Rush are where the album truly shines. They're a blend of personal reflection and social commentary, delivered with a raw honesty that resonates deeply. The title track paints a picture of a world ravaged by environmental destruction, yearning for a simpler time. "Southern Man" confronts racism and injustice with a potent simplicity: "Southern man, don't need him around anyhow." Beyond social commentary, Young explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning. "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" is a heartbreaking ballad about the fragility of love, while "Ohio" mourns the Kent State shootings with poignant imagery: "Tin soldiers and Nixon coming / We're finally on our own." Young's lyrics are infused with a sense of longing, a search for something just beyond reach. They're not always easy to decipher, but their ambiguity invites repeated listens and personal interpretation. Music: Sparse Beauty The music on After the Gold Rush is intentionally stripped-down, often featuring just acoustic guitar, piano, and Young's distinctive vocals. This minimalist approach allows the lyrics to take center stage. Neil Young's signature raspy voice adds a layer of vulnerability and raw emotion. The instrumentation, however, isn't without its highlights. Nils Lofgren's piano adds a touch of elegance on songs like the title track, while Danny Whitten's slide guitar on "Southern Man" provides a sense of urgency. The use of harmonica and strings on select tracks adds subtle texture without overpowering the overall intimacy. Production: Capturing the Moment Produced by Young himself with David Briggs, After the Gold Rush has a raw, lo-fi quality that perfectly complements the album's themes. The recording captures the essence of live performance, with minimal studio trickery. This stripped-down approach may not be for everyone, but it creates a sense of authenticity that resonates with the emotional honesty of the songs. Themes: A Tapestry of Discontent After the Gold Rush reflects the disillusionment of a generation. The album was released at the height of the Vietnam War and the counterculture movement. Songs like "Southern Man" and "Ohio" capture the frustration and anger felt by many young Americans. However, the album isn't all about protest. Tracks like "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" delve into the complexities of love and loss, while "After the Gold Rush" and "Don't Let It Bring You Down" offer a glimmer of hope for a better future. Influence: A Legacy of Inspiration After the Gold Rush has been hailed as a landmark album in singer-songwriter history. Its influence can be felt across generations, inspiring countless artists from Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty to Eddie Vedder and Kurt Cobain. Young's raw honesty and poetic lyricism paved the way for a new wave of artists who explored personal and social themes in their music. Pros and Cons: Weighing the Gold Pros: Powerful Lyrics: Young's songwriting shines, capturing a range of emotions and social commentary. Emotional Depth: The rawness of the music and vocals creates a deeply affecting listening experience. Genre-Bending: The album blends elements of folk, country, and rock to create a unique sound. Enduring Influence: After the Gold Rush continues to inspire generations of musicians and listeners. Cons: Lo-Fi Production: The stripped-down production may not appeal to listeners who prefer a more polished sound. Limited Instrumentation: The minimal arrangements can feel repetitive at times. Cryptic Lyrics: Some listeners may find Young's lyrics too ambiguous or open to interpretation. Conclusion: A Timeless Masterpiece Despite its minor shortcomings, After the Gold Rush remains a cornerstone of American music. It's a raw and honest exploration of life, love, and loss, set against a backdrop of social and political upheaval. The album's enduring strength lies in its ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level, offering solace and inspiration even decades after its release. After the Gold Rush is a testament to Neil Young's songwriting prowess and his enduring legacy as a voice of a generation.

This is a fucking masterpiece.

Thanks for pulling all your music from Spotify, Neil. I get it. I support it. But, also, I miss having it on hand. "After the Gold Rush" isn't my favorite Neil Young record but it's among them and is worthy of 5 stars.

This album has some of my favorites on it. Listening to it as a whole really brings everything into focus though. The album is extremely melancholic, yet Neil Young is such a gifted lyricist, that there is no over reliance on metaphor and I don't get a sense that he's wallowing in his emotions; they just are what they are. After listening to quite a few Neil Young albums as a whole, I think that this might be my favorite.

Very very Neil Young. Mournful and poetic. I don't really get where Neil got his reputation as a rocker since all of these songs seem carefully mellow. Maybe his live shows are real gnarly.

