Reviews (page 9 of 14)
This album doesn’t make me feel like I’m on the beach, it feels more like a prairie, that being said, it’s still really good.
Classic.
One of the songs he sounded so much like Willie Nelson, but the rest of the songs were stronger, and pretty nice.
Good album
Dont love neil young
A very enjoyable and solid country rock album. This was my first time listening, and I have to say, while a few tracks could be stronger, the majority of the album is great.
Sad old dad music
Love Neil Young, but not strongest album
Amazing, I basically knew every song, perfect length, great album
I’m listening to this on a dull December morning, and this album is a bright and breezy day of an album, which is lovely. I like Neil Young, and this album is nice enough - but I’m not sure we need this one on the list when there is already plenty of his other stuff there.
Before listening: I feel like I won't like this that much, not that interested in 70s as a whole. I do really like the album cover. Listening: I actually quite like the instrumentals, not super into the lyrics, they feel a little basic at times. His voice isn't great at some points. I really like the funkier bass ones but not so into the slower ones. I really like the more politically motivated/commentary lyrics, about the end of the 60s etc. "I guess I'll call it sickness gone, It's hard to say the meaning of this song" is great. I still don't love his voice, though... Final reactions: Half the songs were bangers, half dragged for me. I don't love his voice, I think that affected my enjoyment a fair bit. Decent, though. Standout songs: Walk On, Revolution Blues (actually a banger), Vampire Blues, Ambulance Blues (I'm sensing a theme here)
4.5 stars. Mellow folk rock that incorporates some banjo and harmonica well. Well written melodies. Lyrics go through various moods throughout (angry "Revolution Blues"). Standouts are leadoff "Walk On" and "For The Turnstiles".
Muy bueno. En su mejor momento
Absolute brilliant album, probably Neil’s best.
Used to be a massive fan - this isn’t one of his best but still enjoyable
I just can’t listen to his voice.
It's relaxing to listen to, I'll give it that. It definitely matches the vibe of being at the beach and listening to the languid guitars. However, nothing really stood out to me besides the opening track. So it's going to be just decent for me.
While the lyrics and themes are nice, the instrumentals are too reminiscent of country to my tastes. The voice of Neil is also not going to be a hit with me. I can still appreciate his writing though.
Immaculate album. No skips. All delight
yet another album from neil young. i've yet to have this man let me down with his music. his sound continues to stay consistent after all this time, with a voice and with a musical skill nobody can match. this blues album. this album certainly came out at a moody time in his life, so what better way to express it with a blues rock collection? i just can't ever be mad at neil. truly, truly timeless music.
Not as bad as I was expecting. Quite accessible.
Another Neil Young. My god it never ends. I actually thought this one was ok, but WAY too many on this list. 3/5
i vibed with this
Very blues-y and enjoyed the harmonica. Can’t say any of them hit really hard for me but it was an agreeable listen
Something tells me this isn’t going to be a romp at the beach. Isn’t Neil Young the most serious man on earth?? Well. Only one way to find out. Ehhhhh this one is actually very beachy. I wanted introspection and misery to be honest. Not a terrible song, but not necessarily for me. Again, I just want more from this. The darkness was there, and the guitars soaked in reverb near the end are pretty cool. I also feel like the vocals are an acquired taste and I haven’t fully acquired it yet. Also, harmonica is a death knell for any enjoyment. Whoa, Neil is getting upbeat. This one is appealing to me far more. Odd, fun lyrics and an atmosphere of slight dread. Great. Singing songs for pimps?? A benefit concert for pimps perhaps? Somebody needs to buy them canes. I appreciate that about Neil. Always looking out for the little guy. Providing walking aid to our nation’s most beleaguered demographic, the noble pimp. This song is boring. Another type of blues now. Revolution and vampires, the two genders. And a big spoiler, we have ambulance blues coming up. The three genders. I have to say, this song is cool again. Laid back, yet still with something to say. Even if it is Neil Young saying that he’s a vampire. World is turning, away???? From Neil? Wow. Truly one of the lyricists of all time. Nah he’s good. I do like his turn of phrase. More odd, bluesy sort of music. It’s a little plodding but he’s got the gist of it. Nobody wanted to interview poor Neil. Ah, I actually really like this one. It’s pretty cool. Man this thing is slow. Hoo boy. I’m liking it at times and this thing has picked up heavily since the beginning in so far as emotional depth, but I don’t know about this one. Slow burn harmonica replete with bongos. Not my favourite. Don’t say riverboat. That’s MY thing. Why is it that riverboats conjure up the most cringe I can imagine? Anyway. Neil Young is a heel confirmed. Who is the babyface? Don’t say Lynyrd Skynyrd. That’s a surface level cut for all you diss track fans. Long song. Not my favourite and a weak closer “imho.” Well. First foray into Old Man himself, big Neil. No mentions of the free world, but plenty of blues. From hating the album cover and the first couple tracks, this thing really picked up. Eccentric lyrics, cool atmosphere, but just not enough to say anything fantastic. Thanks Neil, you old Canadian weirdo. Keep fighting the good fight for the free world and indeed, the pimps. 2.5-3 HIGHLIGHTS: Revolution Blues, Vampire Blues, On the Beach
This album is a laid-back blend of folk, rock, country, and blues, with only a couple of tracks breaking the mellow vibe to pick up the tempo. What really stood out to me was the lo-fi production. It has a raw, unpolished feel that gives the album an intimate and personal touch. It’s like you’re sitting in a cozy bar, soaking in the live music as it plays in the background. The raw edges and stripped down sound create a vibe that feels grounded and authentic, making this one of those albums where the atmosphere is just as important as the music itself.
Calm and serene. I quite like it, but it's not my favorite genre.
One day I will understand the appeal of Neil Young.
83% Best: Walk On; Revolution Blues; On the Beach Must-Hear? Sure
Liked it better than the 90s one but I just can't get into his voice
Another reasonably decent Neil Young album but nothing exciting 3.5*
I don't know if Neil young is growing on me or we're just getting his better albums later in this list. This was pretty decent too! I'm starting to really like his voice, you don't get many people who can't really sing like this in his era, much more common these days. Makes it more interesting. I'm not sure I'm a nailed on fan yet but it was good.
A lovely, charming album. I'm now a big Neil Young fan. Revolution Blues, Vampire Blues, and On The Beach were my favourite songs. The album is very well-crafted - it seems simple, but I don't think it is really. And he can write nice lyrics.
Thought this was pretty great. He really cannot sing, but there is something about his voice that is really appealing regardless. This was possibly more bluesy than other albums we'd had. The opening few of tracks were great, as was on the beach and ambulance blues Listened again.... Not sure if it just caught me on the right day, but I think this is my favorite album of his we've had (we've had 5!). 4.5
Some songs are weaker than others, but Neil Young (as always) nails the granola life, and, as a fan of slower music, I really found this album to be quite moving and pleasant to listen to. FAVORITE SONG: See the Sky About to Rain
Solid, but not earth shattering.
This album is very good and solid. I like Neil's writing style of blues and folk rock. Revolution Blues rocks, though I think I like Ambulance Blues the most here. I don't know why it evokes so much nostalgia for a song I've never heard, but I really enjoy the long journey this song takes me on.
Pretty solid album. Lots of different feelings throughout it.
Snooze
I'm not a huge Neil Young fan by any stretch, but this album is fantastic. Good low-key, sinister sounding tracks along with some rootsier songs that don't have as much of a focus on his vocals. Maybe it's the Rusty Kershaw involvement, but I like this way more than I expected to.
