Reviews (page 3 of 8)
The more I listen to Neil Young, the more I’m struck by how diverse his music is, with so many different paths he took over the years. This album leans heavily into bluesy country rock. “Lookout Joe” stands out as a bit more upbeat, carrying an almost proto-grunge feel, while on the other hand, there are some really strong mellow piano drive tracks that balances the mood.
Not my fav Neil album but I’d never heard it all the way through before! Much softer and prettier than I’d expected
Very enjoyable listen. A little surprised this would be on the 1001 list though.
I liked this project more than the last one. Young has a quirky style about him that I do like and his guitar style has a weird familiarity about it. It feels like a mix of psychedelic and idk indie shoegaze. There's something else in the mix that just elevates it for me. Super timeless, I like this more raw side than other Young projects.
Great album from a great singer.
7/10 Honkey Tonk, Canadian style. 4-09-2025
2nd Neil Young album in a row. I'm not disappointed.
Good album. Some hidden gems.
Favorite Track: Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown
Heartbreaking album. At first it sounds like Neil being sloppy, but when you read the album inserts and the stories, you realize it's a miracle that Neil and the boys could pull it together enough to go on. Early pressings of this album have outer sleeves that are made of a softer, pulpier paper. They're easy to tear and wear out and get damaged, not unlike one's tender and wounded soul after two friends destroy themselves.
Another solid album. I've never been a big Neil Young fan but his music is slowly growing on me
good one I liked it
Я очень люблю блюз и американский фолк/кантри. И этот альбом не стал исключением. Отличная музыка чтобы куда-то ехать, а ещё, возможно, саундтрек к хорошему фильму. Однозначно рекомендую.
Very enjoyable stuff. Something stopping the fiver though, not sure what. Fours across the board for Neil so far, I’m sure he’s got a fiver in him somewhere. Simpsons: Yes
I liked it, with a few more listen it could become a 5
Warming up to the style but don’t see it becoming a go to anytime soon. I think a 5/5 will be an indicator that a full album finally clicked for me. Favorite Songs: Come On Baby Let’s Go Downtown / New Mama
It's not like critics and fans alike have not lauded a healthy amount of praise on Neil Young. I just worry that as time passes, he won't have as much staying power as other artists at his level (If Bob gets a biopic, Neil should too). He doesn't exactly have the personal intrigue for an everlasting legacy, but he has the discography. This album is certainly front and center as evidence. At this point Neil Young had the money and success to record an outsized album. Instead, he opted for something seemingly off-handed. Simplistic even. The return for such a decision? His most human record to date. Much ink has been spilled reflecting on the grief and sadness of this album. While it is sad, I can't literally relate to Neil. I'd prefer to talk about it generally. This is the afters. This is returning home drunk. This is staggered, but it's trudging along and through the door. It's sitting alone. Pondering where you are. A singular slice of time. The past and future color the borders, but this moment is owned by the present. Feeling the weight of your mistakes. The yoke of the night on your shoulders but embracing life nonetheless. A real paradox of an experience, but not one unfamiliar to any listener. Rating: 9/10 Favorite Song: Borrowed Tune/Tired Eyes
9/10 Neil I was unfamiliar with your game. He’s got the goods. Great songwriting and musicality, knowing the lore also adds so much to this album. Looking forward to more Neil in my future.
Great night
This is the third Neil Young album I've listened to. I now expect that his albums are instantly accessible and well-made. This one sounds more jam-bandy than previous ones, but I like it. He's just good.
Neil furiously and wearily adding to the chorus of "Hey kids, don't do heroin!"
Pitchy? But sad songs. Love the sound. Vibes 3.6
There’s nothing else quite like that Neil Young sound that makes me feel like I’m transported to the American midwest (even he mainly lived in California). There’s something so laidback on the surface but do much angst underneath. Ive always liked his music though I don't play it a lot but this is not my favourite album.
i like this album, mix between rock and country sound- want to listen to more Neil Young
Less annoying than his other albums, felt like the music was almost worth the nasal tone.
Such a fragile record - if you have a hard time with Neil Young's voice in general, this is going to be torture. Perhaps not quite on the level of other Young records on the list, but still pretty terrific.
The fact that this might not be in my top 5 Neil Young albums just speak to the quality of this man’s songwriting.
Solid Neil Young album.
I consider myself in general a Neil fan but I'd never really listened to this one. I skew more towards early Neil so I was excited to give this one a listen. it was a little bit of a mixed bag, but overall I enjoyed it. I tend to like the more aggressive Neil songs and the quieter stuff has to hit me just right. a lot of the songs here were on the quiet side but they didn't really grip me a while lot. it was still good, but not in my top tier of his albums.