I love Neil. He’s probably one of my top ten music artists of all time, certainly top twenty. One of the coolest music listening moments I’ve had in a while came while listening to this album. The title track was playing, and it occurred to me that in the last verse he’s singing about the future moment when HUMANS LEAVE PLANET EARTH TO GO TO A NEW HOME PLANET. The title track is easily one of my favorite songs of his or anyone else’s, but I had never put that together before (I had eaten an gummy that probably helped…) and I think it’s just a brilliant lyric. With the work that Space X and others are doing now on laying the groundwork for making humans a multi-planetary species it’s an even more ominous and prescient song than when written - I think it’s one of the best songs of all time. All that said, while I love this album I actually don’t rank it as high as many do among Neil’s vast catalog. It actually loses me in the back half far more than EKTIN, Harvest, On the Beach, Tonight’s the Night, and Rust Never Sleeps at the very least. The first 4 songs are strong, but to me the title track is by far the highlight. There’s one other track that makes me think deeply on this one. As someone born and raised and actually still living in the American south, I have mixed feelings about Southern Man. Not that the America Southern Man doesn’t need critiquing, far from it. I’m not a fan of generalizing, and while many in the south were definitely super racist and loud about it in the 70’s, I wish Neil had acknowledged somewhere in the song that (A) not everyone in the south is a racist, far from it and (B) racism is certainly not isolated in the American south, far from it. My grandparents were in their 40’s when this song was written, and they were all exceptionally against Jim Crowe, taught both of my parents that we're all equal, and those lessons passed to me. Were there, hell, are there systemic problems of inequality in the south and a disproportionate amount of southern men that were outwardly racist, absolutely. I am far from proud of the entirety of the history of the American south. I also think that addressing concerns about in a song called Southern Man is a bit divisive, and doesn’t credit where progress has been made. I think this is why Lynyrd Skynyrd (a far more progressive band than most people realize) had issue with this song as well. One of my favorite musical fun facts is that Neil and Ronnie Van Sant became really great friends after Sweet Home Alabama, and Neil was a pallbearer at Ronnie’s funeral. Unfortunately I can’t be too hard on Neil and it’s easy to see why a song like this is necessary: there’s a fucking confederate flag flying just 30 miles or so from Greenville, SC (where Lynyrd Skynyd’s fateful plane took off from) today in 2024. For a more nuanced critique on the Southern Man, listen to the Southern Rock Opera album by Drive-By Truckers (one of the greatest American rock bands ever); the “duality of the southern thing” describes the American south as succinctly and accurately as is possible I think. I digress…. TLDR: I love Neil, the title track is an all time great song and worth stars for by itself, Southern Man is complicated to me, and the back half is a bit boring to me.

last one!

Pretty good 3.5/5

I have always wondered how Neil Young was able to do "Harvest", a marvellous album full with great songs, when all other albums are so different. They are ok, the songs are partly nice, ok, but never great. And this is also valid for this album. It is ok, there are some nice songs, some not so nice, but nothing is great.

Neil Young #6? This did not feel different than all other Young albums. 6/10, but it examplifies the problem with this list - too much of the same things without getting really interesting.

Another Neil Young, huh? This one started slow but really picked up at “Southern Man.” The anger he feels about the state of the south then (and honestly, probably still now) is so apparent. That alone makes it worth listening to. He slows it down after that, but still keeps the emotional honestly coming. That’s how I’d describe this album - vulnerable and honest. I’d liked what I’d heard from Neil Young to this point. “On the Beach” is a great album, and “Rust Never Sleeps” was alright. This falls somewhere in the middle of those two for me. It has its moments, but it isn’t what I assume to be his masterpiece. I know he has a number of albums that made the list, so I’ll wait until I get his best. Three stars. Southern Man, Oh, Lonesome Me, Don’t Let it Bring You Down, Birds

Not a bad album, just a bit more Neil Young than I care for in one sitting. Some good song here though. Southern Man and Only Love Can Break Your Heart

As expected 3*

Two star. Great morning album to wake up to but did not fit my car washing. Sorry I like hard rock more pensive emoji

I continue to struggle with Young's music. This is no different.

I didn't know Neil Yung's work, I like the way he writes and the intensity of his writing. The tracks "After the Gold Rush", "Southern Man" and "When You Dance I Can Really Love" deserve a special listen.

Quintessential folk rock protest music. Profound lyrics unfortunately sung by Neil Young. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s least favorite album.

The title track is one of the worst songs ever written, wallowing in insipid melodies and whiny intonations. Several other songs re-tread the heavily trodden (and never interesting) ground of basic-chord country/folk. Lowest common denominator music.

I think it’s safe to say at this point that I am not a fan of Neil young. I like a song or two of his but I hated listening to this album. His voice annoys me to no end. Like I said I can tolerate a song or two, I even like some. A whole album is way too much though, and this album especially. The songs were boring and bad, I didn’t connect with this at all.

true music ... true musician

LOVE LOVE LOVE this album! One of his best.

When Salads and Sunbeams performed this whole thing, it was the most perfect combination possible. The French horn in the title track makes me cry every time. My vinyl copy is so bad, but I love it more than most things.