Enjoyed it a bit more than the few other Neil Young albums I’ve had. Simple and cute and pleasant, and his voice might just be growing on me? 6/10
Neil Young's "On The Beach," released in 1974, stands out as arguably his most optimistic work, radiating a sense of warmth and reflection amidst the uncertainties of life. The album features a blend of poignant lyrics and soothing melodies that convey a search for solace and understanding. Tracks like "Walk On" and "See the Sky About to Rain" reveal a deeper, almost hopeful perspective, suggesting that despite the chaos, there is beauty to be found in the journey. This shift in tone marks a contrast to his previous darker and more introspective albums, hinting at a celebration of resilience and the human spirit. However, as the album progresses, it becomes apparent that this positivity may ultimately lead to a sense of aimlessness. While the hopeful messages resonate, listeners may find themselves pondering what direction this optimism is meant to guide them toward. The closing tracks, despite their beauty, leave an impression of wandering rather than arriving, embodying a feeling of restlessness. Thus, while "On The Beach" indeed shines with a more uplifting atmosphere, it paradoxically feels like a serene journey that doesn’t quite culminate in a definitive destination.
Lovely album. It has a sort of bittersweet nostalgia to it. Favorites: See the Sky About to Rain, Ambulance Blues
3.49 great for breakfast
Too Country
- 4/8 songs added to main playlist - Favorite song: Motion Pictures (For Carrie)
Perfect other-people's-vibe music for wrapping presents to. Melancholy but free
Probably the best Neil album I’ve heard on here? Which isn’t saying much. It still has all the same problems, this one just manages to finally have some bops
Maybe his best album. Like every song on here.
Not my favorite Neil Young album.
did not enjoy
Eines der besten Alben. Ich höre es immer wieder gerne.
I was never a huge Neil Young fan, so i'm going to say it's alright.
This is my revisiting of the record for the group after I already had this rolled as my first album. I understand this record much better after experiencing Harvest and seeing Neil Young's character in more detail. A picture could not be any clearer: a loner, a rebel with a cause, brought down by depression and looming existential fears. The fact that he wrote music like this in his twenties makes both Harvest and On the Beach much more relatable to me. Even though I'm definitely not as famous as he was, I know what existential dread is like. His progressive politics also resonate with me quite a lot. Young's style of lyricism is also much clearer to me now. His writing is best perceived as short poetry, something that doesn't take up much space, yet entertains the thoughts and subtly yields the emotions out of the listener. It helps that Young's singing is very passionate and sells the emotional moments very well. Repost of the original review in case it gets overwritten: Immediate impression is that the album is quite well-named, even if it might be for the title track. Its vibe, despite it being rather downer and melancholic for most of the runtime, is quite beachy, and I think the dissonance works really well. The album cover illustrates this dissonance pretty well, depicting the weather on the beach Neil is standing on as rather gray and overcast. The instrumentation is masterfully crafted, and speaks a lot of the talent and coordination of all the musicians involved. The lyricism, however, is something rather jarring to me as someone who's not very familiar with this era of music. It's simplistic but a bit opaque at times, and it takes some extra commitment to understand the meaning of some of the short passages that permeate through the album. I typically think of great lyrics as something with many layers that has a lot to digest, but manages accessibility without compromising the core, so this rather sparse writing caught me by surprise. When I heard that Young is an acclaimed lyricist, I did not expect to hear the songs I could easily summarize with a single sentence. Not to say that I hate it, though. The lack of understanding of certain moments that got me to google more it's kind of a "me" problem, as events he touches on, such as Watergate and the presence of Charles Manson in popular culture, are not something that's ever been contemporary to me. Moreover, when I accepted the songs for what they are, their intricacies did show up on me, especially on the more emotionally charged moments like Walk On, where he brazenly states that he cannot appease the shit talkers, and the final three-track song run, where Neil laments on his self-perception of waning relevancy and the world being in such a continuous movement it feels like it is leaving him behind. What prevails in the lyricism isn't so much the substance itself as it is the tone it's delivered in. The emotion leaves a more lasting experience than the lyrics themselves. I had a great time with this album overall, and it did raise my appetite both for the folk and country music, as well as other albums in Neil Young's discography. Actual rating is 9/10, or 4.5/5.
in terms of Neil Young albums we've heard, this one was better than some. not bad for a long drive.
This was good but that doesn't justify how much gd neil young is on this list
Boring, but better than most Neil Young albums.
compared to a lot of the other Neil Young in this project, this wasn't bad
I always think country isn't forme until it turns out that it is 3.2/5
achei ok
Classic, so much emotion on this record probably right up there with my favorite records not just by Neil but all time
Ok
Nice
Well well well punch me in the butt plug, I didn't know Neil Young made upbeat, irreverent music. Good job Neil, nice album.
Not a fan and I don't care for Neil Young's voice. Some of the music was ok, then he'd start singing and ruin it for me.
I still find Young's whiny vocals irritating at times. Occasionally lyrically obvious. Better than "After the Gold Rush?" 4/5
not neils best but some good songs
Very good, nice singing and songwriting, doesn't scratch my itch personally.
Another familiar singer.
Neil Young is always one of my favorate songwriters. His lyrics are poetic, and his music makes me feel, how to say...calm? A sense of serenity. It's not complicated or rushed, has no intention to arouse your excitement, he just paces steadily, and that brings some kind of integrity. On The Beach is not my favorite album, but it's still an easy 4/5. See The Sky About To Rain is one of the best.
Needs another listen 3.5
#78 - just like his previous, the music is pleasant enough but does not stick ...
One of their best
mid
This was alright. The namesake track is good but the rest felt fairly monotonous. Pretty blues-y and cynical in this resigned man wiser beyond his years way so that's cool. I do really wonder if I'm just not a big Neil Young person or if he'll just take time to grow on me, so I'll give this one a 3 like I gave Tonight's The Night, because at least it's pretty short.
Pretty interesting start for a challenge. Immediate impression is that the album is quite well-named, even if it might be for the title track. Its vibe, despite it being rather downer and melancholic for most of the runtime, is quite beachy, and I think the dissonance works really well. The album cover illustrates this dissonance pretty well, depicting the weather on the beach Neil is standing on as rather gray and overcast. The instrumentation is masterfully crafted, and speaks a lot of the talent and coordination of all the musicians involved. The lyricism, however, is something rather jarring to me as someone who's not very familiar with this era of music. It's simplistic but a bit opaque at times, and it takes some extra commitment to understand the meaning of some of the short passages that permeate through the album. I typically think of great lyrics as something with many layers that has a lot to digest, but manages accessibility without compromising the core, so this rather sparse writing caught me by surprise. When I heard that Young is an acclaimed lyricist, I did not expect to hear the songs I could easily summarize with a single sentence. Not to say that I hate it, though. The lack of understanding of certain moments that got me to google more it's kind of a "me" problem, as events he touches on, such as Watergate and the presence of Charles Manson in popular culture, are not something that's ever been contemporary to me. Moreover, when I accepted the songs for what they are, their intricacies did show up on me, especially on the more emotionally charged moments like Walk On, where he brazenly states that he cannot appease the shit talkers, and the final three-track song run, where Neil laments on his self-perception of waning relevancy and the world being in such a continuous movement it feels like it is leaving him behind. What prevails in the lyricism isn't so much the substance itself as it is the tone it's delivered in. The emotion leaves a more lasting experience than the lyrics themselves. I had a great time with this album overall, and it did raise my appetite both for the folk and country music, as well as other albums in Neil Young's discography. Actual rating for me is 9/10, or 4.5/5.