Ólíkt Harvest og On the beach er ég ekki alveg að kaupa þessa. Mellow my mind er æðislegt lag, en Mick Hucknall fer miklu betur með það en Neil gat sjálfur. Restin er ekki svo eftirminnileg. Fínt en kallar ekki á mig. - Svo hlustaði ég aftur, hækkaði í fjarka. Rosalegt Je ne sais quoi í gangi. Stend samt við Mellow my mind dóminn,.
Nice album. Like it
4.5/5
Not Neil's best, but I did still quite like it
I hadn't listened to this one by Neil before, but I really enjoyed it!
Fairly slow paced, somber even. Great songs and story telling. Solid album all the way through.
F yeah. 4.0
So good! 4/5
Ripped this straight through and was not disappointed. Plenty of crusty blues rock, with several more "tender" songs that come through well. Among those in the latter category, Borrowed Tune is a sincere toned down ballad that is book-ended by fuzzed out jams World on a String and Come on Baby Let's Go Downtown. Albequerque and Tired Eyes are two other standouts in my mind. Both tap into a southern rock aesthetic complete with slide guitar and extended harmonica solos. But where Albequerque feels more reflective and restrained Tired Eyes has a pleading tone with the repeated refrain "please take my advice." This is a great album that flows start to finish. I've listened 3 times through and have enjoyed each listen independently. For me this is a high 4.
4 stars. Love me some Neil Young, such a great voice. Not sure I have ever listened to this album. i really liked it.
I feel like I should listen to Neil Young more. His vocals are hit or miss but the bluesy elements he adds to his songs rule. Just some good ol fashioned rock n roll.
rockin neil young album
All the Neil Young is starting to blur together. I was less familiar with this album than others, but still enjoyed it.
Meh not his best. Its always good cause he is a strong songwriter but music is not my prefered one. Album flows great, really good musicianship. good album just not better than harvest or everybody knows
What a fine balance is struck here as Neil rejects his prosperity. There would be no going gentle in the JT mode, trying to recreate "Heart of Gold," inch-perfect as that song is. Probably his vocally warbliest effort (who would sing/enunciate "Albuqueque" in just that way?) – and by design, too, one suspects, in an obvious seeking after authenticity (mostly drunken authenticity, it seems). It's lyrically ragged, too. But, somehow, and rather in spite of itself, the whole thing comes off somehow. Like Joni Mitchell, Mr. Young was not afraid to be utterly sloppy in presentation, often putting his emotional needs front and center in these records. Such an approach can register as lovely human vulnerability ("Speaking Out," "Borrowed Tune," "Tired Eyes") but can play as self-indugence or exhibitionism (and does, frequently, in the hands of lesser imitators). "Albuqueque" is seriously underrated in his canon. One thinks Bowie and NY make a most interesting comparison in terms of their career shifts and stylistic diversions. This is a strong and substantive effort that shows what an artist in transition can deliver, extending great early work and creating space for many further evolutions to come, and showing why he was such a justifiable influence on so many acts.
Another great Neil Young record, this is one of his bleakest offerings following the overdoses of two friends, a band member and a roadie. It’s a heavier blues rock inspired sound than his work up to this point (or at least the albums I’ve heard) without quite reaching the grunginess of Rust Never Sleeps a few years later. It’s not one of my favourite Young albums but still an important stepping stone in his legacy
Love it. 4
Should have rated Harvest higher
Great record. Hard to give it five stars when there are other better Neil records, but not many... hmmm...
It's Neil, of course sometimes the vocal is a bit "off". And he appears to be a very grumpy man. But it sounds beautiful, and that's what matters.
Pretty good!
Great blues rock and folk rock. The album has a loose and live feel that makes it one of the most purely enjoyable Neil Young records I’ve heard. Fun, easy listening.
Enjoyable stuff
Excellent!
Neil Young rarely dissapoints!
Likeable and listenable, with a Stones-esque sneering rock edge.
Good stuff of course but not his best, not as many bangers but was lovely to listen to.
More to add to my late life discovery of Neil Young
oh mannnnnn.
Very chill album. I have enjoyed it.
I liked the album surprisingly well. I always enjoy listening to Neil Young from time to time. 4/5
I think I’ve been sleeping on Neil, another awesome album I had never even heard of.
Very cool? Nice… smooth like rocks and jazz. Boopy, moody/moovy and very groovy-psychedelic. Short album. 6.9/10.
