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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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

The musicianship, the lyrics, the themes. Cheers Neil

Love Neil Young. Definitely one of his best albums. I like the first side better than the second side. But I think this was the height of his songwriting time.

Love it

Loved it. Appreciate his voice isn't for everyone, but this is surely an album to hear before you die. After the gold rush, only live can break your heart and southern man are 3 great songs in succession.

Good stuff, occasionally the crooning gets a little much for me but there’s also a ton of great harmony. Top 3 cripple creek ferry, southern man, birds

Another pretty easy 5 star Neil Young album from this generator. This is such a songwriting masterclass. This is Neil near his very best and most methodical while making things feel completely organic and heartfelt. There’s an earnestness to Young’s voice here that only makes these songs stronger and more unique. Some of these songs feel like they could snap at any moment. After The Gold Rush is in the conversation for greatest Side-A of an album ever. The whole record is pretty remarkable and a wonderful mix of light, shade, beauty, thoughtfulness and brutal honesty. But, man, Side-A is so brilliant. 9+/10

Really really enjoyed. Solid all the way through. 9/10

liked it sm!!

All time

Hesitated to give another 5 stars so soon but I have to be honest and follow my heart! This is always going to be a 5 star album for me, along with several of the great Mr Young’s others. I just love it. It’s so comforting and warm to me. It makes me think of my mum and of Canada and of the beginning of summertime and of tall wheat and juicy corn and campfires and swimming and newspapers and birds. Favourite tracks are Tell Me Why, Southern Man and Cripple Creek Ferry.

I'll admit that I heard the Saint Etienne version of Only Love Can Break Your Heart before the Neil version.

In political times like this, we need to double down on Canadian national treasures.

hi so freaking good i love this 🥹😊💖😣💖😊 every track is amazing i especially love: only love can break your heart oh lonesome me & when you dance i can really love but everything is so perfect still so

Thoughts before listening: This is peak era Neil Young and contains some of his most enduring songs. Like all of Neil's albums in this era there is a mix of introspective, delicate acoustic songs and rockers. Review: Yeah if you're a fan of Neil Young (I am) then this is quintessential listening. It largely stays in a folky lane with Neil's high pitched warble and lyrics being the main attraction, but Neil cranks it up to 10 with "Southern Man's" politically driven hard rock and guitar solos. I love this album and am giving it 5-stars.

love this album hey, hey, cripple creek ferry

One of the best albums of all time

frábær. besta rólega plata piltsins unga.

I remember hearing the title track of this album when I was in the back of my friend’s car. His dad was driving and it came on the radio. I immediately had to know who it was because it stirred something in me. I bought the album and learned every song by heart. It’s still as compelling today. From the heartfelt “Tell me Why” to the rocking “southern man” to the pretty little ditty of “cripple creek ferry” this album has a lot to like.

One of those albums I didn't know until middle age, which is probably about when you should start listening to Neil Young. One of the albums that just stands above others.

Hard to pick one but possibly my favorite Neil Young album

I love this album

Another classic from Uncle Neil. One of his most highly regarded albums and it’s not hard to see why. This is peak Neil solo career, one of my all time favorites.

Ganz großes Kino. Frühwerk einer absoluten Legende. Dafür gern die doppelte Punktzahl.

- ..... it's Neil ... -

Some of his greatest songs here. This album still holds up among his absolute best.

The second time I've heard "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" in a week! And this version is just as good as the Saint Etienne cover. Maybe Young's best album as well? Bittersweet but kind of hard at the same time.

Neil Youngs drittes Soloalbum After the Gold Rush wurde 1970 veröffentlicht und zeigt ihn als vielseitigen Songwriter zwischen Folk, Rock und Country. Eingespielt wurde das Album in mehreren Studios, darunter Youngs eigenes Heimstudio in Topanga Canyon sowie die berühmten Sound City Studios in Los Angeles. Der kanadische Musiker präsentiert hier eine Mischung aus introspektiven Balladen und raueren Rockstücken. Besonders hervorzuheben sind das titelgebende After the Gold Rush, das mit seinem melancholischen Klavierspiel und surrealen Texten beeindruckt, sowie Southern Man, ein kritischer Song über Rassismus in den Südstaaten der USA. Auch Only Love Can Break Your Heart sticht als gefühlvolle Ballade hervor. Das Album gilt als Meilenstein in Youngs Karriere. Es verbindet persönliche, oft rätselhafte Texte mit abwechslungsreichen Arrangements und einer warmen, organischen Produktion.

Gorgeous with every track.

Great classic album

One of my favorite albums of all time

Neil Young is like a good cup of coffee. You can live without it, right? But why risk it?

That's fine

Was going to say no notes, 10/10, an all-time favorite (although not my favorite NY solo effort), but instead: 1. Hilary, shoutout number 2 in like less than a week to Mr. Kessler and 7th grade language arts class (will explain this more in the group chat tomorrow) 2. Extremely eerie to listen to this record today specifically (looking at you, Southern Man and Don’t Let It Bring You Down) 3. Damn does NY know how to write about love and heartbreak or what 4. Listened two times in a row because how could I not 😍 alright, Brett out

Perfect album, with perfect sequencing. Bonus assignment: listen to the Neil Young tracks from CSNY’s 4 Way Street

Now this is some "album to listen to before you die" shit I can get down with. Like most of Neil Young's best, After The Gold Rush is an album I will never tire of. ATGR delivers an array of what makes Neil a legend - beauty ("Birds"), social commentary ("Southern Man"), love songs ("Only Love Can Break Your Heart") and a stunner of a title track.

Part of what folks miss out on with why Neil Young is all over this list culminates with After the Gold Rush. His solo work is some of the greatest writing that came after hard work. Buffalo Springfield and CSN&Y while entries that are blasé set you up for the masterpieces by Young that will follow, After the Gold Rush being one of them. 4.5/5

one of the best albums of the 70s

One of my favorites.

Awesome classic!

Perfect Neil. No notes.

Loved this. Have heard it so many times. Moody, lovingly crafted and delivered.

My first and favourite Neil Young album.