Favorite song: Walk On Song I didn't like: Vampire Blues Actual Rating: 3.5 stars. Album was pretty mid and I'm starting to realize I don't love the sound of Neil Young's voice but I did really like the first song on the album so that gave it a bit of a bump in the ranking
Just a great sad little album. It's a bit all over the place in terms of genre and instrumentation, but the storytelling and lyrics pull it all together. On The Beach is his coolest track for me.
Neil is solid, always seems to deliver.
Honestly I just find Neil Young boring.
Starts off so promising, thinking maybe I finally "get" the Neil Young hype. Then it goes into his usual drivel with almost terrible instrumentation *sigh* Fuck is he doing with so many goddamn albums on here? Also it is not a 1 purely because there are a couple shining moments, so it wasn't purely crap. That the Neil Young experience. 2 good songs. Yay
Was kinda surprised by how much he sounds like John Lennon at times. As interesting as that is, I didn't love this. 2/5
Before today, I'm not sure I knew this album even existed. Man, I'm glad I know now. A little of the acoustic stuff and a little of the heavier stuff, this album works from start to end.
2.9 1x
This is an amazing album, for so long unavailable but I think it is Neil Young’s finest
My favourite Neil Young album. His best album. An all time favourite. It’s getting 5 Best track - Walk On
Tolle meal prep Hintergrund Musik
"This website is sponsored by the Neil Young fanclub" Spässli, bin eigentlich absolut zfriede mit sinere musig, mit dem Album no biz meh wie s letzte. Chli country'g, recht groovy, nicy Gitarre-riffs, geils Cover, gueti Stimm. Give it to me Neil! *entering Neil Young fanclub*
Hmmm, biz unfair. 2 mal Neil Young fast nachenand. Han biz weniger appriciation&motivation gha. Aber hed glaub au biz weniger banger songs druf. Aber guets album. 3vo5 giorgios
hans zwei mal gloset welli immer unufmersam gsi bin pretty chill vo dem wasi mitübercho han guet zum gmües schnibble
ay ay ay here he is again… au sehr glatt aber am nedi sini 2 lieblingslieder sind wieder nöd druf gsi also abzug ih de b-note langsam en liechti genrefatigue am inekicke also hoff ich die neu wuche bringt nöd 70% köntrymusig neil young trotzdem king
Very pleasant album - great musician
Fine album. Didn't like it nearly as much as others like Harvest and After the Gold Rush.
A really well rounded album. Sad, yet hopeful. Peak country/folk rock.
I wasn't looking forward to yet another endurance test of whether I could go the distance having to endure Neil's shitty voice. This one was a real surprise, because midway through he abandoned his nasally whine for a lower register, which was *great*. Unfortunately, he did so in service of some of the most boring and meandering songs I've ever heard. Not sure what was beach-like about it. Music to drown yourself to?
The older I get the more I like Neil Young,
I've definitely heard of Neil, just never listened to him. Heard good stuff mostly and that he's unavailable on Spotify, but this album is so good for me because he was in my listenlist anyway. He's a guitarist I think, that's what I associate him with. No high expectations, but that one review makes me think I'll be fairly impressed. First song, yacht rock vibes already. Feels like it just started, no intro whatsoever. The little country instrumentals was good. This is kinda too basic tho, chorus isn't even that good, verses ain't versing either. Might be a better listen with headphones, but not worth it still. Definitely giving beach vibes, that I can say. Second song, much better start. His vocals are not amusing and I could say is generic. It's permanent wave in a bad way. Not much deep lyrics either, I think. Reallyy confused what to even like here. There's no good production. Instrumental break is kinda good, prolly the best part in the song. Only half the song passed? Already can't take it. It's not even a grower just boring AF. The little progressiveness was fine, but it ended too quickly. The outro is all instrumental and I guess it's not as bad, just slow and not at all entertaining. Well outro has his vocals too and a little bit of Bob Dylan with that instrument I always forget the name of. Third song, better and fast start. Lyrical delivery is good. Songs sound too same tho, hate that here. Feels like he hasn't really worked for this. I don't like that I'm not getting these songs, because I just read smn passionately talk about these songs, it feels like they need context to actually be understood, but my maaan it's music I don't need no backstory to enjoy it, and I somehow can't do that rn, tho yea if i had history with Neil I'd like this more. I do have to say this is by far the best song on the album. 4th song, country af start, full instrumental, sonical change basically. Another read the lyrics to enjoy the song one, I do that after the first listen so I'll obviously not like this at all. Barely any sound is heard honestly, not a full music I'd say. Couldn't be less impressed. 5th song, cunty start I guess. I really thought Neil would blow me away, but this is just not. There's no catchyness, I have no want to learn the lyrics (happens a lot in other cases), no effort in sonical part either imo. This one has catchy lyrics, though that's it. Some weird noises made by the instrument at the end, that's the best part in the song ironically. 6th song, long ass song, no prob with that, but in this album, short songs would be better. This one does have the most listens so it must be good. This is the music to put in the background and just think because I literally did that and it was quite nice. That's funny because music should be the center of attention, especially Neil fucking Young, but this album is a background only for me. Not getting why this is the most listened, but I connected this to my new friend(lazy to explain, future me will get it) so I added it to the playlist. This song grew on me so hard, I'm in love with it idek why. 7th song, slow and sad start. Same follows with the way he sings, which is different from how he sang in the last song I think. Not as good as now I expected it to be after the last song. HARMONICA, THAT'S THE BOB DYLAN INSTRUMENT I WAS TALKING ABOUT, finally remembered the name, and it appeared just now. Now I have history with this song, gotta add. If I add the song to my liked songs, I'll eventually like it, it's just do I want to invest my time in a song which is not that good, that's why I don't add some songs and criticise them, otherwise there's not a particularly bad song to me, they just have to stand out since there are so many of em. 8th song, 8 minutes? And here I thought I was free of this burden since this was the last song. The isabela part was the only part which seemed like a chorus throughout the album. Funny stuff mann, some guy on genius said this one has no chorus and it's notable because of that, the song which just a moment ago I said had the most chorus-like part. Also it's supposed to make me feel sad and stuff I guess, but I'm too happy for that rn, one day I'll get it. Harmonica breaks are literally Bon Dylan coded. Just gonna fully review as I'm listening to the end of this song, nothing will change, and yes I didn't like this one either. Overall I'm not impressed in any way. I would give this 2 stars instantly, but since it made me remember of my friend I give it 3, also I get that I'm not getting it. There is some goodness in there, I just don't care for Neil that much, especially after this, to deepen my likeness in him or this album. When I heard he wasn't on Spotify I thought I was missing out a lot, but maybe I wasn't, still some guy said he had 3 Neil albums already, so I might like Neil at some point, just like I didn't like Dylan at first two albums and only at the third did I get the vibe of why he's good to listen to. Anyway I want more albums from him, just some time later would be better.
8/10 - so underrated. combines beatlesy stuff with what i already knew i loved abt neil young. love
An unanticipated masterpiece. Just when my mind starts to wander, he brings me back. Loved the whole album, even the cover artwork is mesmerising.
None of these Neil Young albums are bad, there are just a lot of them on here.
Pleasant enough
Brilliant album! My first listen, I wasn't in the mood for this... And I was hardly paying attention. So I took a break. Came back to it. Thankfully I did because this record is great and needs to be appreciated by song writers. Not my fav Young album, and I've actually never listened to this in its entirety, but this record had room to grow on me.
If Neil Young didn't have such a ridiculously large catalogue I would dive in deeper, because everything we have done by him slaps, this included.
Enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. Getting Neil back into my rotation for the year. Easy listening, slow.
The sound of my youth. Great songs but overall depressing. A baby in hand, I would listen to those songs which had sort of a calming effect. However, I wasn't a big fan of his voice. Overall, an OK album.
This was definitely not what I expected. I personally enjoyed the album and the string instrumentals. I think given its decade, it's an overall great album.
I quite liked this album. I had never even heard of this one and was quite surprised how much I enjoyed it. I have meant to listen to more Neil Young outside of his first few albums so this is the start of that journey for me.
As another reviewer pointed out he definitely has a wavering whiny voice. I would rather be on the beach than listening to this album right now and I really just don't find the attraction to Neil Young's music.
Whiny Blues Rock.
Very good, so smooth, and calm like most Neil Young. Beautiful
Nothing life changing or remarkable for me.
Okay
gött sound men det är något som gör att det inte når högre betyg. jag vet inte riktigt vad. det är dock en stark trea
Neil really is the main man. Long after his 'Decade' golden era, he was/is still regularly churning out work of incredible quality. I feel like this album was quite overlooked at the time, though in retrospect it's a cracker.
2+ Stars (6/15)
Rating: 6/10 Just another Neil Young album: pretty bad vocals, good instrumentation and some boring moments. Choice cuts: Walk On, Revolution Blues, Vampire Blues
I don't really care for Neil young that much. But I liked the way this album started out. But then the middle and end was a return to form. No thanks.
3.5 Deserves another listen
Good
One of my favourite albums.
This guy has influenced so many of the artists I like today, but he doesn’t do anything for me. If I was sitting around the campfire with him droning on with guitar, I’d have to drink a lot more.
I like some Neil Young, but this album was a bit sleepy for my tastes.
Siis see the sky about to rain… oon kuullu tän biisin jossain ja ettiny sitä tosi pitkään ja ku tää alko soimaan olin vaa vitun flabbergasted. Pelkästään sen ansiosta antaisin 4 tähtee, mut muutenki nautin tosi paljon. Sanoitukset ja tunnelma paikoillaan. Ja täs käytettii huuliharppua just kuten rakastan et sitä käytetään, toisin ku aiempi Bob dylan joka tunki sitä jotenki paljon ärsyttävämmin joka nurkkaan lol. All in all nautin tästä tosi paljon!
Never listened to a Neil Young album before but this is really good.
I'm just finding out that this is part of Neil's "Ditch Trilogy", so I decided to listen to this (already one of my favorite Neil Young albums) in sequence with the other two: Time Fades Away > On The Beach > Tonight's The Night. I'm so happy I did. What a follow-up to the comparatively schmaltzy Harvest! (Harvest is still a great album, but one of my least favorite of his from that era) Don't let the album's title fool you, for even a short glance at the album art will clue you in on what's to come. On The Beach has it all: a catchy rock tune to start it all off followed by seven tunes that drag you through the ditch with him, three of which are titled "___ Blues". I love that he essentially did all of this just to shake off the the expectation that came with the success of Heart of Gold.
Nothing extraordinary, surprised it was on Spotify.
he might be a bit of an acquired taste for some people but when you get it, it's so so good
Love Neil Young, wasn't familiar with this album though. Kinda sleepy, kinda sad, but still pretty and worth a listen or two. Especially liked See the Sky about to Rain and that wobbly organ sound. 3.4/5
Top 10 material
I've literally never listened to Neil Young before, and man what a good introduction. This album rocks. I wanted to give this a 4, but on reflection, this album has no skips, no bad points, no downsides, and at no point was I uninterested or felt like this could be better. Honestly, this album is fucking good and I can't wait to listen to more Neil Young in the future if this is what's in store for me. Highlights: Revolution Blues, Vampire Blues, On the Beach, Motion Pictures, Ambulance Blues. Basically the whole album. Light 5.
Not great, not terrible. Somehow I feel like that's what the album is comfortable being. It really does feel like a lazy day out. Takes me back to days on the beach where something like this would be playing on some crappy blue portable CD player (it would either be something like this or So Fresh 2003/2004). Alternatively you would probably hear something like this at the 'mancave' of that one distant family friend who's house you only ever went to once for some party. Wish I had a little more to say about the album itself. It's just very easy listening, I suppose I felt more attracted to the instrumentals than the singing. If we have another 7 albums from this guy I sure hope the other ones are as good or better than this. I'd certain take this over derivative britpop with no legacy to it whatsoever.
There is no need for there to be seven Neil Young albums on this list. Have you heard one Neil Young song? Okay, you’ve heard every Neil Young song. The band is good. The lyricism is good. Neil Young’s voice is annoying as fuck.
Not much to say, great album. The title track is astounding. 8/10 Fav tracks - All-1 Least Fav - See the Sky about rain
Like Neil Youngs stuff, gives me hill billy lite vibes. Got some banjo's and shit but he doesn't sound hick i guess, its nice. Ironically On the beach which is definitely more rock than anything was my favourite. Overall, like Neil Young, sings a good tale on most of his songs, including most of this ablum.
Gonna keep this one short. My first proper introduction to Neil Young. The southern man may not need him around but I certainly do. Highlights were Revolution Blues, On The Beach, Walk On
I hadn't ever listened to this album in spite of listening to a fair bit of Neil Young, but I definitely plan to again. I love how raw and dark it is. You can feel the anger not only in his voice, but the way he plays the guitar. The cover is really striking too.
Relaxing, vacation feeling
A nice selection of cozy sounding songs. Standout tracks: Walk On, See The Sky About To Rain
"You go to a supermarket, and you see a faggot behind the fuckin’ cash register; you don’t want him to handle your potatoes.” - Neil Young
The album title and cover both scream mid-summer, but once you move past the sunny track 1, this album feels a little chillier, more akin to early summer or late spring. And despite being produced in California, something about it feels distinctly Canadian to me. So, to me, this is an album for the May 24 weekend, if you will. It sounds like a mellow time, jamming with the buddies in a stale cabin, dark but with the sun on the horizon. Halcyon days gone underappreciated, the woes of life stifling the beauty lying just beneath. This album feels like being alive, as complicated as that concept can be.
Great background music. I am a Neil Young fan. But no specific bangers or standout songs. I was really hoping to find a new Neil Young favorite.
The least Neil Young-ish Neil Young album so far on this list. Again, it's fine. There just has to be something I can't quite get behind on his music. Neil seems like a fine person and I wish him the best, but I don't ever foresee myself picking up any of his albums. Yeah, change the voice here and I could probably sit with these for a bit.
So I really liked everything about this album. I don’t know if this list gave me some kind of Stockholm about Neil Young or what, but I didn’t mind his voice at all, either. Short and sweet. I don’t have anything to criticize.
This album is around the same age as I am. However I would be a lot fucking happier than this album is had I made the same amount of money as it had.
Had a good time listening to the album. It felt inviting. Mix of rock, country, and blues. I had heard two of the songs before. The music has an air of nostalgia around it, not for me personally, but it sounds like it. A time capsule. Standouts: Walk On, See The Sky About To Rain, On The Beach, and Motion Pictures (For Carrie).