No había escuchado antes a Neil Young y la verdad es que me ha gustado mucho. Lo volveré a escuchar!
Not a huge Young fan but a solid album.
Easy 4 star
What an album. I actually really enjoyed this one. Probably an 8.5/10
Well, this is classic Neil. Maybe it’s just me but the album flows nicely from one song to another like it’s one big performance piece. Other than that, here it is, existing in the realm of good but with an unexplainable way of describing why it is good. Choice cut: Speaking out
A eulogy-in-song for two friends lost to overdoses within 2 months of each other. He played the entire (unreleased) album at shows before touching any hit, which audiences hated, but Neil didn’t give a shit. It’s not all easy to listen to, but that’s the point. “Go Downtown” is one of my favorites, a cool insert of Danny Whitten’s live voice on what’s essentially his own memorial album.
Always loved this album. That has not changed.
Excellent album - love me some Neil
This one of the good ones.
groovin.
Okay. This might be the Neil Young that I actually like. This is mostly leaning into the blues side of him, and I kinda liked it. I'm shocked, too.
Sending this to the boys chat before they all come over to smoke weed and fill their bellies with diet soda and play burnout revenge for the ps2
couldn't stand the dude, but it's growing on me mellow my mind albuquerque lookout joe tired eyes
This is alright. I didn’t think it was memorable until I listened the 2nd time, it was easy to vibe with, some lyrics are a bit cheesy-cringe but I like the harmonica. Nothing stood out to save, and I probably wouldn’t listen again
A real mix in here - lounge singining, blues, Country, rock and roll. Somehow it works, but doesn't reach the heights of Rust Never Sleeps or After the Gold Rush
A rock and roll party album made oddly eerie when I listen closer and read the backstory. Still so strange to have the immaculate band up against Neil's... well, very *Neil* voice. It all kinda works, though.
You know, it's been a while since I got an album from Neil Young, and even longer since I got one that didn't have "& Crazy Horse" in the artist credit. Although, Crazy Horse is still important to this album's story, as it was dedicated to one of the band's then-recently deceased members. Anyways, this album's alright. I don't really have any major issues, but I still feel like something small might be missing. The positives of the other Neil Young albums I've gotten are still here. I like his singing, he's good at writing, and the sound is great. There's some common themes, which is usually nice to see. This isn't my favorite Neil Young album so far. If anything, it's probably the least interesting so far. However, this is still a solid album that I would consider good. Light 4/5.
Enjoyed this - chilled
Lekker albumpie
Pretty effing great. Blues zay as hell.
4-5 New Mama
This is a good album, and I like how he mentions the people he’s mourning by name instead of just ‘he’ or a fake name - it grounds it in realism more and makes it feel more genuine when you know exactly who the subjects of the song are. That being said, a lot of the songs here just aren’t as good as some on his other albums; I prefer this to Ragged Glory and, to an extent, Everybody Knows This is Nowhere, but I otherwise don’t get as much out of it as others of his.
4.0
7.5 loved some parts and didn't like some others, being in Manchester and being exposed to terrible live music elevates the sound of this album a lot
Man, Neil is just not a great singer, or at least I don't like his voice, at all. His lyrics are really good, though. If he would have been content to just be a songwriter for a different vocalist, this would be top tier stuff. Everything except the vocals on this is incredible. Like, an easy 10 if any other professional singer is taking lead.
While the story behind the album is moving, I didn’t enjoy the songs quite as much as some of his other albums. Still good though!
All I knew of Neil Young before this album was Harvest Moon, and not even his version but the Poolside cover. This blew me away though, I thought it was awesome and had very expressive guitar. I do think the album started strong and started to wane in the back half, but I still really enjoyed this. My favorites were Speakin' Out and World on a String.
On tämäkin ihan uskottava folkrock levy. Hyvä Niilo! 4/5
I liked this. Raw blues rock played by Neil Young. I'd never previously heard anything off this album, but it's just good.
I was surprised I enjoyed this a lot - I finally understood why there was a Neil Young hype now.
So good. Neil Young's voice is like a warm night underneath the stars.
Favorite Tracks: Tonight’s the Night Come On Baby Let’s Go Downtown New Mama
some good stuff on here. groovy guitar, good lyrical flow
Great album, Neil Young is one of the greatest songwriters ever. Only reason that it's not 5 stars is that it's not as good as Harvest or After the Gold Rush
I know a few Neil Young songs, none of which are on this album. I started listening to this but turned it off part way through. I wasn't feeling it, but I knew that was a reaction of my mental state at the time. I went and did other things for a few hours and then came back to it. I'm glad I did that because this is a good album. Not quite 5 stars but certainly a high 4.