If I was introducing someone to NY I would play them this record. This one is pretty much perfect. I’d say it’s my favorite, just beating out Harvest because of the two weird orchestra songs on that record.

Neil Young has made albums with some different sounds over the years. From acoustic ballads to overdriven garage jams. I think this album might be his best at combining and capturing this range into one cohesive sound. It's still loose and a little rough around the edges but pulled together enough to still feel really thought out and intentional. His messages are strong and political but still buries just deep enough under the music to not take over the whole thing. This is a perfect example of why Neil Young is a living legend and probably deserves more credit than he gets.

We were visiting with my grandma one day and she mentioned that some guy had hired them to bring a car out to Omemee. He was going to drive the car to Massey Hall to play an show and they would bring the car back home again. This was mentioned incredibly casually, but my dad was immediately asking, “I’m sorry, who is this guy? Is his name Neil Young?” And, again, as casual as a grandma can state, “oh yes, that’s his name”. So yeah, my grandma has a picture of her, her partner, and Neil Young on the mantle along with the pictures of all her grandchildren. Turns out he was a very nice man and had some concerns with how the engine was running. Anyways, I’ve been on a huge Neil Young binge lately and this one is in the running for my favourite album of his, so this is a pretty easy 5/5.

A quiet country album. Neil Young as we know him.

The Best!

Another classic. I’m totally predictable.

I enjoyed this immensely. I only didn’t like one song

I can't think of a reason not to give this 5. That makes it three in a row for me. Southern Man, After the Goldrush and Only Love Can Break Your Heart are three songs I know well. The other ones fit in well I think. There is tenderness and soul here.

I absolutely love that album

Probably my favorite of his solo albums

Amazing album, I really enjoyed every single song and could relisten to them over and over again. Its really real, there is something timeless about the aspects of experience he captures. The album manages to expertly weave styles and sounds, alternating moods to create a cohesive and balanced whole. I cant get enough of Only Love Can Break Your Heart and Tell Me Why, the Gold Rush was also very enjoyable. Pretty much every song on this album was though. Definitely gonna be something I revisit later on.

Incredible lyricism, good voice, soulful themes, wide ranging topics, excellent musicians, tells a story.

My favorite songs from this album are Southern Man and Only Love Can Break Your Heart. Overall, loved this album and will listen to it again!

Actually excellent folk music. Fell behind a bit on the list but this motivated me! Definitely going on the relisten list

I love Neil. This is one of his best.

A classic. Acoustic tinged with a dark edge, fantastic songs, a triumph.

Love it

A classic album and one of Neil Young's finest. A 4.7/5, but I'll round ir up

godblessed

my beautiful princess

Easy 5

Absolute classic.

I really don’t know why I like neil young so much but I really do. It’s got grating vocals, melancholy melodies, folksy piano and some upbeat songs. I love the title track and birds. The whole album makes me feel like I am a 70’s teacher with corduroy elbow patches wistful about radical change in the world and how the future is in the hands of the youth.

Okay so I don't think this is the best Neil Young album. I don't think it's necessarily a 5/5 even though it's pretty great. The problem is that I gave all his other albums a 4/5 and I'm not sure if he has any more on this list. So this 5/5 should really be applied to Rust Never Sleeps. I wasn't really focused on it the first time I listened but I've listened to that album a lot since I got it on here. Neil Young isn't a 5/5 overall but definitely higher than a 4/5. He's always been really corny to me, and trust me, he still is. But sitting down and listening to most of his albums has really brought me around. I see him as the everyman's musician. You see him and listen to him and think "man, if this guy can become a superstar, maybe it's not that hard. Maybe he's just like me fr." His vocals aren't other worldly, mostly simple acoustic guitar, average looking guy of his time. Every blue collar alcoholic from the 70's can dream that one day maybe they can be Neil Young. That's what makes him great. Maybe one of the most realistic superstars around. Plus he does a lot of good outside of music so it's hard to diss him. He might not be the most technically advanced musician, but there's just something special about what he does. Can't put my finger on it. But even when he kinda sucks, I don't mind.

A classic. Probably in my personal top 25 albums of all time

Neil Young at his most beautiful. And it has the best song with a French horn solo.

Favorite Track: Southern Man

Some classic songs and good support

So good!

His best of his singer songwriter phase.

"Birds" had no right to make me tear up like that

Very good. Cant believe I’ve never heard of this before now

Melodic album. Absolutely a classic that can be listened to again and again. The lyrics are sharp, and the style is simple, intimate, and emotional. Not to forget Young’s distinctive high-pitched voice, which shines clearly throughout the entire album. Top class album!

This album is what I imagine plants listen to when they want to feel something.

Easy 5

Loved this. Now I understand why Neil Young is held in such high regard. The last album on here his voice grated too much, this production was smoother and I knew more songs than I thought I need.