I’m always surprised when I listen to an Al um by an artist whose oeuvre I think I know top to bottom, only to realize that I really just know their big songs and an album or two that I’ve put the time into. Not surprisingly, I felt that with “On the Beach”. “For the Turnstiles” and “Walk On” are great songs all day, every day, but I was pleased to ‘discover’ “See the Sky About to Rain”, which is been completely without prior. Aside - did anyone else notice that Wikipedia lists Neil as a “Canadian-American” musician. You know you’ve made it to the top when America lies to call you their own! I’d say 3.5, but gave 4 so Neil remembers where he’s from…
I love Neil Young. Period. But listening to this album reminded me that my exposure.to and experience with him comes largely from selected playlists and greatest hits collections, which ignore.a lot.of the experiences that this album exposed me to.... And it made me think that art and music are processes, feeling around in the dark for sounds and visions to express and materialize ideas....and so much of that, even if recorded, mastered, and released, is just a record of process, of that hunt. Not for all artists, of course....but I get that feeling with this album. It's a record of creative process, a sense of exploration and attempt. And it's not all good or memorable...but it is worthwhile.
Because it was out of print at a time when I was discovering music and getting into Neil young, this album was always mythical to me. I had heard the couple of tracks on decade but nothing else. When it was finally released I didn’t give it the time it deserved. Listening now, I realize how beautiful it is and found myself returning to it yesterday. The back half is hazy and reeks of honey slides. What a line up on revolution blues! Definitely will be in regular rotation from now on
I've really gotten to like Neil Young over the last few years. I've always liked his voice but never gave him too much of a chance outside a few songs. I'm not sure why. I guess maybe because I hate the sort of Crosby Stills and Nash kind of genre and he's certainly done a lot of that. I really liked this album though. It's super chill, the instrumentation is fantastic, vocals are great (if you like Neil Young's voice anyway...), and it's great lyrically. Absolutely stupid and contrived cover. Maybe more than any of his other records this is one that I would throw on, make a cocktail, and just kind of hang out with it. Overall, I'd rate this one at about 3.75/5 maybe approaching 4. Nothing really stood out but it's all solid.
garbage
такой прям софт софт софт, у меня к сожалению сегодня настроение было на хард хард хард
Nicely done 70's blues rock. First half is really good (prolly 4/5) but the second half falls behind. Good album overall, enjoyable and fun at times. Not much more to say.
Lo tenia de fondo, no presté mucha atención. Ni bien ni mal
Not the best Neil Young album.
Pretty good. Nothing grabbed me and I didn't want to feel sad when I listened soooo
I really liked Walk on and Vampire Blues. The album as a whole has a great vibe and I understand why NY is so loved
The album info says that Neil Young wrote these songs based on the feeling of alienation and ostracised by his friends after his success. I honestly cant feel that kind of information going to my mind while listening to these songs.
It's ok.
Impossible to overstate how golden a period was the early to mid 70s for Young. So good.
This was fine. Some songs I might listen to later.
7/10
Bem legal, um clássico a cara de Neil Young
Thinking fondly about when Neil Young released the Pono, a $400 FLAC device shaped like a prism to listen to his music at the highest possible fidelity as I rock this album on my iPhone speaker in a loaner beater that’s vibrating so hard that it can travel across dimensions. Five stars.
I love Neil Young. It just works.
i'm sorry mr. young! i know you're a beloved songwriter. it's just not hitting for me for some reason!
ugh, more boring, boomer-nostalgia drivel from neil. i think this is the sixth album of his I've listened to on this list so far and I've liked one of them. there's just nothing interesting here. all the songs sound the same. the lyrics are uninspired. his voice is in its typical annoying form. i listened all the way through and found that i hadn't liked a single song, so i listened to a few more and found the least boring, walk on, to include in my favorites. lol. also lol at the top commenter who gave this two stars because they felt personally attacked that his music wasn't on spotify. how DARE neil young take a stance against a predatory megacorporation that doesn't pay its artists fairly! didn't he stop to think about how this would affect ME? favorites: walk on
Ambulance Blues, the one song that made me feel something. Not for me.
Great album, easy to listen to very mellow. would be great on the beach
A few great songs, but overall okay.
I didn't recognize a single song from this album, but somehow that's okay. The thing about Neil Young is that he's thoughtful. I find myself just quietly listening to what he has to say. Sometimes I agree with him, sometimes not.
Great album from start to finish.
Lovely follow up to Harvest. Witty, soulful and well crafted country rock tunes.
**On the Beach** is Neil Young’s fifth studio album, released in July 1974. This album represents a critical point in Young’s career, offering a stark, intimate look into his psyche during a turbulent period marked by personal loss, disillusionment, and reflection. It is often hailed as one of his most uncompromising and powerful works, balancing raw emotion with experimental production techniques. Below is an in-depth analysis of the album, focusing on its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with a balanced overview of its strengths and weaknesses. ### Lyrics The lyrics of **On the Beach** are some of Young’s most personal and introspective. Each song delves into themes of alienation, loss, despair, and the quest for meaning amidst chaos. The album opens with "Walk On," a deceptively upbeat track that addresses critics and the aftermath of Young’s recent turmoil, including the deaths of bandmates Danny Whitten and Bruce Berry. Here, Young blends his characteristic honesty with a sense of defiance, suggesting resilience against the judgment and criticism he faced. In "See the Sky About to Rain," Young's poetic imagery comes to the fore. He uses weather metaphors to convey feelings of impending sadness and melancholy. The line "See the sky about to rain, broken clouds and rain" evokes a sense of foreboding, mirroring Young's inner emotional landscape. "For the Turnstiles" is a more cryptic piece, featuring a stark, almost minimalist folk arrangement with banjo and dobro. The lyrics explore themes of betrayal and survival in the music industry, encapsulated in lines like "All the sailors with their seasick mamas / Hear the sirens on the shore." The song captures Young’s cynicism about fame and the pressures of the entertainment business. The title track, "On the Beach," is one of the album's emotional peaks. Its lyrics are a mix of self-pity, sarcasm, and brutal honesty: "I need a crowd of people, but I can't face them day to day." Young reflects on his loneliness and detachment from society, offering no clear resolution, only a stark acknowledgment of his emotional reality. "Motion Pictures (For Carrie)" serves as a love letter to Young's then-girlfriend Carrie Snodgress, but even here, the tone is tinged with regret and a sense of fleeting happiness. "Ambulance Blues," the album’s final track, is a sprawling, nine-minute reflection on the cultural and political disillusionment of the early 1970s. It's a song that weaves personal narrative with biting social commentary, targeting figures like Richard Nixon while lamenting the fading ideals of the 1960s counterculture. ### Music Musically, **On the Beach** is diverse yet cohesive. The album moves fluidly between different styles, from the raw, bluesy rock of "Walk On" to the country-folk simplicity of "For the Turnstiles" and the languid, melancholic tones of "See the Sky About to Rain." Young's use of unconventional song structures and his willingness to let songs breathe and evolve over extended lengths are crucial to the album’s impact. The use of sparse instrumentation allows the lyrics and mood to take center stage. "Revolution Blues" features a menacing guitar riff, with a rhythmic intensity that mirrors the paranoid undertones of the lyrics. This track, inspired by Charles Manson, has a relentless, almost claustrophobic feel, enhanced by the propulsive bass and tight drum patterns. "On the Beach" and "Ambulance Blues" are characterized by their mellow, hypnotic grooves, created by the interplay of guitars, bass, and drums. Young’s lead guitar work, often drenched in reverb, adds an ethereal quality to these tracks, creating a dreamlike, contemplative atmosphere. The banjo and dobro on "For the Turnstiles" lend a rustic, old-time feel, contrasting sharply with the electric guitar-heavy tracks. The minimalist production approach allows the music’s raw emotional core to come through. Young’s voice, often described as high-pitched and vulnerable, becomes a central instrument in conveying the album’s themes. His delivery ranges from mournful and contemplative in "On the Beach" to almost detached and observational in "Walk On." ### Production The production of **On the Beach** was handled by Neil Young, David Briggs, Mark Harman, and Al Schmidt. The album was recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles and Young's Broken Arrow Ranch in California. The production is deliberately unpolished, embracing a "lo-fi" aesthetic that emphasizes rawness and immediacy. This approach aligns with the album's themes, providing a stark, intimate listening experience. One of the standout production choices is the use of natural reverb and echo, particularly on Young's vocals and lead guitar. This creates a spacious, almost haunting atmosphere, particularly noticeable on tracks like "On the Beach" and "Ambulance Blues." The mix is sparse but balanced, allowing each instrument room to breathe, and enhancing the album's introspective, melancholic feel. The production also utilizes a range of unconventional recording techniques. For instance, on "Ambulance Blues," Young’s voice was recorded in a single take, capturing a sense of immediacy and emotional rawness that might have been lost with multiple takes or overdubs. The use of vintage microphones and analog equipment gives the album a warm, organic sound that contrasts sharply with the more polished, overproduced records of the time. ### Themes **On the Beach** is rich with themes of disillusionment, isolation, and existential reflection. The album reflects Young's state of mind in the early 1970s, a period marked by personal loss, political turmoil, and the fading ideals of the 1960s. There is a pervasive sense of disillusionment with the counterculture movement, particularly evident in "Ambulance Blues," where Young reflects on the failure of the movement to bring about meaningful change. Alienation is another dominant theme. Throughout the album, Young grapples with his sense of detachment from the world around him. In "On the Beach," he admits, "Though my problems are meaningless, that don't make them go away." This line captures the tension between personal suffering and the larger socio-political disillusionment that characterized the post-60s era. There is also an undercurrent of survival and resilience. Despite the melancholic tone, songs like "Walk On" suggest a determination to move forward, to "walk on" despite the pain and criticism. This theme of endurance in the face of hardship is woven throughout the album, providing a counterbalance to its darker elements. ### Influence **On the Beach** was not a commercial success upon its release, and it received mixed reviews from critics. However, over time, it has been reassessed and is now considered one of Young's greatest works, a masterpiece of 1970s rock. Its raw emotional honesty and unorthodox production have influenced countless artists across genres. The album's influence can be seen in the work of alternative and indie rock musicians who value authenticity and emotional directness over commercial appeal. Artists such as Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes, and Kurt Vile have cited **On the Beach** as a significant influence. Its minimalist, lo-fi production style and its blending of folk, rock, and blues elements laid the groundwork for the Americana and alt-country movements of the 1980s and 1990s. ### Pros 1. **Emotional Depth**: The album is one of Neil Young’s most introspective works, offering an unflinching look into his psyche. This emotional honesty has a powerful impact on listeners. 2. **Lyricism**: Young’s lyrics are poetic and evocative, using vivid imagery and metaphors to convey complex emotions and themes. The songs resonate deeply on both a personal and universal level. 3. **Diverse Musical Styles**: The album seamlessly blends rock, folk, country, and blues, showcasing Young’s versatility as a musician and songwriter. This diversity keeps the listener engaged throughout. 4. **Atmospheric Production**: The lo-fi, raw production enhances the album's mood, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The use of natural reverb and echo adds to the haunting quality of the music. 5. **Influence and Legacy**: Despite its initial commercial underperformance, **On the Beach** has become a seminal album, influencing a wide range of artists and contributing significantly to the development of alternative and indie rock. ### Cons 1. **Bleakness**: The album’s pervasive sense of melancholy and disillusionment can be overwhelming for some listeners. Its themes of isolation and despair may not appeal to those looking for more uplifting music. 2. **Unconventional Production Choices**: The raw, unpolished production may come across as too rough or amateurish to listeners accustomed to more polished recordings. The lo-fi aesthetic, while artistically effective, might detract from the listening experience for some. 3. **Inconsistent Pacing**: The album’s pacing can feel uneven, with slower, more contemplative tracks like "See the Sky About to Rain" and "Motion Pictures" potentially dragging for listeners who prefer more dynamic compositions. 4. **Lyrical Obscurity**: Some of the lyrics are cryptic and open to interpretation, which may frustrate listeners looking for clearer narratives or messages. Songs like "For the Turnstiles" and "Ambulance Blues" can be enigmatic and challenging to decode. ### Conclusion **On the Beach** is a complex, emotionally rich album that showcases Neil Young at his most vulnerable and introspective. Its raw production, diverse musical styles, and powerful lyricism make it a standout in his discography. While the album's bleakness and unconventional production choices may not appeal to all listeners, its emotional honesty and influence on subsequent generations of musicians are undeniable. Ultimately, **On the Beach** remains a compelling exploration of personal and societal disillusionment, and a testament to Young's willingness to push artistic boundaries in pursuit of authenticity.
Delightfully autumnal
neil young fucking rules
3 stars
Good album full of killer guitars.
Neil young just sounds like a whiny bitch but I liked this one more than the last one
Just kinda there, nothing groundbreaking, but solid.
Ah, the first of SEVEN Neil Young albums, nine when counting his memberships in other bands. Well, I like this. The whole concept of Neil Young, sort of. But whenever I dug into his oeuvre after say, Old Man, Needle And The Damage Done or this album's title song, I found a lot of country and blues rock with capital Rock that I, at this point of life, probably will never really get into. Some of that present here. Young's is on the good side of that, however. If music can sound honest, it's his. But there's the melancholic, folksy Young: ❤, usually. So this album? A 4 for sure, 2nd side, the honey slides one, is beautiful. Might sit down with the lyrics and give it another listen later.
Ok
This is a cool album. Very atmospheric for Neil Young. It's not one of his biggest albums, and doesn't have any of his best songs, but it is a very good album nonetheless.
Favs: Revolution Blues, Vampire Blues, On the Beach, Ambulance Blues Least fav: For the Turnstiles
Профессор Скай считает этот альбом компаньоном к любимому AFUT. Не уверен, что я это слышу, но альбом все равно отличный. Лучшая песня - Ambulance Blues.
Meh. Neil Young just doesn't do it for me in most instances.
A pretty good listen but not too memorable.
Brilliant album.
Good album but there’s better Neil Young out there so I don’t get why this makes the list
a little dull
kinda bland for neil young
si este fuese un álbum que pondría yendo a la yapla, me quitan el aux y me dejan tirado en chorrera. It’s alright but ugh I was expecting something different. Buen blues tho, i actually enjoyed it. 6/10
8.5/10
Like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young is one of those OG critically acclaimed singer-songwriter folk artists that I just hadn't gotten around to checking out until this list. The best thing by far about this album is how uniquely bleak it is. Even the album cover here, depicts a beach, something you typically associate with joy, in the most empty and void way. Obviously, this parallels the title track in meaning more than anything, a song about Neil's sense of isolation alongside his fame (something he may consider typically joyful as it ties to his art I assume?). Musically though, a song like 'See the Sky About to Rain' sounds like a happy day on the beach - but this day is mildly gloomy and tinted with uncertainty and sadness. Three songs here reference "blues" which sorta adds to the lethargic and apathetic feel to everything here. The songs are slow and sort of trudge on. The 8-minute closer 'Ambulance Blues' perfectly captures this. This song slowly marches on, with this melancholic harmonica interluding the various opaque verses. While on the surface level, it may seem like there's nothing unique about this folk record, experiencing it as a whole I came to find that Neil Young was capable of drawing out a very strong emotion from me through both his writing and through the simplistically dim sonic direction this album goes in.