Wow. This album hits a lot of feels. I would be afraid to listen to this after a breakup. Or maybe that's the best time? Fabulous emotion.

Thisiat has taught me that I rwally like Neil Young. Not sure how to feel about that...

tender, ragged and wise

Another fantastic album from Young.

Really great, poignant album, enjoyable all the way through.

Perfect album

Thanks Neil, ya bastard

HELL YEA BROTHER!!!! NEIL FUCKIN YOUNG My fave Neil album probs. Thanks dad for making me a sad country rock boy

Mmmmm, I feel this shit I’m my BONES, good to have a banger album I was unfamiliar with pop up again

"That's a hell of a question, isn't it? I don't understand it. It sounds like gibberish to me. I stopped singing that song because when I get to that line I go, what the fuck am I talking about? You know, I don't edit my songs. I knew something was happening at the time that I wrote it to make that right, but I can't remember what it is and it doesn't apply to what I'm doing now. "I Am a Child" is like that. What is the color when black is burnt? It's a charcoal kind of color, I guess, but what the fuck does that mean? I ask myself over and over, what the fuck am I talking about?"

This one is so, so good. Rocker Neil is my favourite Neil but this is max power Unrocker Neil, and it rules. Love the way it’s produced, got that thing that makes it sound like you’re actually in a room with a kinda fucked up guy playing songs that are always about to fall apart but never really do. And the guy is Neil Young.

Uncrowded arrangements all grainy and fragile. Simple melodies that will go down easy and stay with you forever. This record is stunning.

I enjoyed this one very much

waow, of course

Great record

Based powerful incredible wonder

This was my first real listen to Neil Young, and After the Gold Rush hit differently than I expected. The whole album feels kind of dreamy but heavy at the same time, like you're floating through someone's memories. His voice isn't perfect, but that's what makes it feel so real. His voice felt very raw in a sense. The lyric "Look at Mother Nature on the run in the 1970s"stuck out for me. It just felt weirdly relevant, but also distant. Overall I found the vocals with the melody very poetic and in the moment. Felt rather personal at points, but still very wholesome. The melodies are simple but emotional. Soft piano, slow guitar, nothing too polished, and it honestly made me feel a little sad in a way I didn’t expect. It reminded me of other old bands who just wrote music straight from the gut without trying to be anything fancy. After hearing this, I get why people say Neil Young a great musician. As he deffo had a long lasting impression on me. Knowing how to rate this is really hard, so 5 would be my overall score, having felt the album both, emotionally and personally. (edited)

Good classics, not my usual genre but a few songs added to my general playlist

Neil Young is going to come out of this exercise the big winner. Whether it’s CSNY, Buffalo Springfield or his early solo career, it’s all as good as it gets. This one might be his peak. It’s more cogent than his previous record, none of the valleys, also fewer high highs. Neil’s style is all very soft and easy while always maintaining an edge. His edge is what separates him from James Taylor or other soft rock/folk singers. Love Neil Young!

One of the truly perfect 5 out of 5s that I can think of. Lots of these songs dont fit unless theyre with the album (which I love). Vocal harmonies with Stills and Danny Witten are amazing. The stripped down songs arent boring. The recordings are raw and have plenty of artifacts The 60s are somehow still alive in the 70s. 35 mins of beauty & rock. Maybe Neils best album. I might put this at the top of the first 205 albums we've rated. Alright, ill stop. Its just going to be a tough act to follow

I love CSNY, but had never been totally sold on Neil solo. My objections: voice is harsh - sounds nice in the CSNY harmonies - guitar playing is so-so, songs are meandering and sometimes dull. Everybody Knows This is Nowhere didn't completely win me over for these reasons. This album is different. The edge in Neil's voice is what makes these songs work. The slow, pensive ballads are where Neil and this album shine - the melodies are actually interesting and memorable. Title track is my favorite, and interesting story behind Only Love Can Break Your Heart (Joni and Graham). Most importantly, he's figured out how to take that choppy guitar solo style and make it build and work for the songs. I love it. I know I use this as a point of reference a lot, but the solo on Southern Man reminds me alot of Tweedy's guitar work on some of Wilco's longer songs like At Least That's What She Said, Spiders, or Handshake Drugs. Tweedy is also not an stellar guitar player, but has a unique voice that works in the context. In fact, this whole album reminds me alot of A Ghost is Born, one of my favorites. Can confidently say I've found a new go-to album - one of those that makes this exercise worth it.

Oh man what an amazing album! He’s the Man for sure.

Amazing album

Not in my top 5 Neil albums. But still a very good one and sets the mood for a chill evening.

All time greatness. Not a bad tune on it