Please tell me there are only two Neil Young albums on this list, because this is my second and idk if I can stomach a third. Or fourth, or fifth, or DEAR GOD TELL ME IT'S ONLY TWO
Why did I think I didn't like Neil Young?! Really good album.
Was really good, I like the use of harmonica in some songs
Neil Young being Neil Young.
I quite dig some introspective, moodier, sparse country rock Neil Young. Quite the good album
Ok, nice, contemplative. Pleasing. Blended. Taupe. Clear. Whimsical. Subtle. Caring. Introspective. 3 stars..
Блюзовый, спокойный и мелодичный, песни Motion Picture и Ambulance Blues заставили меня задуматься о проблеме и всё об думать, песня Vampire blues шикарная как и Walk On , Альбом прекрасный 9/10
A solid, mellow listen.
Neil Young always has done whatever he wants, and he is a bit of a complainer, isn't he? His complaining is usually relatable and soulful, right-minded, pointed. Here he acquires a bitterness and edge that follows him for the rest of his days. Neil's a sensitive dude. He does the Dylan thing on "Revolution Blues," still doing the Neil Young thing, with the David Crosby guitar thing. Brilliant song. This is kind of a masterpiece, now I'm listening to it again. All the "... Blues" are phenomenal, the country instrumentation is spot on, the metaphors are sharpened like vampire teeth ( 😘 ), and Neil's unmistakable voice is still youthful and pointed. On the whole, it's just... so... ornery? Jaded? I strongly recommend going for a nice walk on a late summer afternoon while listening to this and getting caught in a massive downpour as the album build to its crescendo with "Ambulance Blues." Just walk on home, try to get through it, maybe. "Though my problems are meaningless, that doesn't make them go away." It's 'cause you have the curse of genius, Neil. Thanks for sharing.
Ein bisschen zu bluesig, trotzdem gut.
good album, i particularly enjoyed turnstiles. wished i could’ve been looking it up as i listened but i was doing dishes!
WOKE Neil Young strikes again! Really liked the first tune, lots of typically prescient political fare. Not his best but very enjoyable.
I had not listened to this one before. Good record
Fringe Top 5 young album for me. That’s still elite for most other artists.
A very good album throughout. 5 stars or A-.
May be my favourite of all Neil young so far.
definitely worthy of how much people talk about him, my first Neil Young album/listen ever
fav tracks: Walk On, See the Sky About to Rain, Revolution Blues, On the Beach, Motion Pictures Thoughts: Very Nice Album! My favorite track on this album would have to be "On the Beach", although I very much enjoy the other tracks listed above. The tone of this album overall is dark and bluesy, with hints of psych-y mikey on more mellow tracks like "See the Sky About to Rain", which is driven by a wobbly bobbly guitar melody. This album is great, and I'm looking forward to eventually listening to the rest of Neil Young's discography.
Liked it, didnt grab me as much as Harvest by him
Short and hella better than expected. Nothing ground breaking, but that might be because I am listening to it 50 years after it was released.
Not a bad album but there wasn't much that kept my interest.
Ist ein echter Klassiker von Neil Young im Stile von Harvest. Jeder Song eine Perle, erzeugt eine entspannte Stimmung, zum mitsummen und mitsingen.
Another good album by Neil Young. I liked See The Sky About To Rain and On The Beach.
All time.
I think that the best thing about this project is that I’ve really become a fan of Neil Young in the process. Enjoyed this album a lot.
Rusty’s violin on ambulance blues is a 5 by itself. The rest of this honeyslide-infused depression album only makes it better
Rusty Kershaw and honeyslides ftw.
Another crappy Neil Young album? Really? The only good thing about this is the buried vehicle on the album cover. For the love of mike, please no more Neil Young.
4/5
Bland and dragging. I had to check that speed was actually at x1. No energy, no soul in there.
Perfectly acceptable background music, and not much more than that
💖 vampire blues 🗣️ 8️⃣
This was a pleasant listen. A little slow and a touch too melancholy, but pleasant overall.
Decent mellow rock album with an overall melancholy vibe. To be expected from Neil Young
My favourite Neil Young record!
pretty dang good but not my fav neil highlights: walk on, revolution blues, vampire blues (may 5 2024)
Normally I can only handle 3 Neil Young songs in a row, lets see how this goes. Pretty decent album, managed to last the whole way through without skipping anything. The title track is amazing. Does get a little same-ey towards the end.
Have this on Vinyl. Need to listen again as it sounded pretty good this time streaming
STANDOUTS: n/a and DNF OVERALL: 2/5; no critical thoughts. Just bland.
3☆/5 08.02.2024
Usually like Neil Young, but couldn't really get into this one.
Twang-plank-plank. Whine-whine. For 38 minutes. No good songs, just a snoozefest.
A refreshing walk on the beach is not what I would expect from Neil Young at this point. What a surprise!
His voice has always annoyed me. It must be an Ohio thing.
I suppose these “classic rock” albums had a new and exciting sound in the late 60’s/early 70’s, but after over 50 years of truly innovative music, they just don’t hold up. Not a bad album per se, but definitely not a great or even really good one either. Meh.
listened to this twice - first with headphones and second driving the li expressway. glad i did. giving this a hearty 4 stars - it's a great listen and definitely one to add to my personal library. jammy, sad, angry, vaguely hopeful. nice going neil
Nice little background jam, nothing too exciting. It was not bad but there definitely wasn't anything that made it stand out. Overall, pretty decent, especially for 1974.
Great artist. Has some great songs.
The music is pleasant and sounds nice, but it just fades in the background for me a lot and my brain didn't really latch on to any one track to really stand out. This doesn't mean that I think it's bad. It will just be one of those "Oh I've heard that before but don't remember it" kind of deals Standouts - 3/5
Not his biggest fan
I liked the first few songs on this album, and then the super long ones started and it fell into an inescapable ditch.
Did he get whinier? I can't imagine a less beachy album than this.
Classic Neil Young sound
Got a 👍 track from this album so giving it a 4. I think the energy level from Neil was much more enjoyable than Crazy Horse.
I’d never heard any of these before, and while I normally love deep cuts I would say with all due respect to Mr Young that this album was mostly boring and forgettable.
Solid Young, which is saying a lot after Tonight’s the Night. Good blues riffs.
I'm sure I've said this before, but I'd like his stuff better if he didn't sing most of it. Plus, this seemed pretty meh, overall.
Rock melódico de Neil Young. Un 4.
Bonito. Pero no es mi favorito. See the Sky About to Rain se parece a una de Neil Young.
Favourite tracks: walk on; for the turnstiles; on the beach; motion pictures
A bit sleepy for Neil Young. Not bad, but not his best.
Chilled, uncomplicated.
Enjoyed my Neil young day
I like a lot of Neil Young and his various collaborations. Not a big fan of this album. 2.5/5
I can dig it. A good album title for doing that very thing: chillin’ on the beach. The front end of the album had some more interesting stuff. Backend was a bit slow for my taste, but still worth the listen. It’s nice to hear Young’s voice in a more folksy intimate vibe.
I can dig Neil and liked this album ok. Nothing on it really stood out or escalated it to a great album, but it was fine.
It’s fine. I guess in the right setting this would be cool. But nothing really stands out. And some 9 min songs! Woof 2.75
I liked this. I also listened to it this morning and don’t really remember any of the songs…and so I’m notching back. 3.5/5
A good album, but outshone by other Neil Young albums on this list
Tercer álbum que analizo de Neil Young. Si bien estimo que la discografía del autor destaca siempre en lírica y composición, hay algo sobre este último elemento que no ha resonado conmigo en este trabajo. Así, la desproporción entre el lado A (Walk On - Vampire Blues) y el lado B (On the Beach - Ambulance Blues) es, considero, muy grande en calidad. Sencillamente las canciones del lado B me parecen mejor logradas, y este fenómeno es algo que no me había pasado a tal grado con otros trabajos como Rust Never Sleeps o Everybody Know This Is Nowhere. Ello no quiere decir que se trate de un trabajo mediocre ni mucho menos. Este LP destaca en una misma calidad como lo haría otro de los renombrados álbumes del artista. Simplemente considero que no lo disfruté de la misma manera. En síntesis: considero que este trabajo, si bien no iguala el nivel de otros Lps del artista, es un correcto trabajo de Young y compañía. FAVTRAXS: On the Beach, Motion Pictures (For Carrie), Ambulance Blues LEASTFAV: Vampire Blues 3/5 (con posibilidad de volverse un 3.5/5 a futuro)
This album was a nice surprise. I had not heard of this Neil Young album preciously and, it is very good! It is Neil at his most melancholy, but at the same time, you feel like he is just getting something off his mind and things will be OK. Songs of note include \"Revolution Blues\", \"Vampire Blues\", \"On The Beach\" and \"Motion Pictures\". As an aside, there is some good guitar work on this album and guest players include Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Steven Stills and David Crosby.
3 ok
Pleasant folk-rock album, not overly complicated with a voice that isn't particularly nice, but somehow it still sounds good as an album.
A lot better than Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere by Neil Young & Crazy Horse, which came up a few albums ago, this is full of personal, small songs, with a lot of Dylan-esque imagery and delivery and reminiscent to me of Hudson Bell. I liked this and will come back for another listen.
His voice comes off as a bit thin and lacking character, but the music and songwriting here really are top notch and I think it is a fantastic album. Some of the slower tracks don't quite hold up as well though because they don't have that interesting voice to hold them together.
It wasn't really my thing, but maybe I just need a little more time with it.
Love Neil young. This was pretty good but not my favorite.
The weather was just right, my feelings were just right, everything was just right - 5/5
Docked a star for excessive harmonica
Classic sound. Haven’t listened to much Young before but enjoyed this.
Strong start with walk on, but it just drifted on to feel like one endless song from there. 3 stars only for the first song.
I listened to this one on the seaside which was quite fitting, and it was a nice experience. Some of the songs were a little slow and maybe went on for a bit too long, but I still like his style.
Even though I am a Neil Young fan, I didn't know this album. I enjoyed it! Not quite like Harvest or After The Gold Rush but the songs are very good, just maybe a bit less "wow", but great all the same.
The 6th Neil Young and really didn't need this. It's fine by his standards but otherwise I've already forgotten it .
Wasn’t the best, but it was a regular Neil Young album.
Can't stand Neil Young's voice. That on top of this just being a really slow album, was hard for me to get into.
Good record. Don’t know if I will listen again.
Neil Young is someone that 98% of the time I will never like his music. His harmonica is such a desperate and whining sound that I can’t bear for an entire second. NO thank you Mr. Young, I hope we don’t meet again.
I sometimes feel weird giving 3s - like ... does that mean i think it's average? Have i given it enough thought or a worthy listen or 2? Or is it really just.... ok? I'm sorta take-him-or-leave-him with Neil - I like some, am annoyed by others, but admittedly haven't listened to all 300 albums of his. I suspect by the time I'm through the 1001+ i'll have put a heavy dent in that. "On The Beach" is fine. It's a 3. It's a mood, a mellow/raw mood, and that could go south real quick for me but so I'm a little surprised it didn't here. There were moments where he almost ventured dangerously close to Leonard Cohen territory which is a strong no-fly-zone here, but the music always seemed to take over even if there's a bit of sameness. Simple as hell songs which I want to be bored with and yet for the most part am not (would skip "Vampire Blues" though, actually that one does suck. Minimal effort lazy waste). I almost just want to sit in one of those beach chairs on the cover - nobody else around - and listen to this in silence other than the surf coming in. So I guess the cover is nicely appropriate. TL;DR: not gonna be a favourite, but something nice to put on at the end of the evening or around a campfire. 6/10 3 stars.
Giving dad rock, some nice depressing rock progressions here and there. His voice is kinda bland but its higher pitched which creates some nice contrast between the instruments, though there isn't generally much emphasis on the low end for it to have a big effect.
Forever Young
Top chilled tunes
Listened while two NYC teens talked shit about Lily the baby from Modern Family, who’s apparently in their grade, just as Neil Young intended
Nice vibes neil young
Really great album. Not sure how I missed this one before. Listened to it a couple times and it got better as it went along.
Mr Whine gets on the list again. Mr Why?
The first song is Walk On, the audio on the song isn't that good. It discusses how judgemental everyone is of Neil and his music, especially his success. The production is definitely groovy and enjoyable, but I don't think this song fits the narrative too well, I'm personally just not a fan. Next is See The Sky About To Rain, a slower and sadder piece, showing Neil reflect on his sadness. the piano/organ is a good touch, production is good, narrative, sequence and lyrics are al good here and get my approval. After that, we have Revolution Blues. A funky, well, blues groove that shows good production and fun vocals. I think that's really all I can enjoy from it, but the story Neil paints is beautiful, just doesn't fit well narratively, but this music can work easily in a movie, if it hasn't already. Soon later, we have For The Turnstiles. The song features a plinky banjo, which presents a jamming charisma, love the folky vocals layered on the track, gives a beautiful grime to the albums sound. Once again, not really a fan of the lyricism, but everything else about this record has been pretty fun. Eventually, we have Vampire Blues. The production gives some cold hard blues, a real classic sound, organ and all, with Neil reciting about being a vampire. This song fits the album a lot better. Something about a vampire plays well into the idea of identity, belonging, depression, and is funny to think of a vampire on a beach. no complaints here. Speaking of On The Beach, title track follows. The production is slow, and drags, which fits the mood of the album exceptionally, like a cry for help. The lyrics aren't bad either, but they aren't quite dragging me in, it doesn't feel creative, its like a baked potato with no butter. not even salt and pepper, no seasoning, and I like mine spicy, still, not bad, it has moments and merit, I just tend to be a stickler with expectancies. Then, we have Motion Pictures (For Carrie). This song provides a somber tale of a tragic star, who is tired of the fame. This is very fitting to the themes of this record, and, once again, good production, sequenced well, solid final works, truly heartfelt. The final track is Ambulance Blues, also our final "blues" track, and our longest track yet, clocking in at 8:56. The lyrics possibly get the darkest and saddest here, reminiscing, the same as someone ready to give it all up. The production feels like its holding his hand, asking if he's ready, in which he gives a firm yes. very powerful closer, works on just about every level. Overall, this project has plenty ups more then downs, and the downs are minimal, but they definitely drag things down pretty often. Production is probably the most solid thing the whole way through and whats to be most proud of here. And that's it.
4/5
Really chilled but interesting and well written lyrics. I really liked the guitar on See the sky about to rain, it’s funky and wobbly.
Fine just kinda dull
This might be his best work, its so warm and beautiful, i dont know how to describe it other than i love it
Good stuff. Another hole in my musical education. Another one I expected to like – and did, in fact, like.
Great album.
This one seems a bit more calm than Harvest. I don't like it as much as Harvest either, maybe because the vibes are more chill. It sounds like any other folk artist. I did really like the imagery and metaphor in Vampire Blues a lot. This album was fine to listen to overall. No strong feelings one way or the other.
Not top tier Neil Young but still an enjoyable listen
dull
2.5