BL: Neil Young is one of those artists who’s admiration is always high amongst my parents and grandparents generation but I never really delved into him, almost being a complete myth for me, I’m not really sure what he does - he could be a Tom Jones figure or a Beatles-esque figure, I’m not sure. But I shall see AL: I liked this a lot. As a big fan of Jason Molina I can now see where a major influence lies. While this differs and adopts a slightly more rock oriented sound than a folky sound, the comparisons cannot be ignored. Very awesome, sad songs for the late night. Highly recommended and will definitely become part of my listening repertoire FT: “Borrowed Tune”, “Mellow on my Mind”, “Tonight’s the night pt.II” 4/5
I love this record and miss it on Spotify often.
I enjoyed this album for the most part. I do like Neil Young quite a bit.
Very melancholic Neil, feels like you're in a smoky bar with a small band playing in the corner. Gives a great atmosphere, Neil really leans into his voice in ways that I feel most would find off-putting, but works given the emotion he's feeling. Not an easy listen, but definitely the work of an incredible songwriter and artist.
B-
This is my least favorite of the Ditch Trilogy, perhaps somewhat controversially. I still think it's very good - a high 4 stars, with the second half of the album being a bit stronger than the first in my opinion - but I definitely prefer On the Beach and the underrated Time Fades Away. 4/5
Fungerede meget bedre for mig end den sidste Neil Young vi havde! Hans stemme passer virkelig godt til arrangementerne og stemningen
Elsker Neil Youngs mærkelige stemme så meget. Den her plade er skramlet og mega fed.
i have a great affection for NY even though or perhaps because he often seems like a complete tool
I liked this better than I expected.
Rough and ragged (even by NY's standards) and certainly not his best, but engaging and authentic nonetheless. "Speaking Out" has a warbly poignance with a great solo from Nils adding to the sloppy sweetness. "Mellow My Mind" is good, too, if also prescribing what Neil was trying to do. The record gets steadily better with "Albuquerque" and "New Mama" offering considerable value and “Tired Eyes” is aching, near heartbreaking in its sweetness with (again) a high warble factor, in combo with some spoken word action. He does make himself vulnerable in his art, doesn't he? This sounds exactly like what it was: a pivotal album, albeit one that perhaps freed this unique artist to grow through further and freer exploration.
As a purported Neil Young fan, I have slept on this album. Shame on me. Lots of top notch stuff. Even picked up the guitar to learn Albequerque and Borrowed Tune.
It’s good but I can’t explain why. I think it’s because it feels genuine. Listens: 2 Fave Track: Borrowed Tune Rating: 4
Not on Spotify
Not my favorite of his, still very good
Not my favorite, but still a very moving record.
This is a fantastic album. Not every song stands out but it all blends well and the guitar work with his vocals mesh perfectly. Great lyrics. I'm tempted to give it a 5 but there are stronger albums of his and not every song is as strong.
Oddly, although I consider myself a pretty big fan of Neil Young I don't think I've ever heard this as a complete album. Obviously it's great. More country than a lot of his stuff, which might be more of an acquired taste for some; but I really enjoyed it.
Really enjoyed this one. Could really feel the emotion throughout.
Neil Young, for as good as he is, is at his best when he rocks. Rust Never Sleeps is evidence of this, but so are the songs on Tonight's the Night. It is, however, quite a slow album, taking it's time to tell each story. Not my favorite of the Neil Young catalogue, but still worth a listen.
Habe ich mir gerne angehört. Die Album länge ist optimal und so gut wie jeder Song ist für sich stimmug. Gut gefällt mir der Song "Borrowed Tune" mit der Musik von "Lady Jane" der Rolling Stones. 7.2/10
Fun fact about Neil Young is that disliking him in Canada is considered high treason and is punishable by death.
It really sounds like they are on a stage performing these songs live Neil's not the strongest singer, but his songwriting is great Borrowed Tune, World on a String, Albuquerque, New Mama, all highlights Some of the other tracks don't hit quite as hard 3.5 stars.
Very enjoyable album
An album I’m sure Neil Young would have preferred to have never recorded—given the subject matter—stands out as one of the most emotionally resonant and hauntingly intimate entries in his expansive discography.
4 stars always for Uncle Neil
Very good reminder of the importance of context. Listened to this album with absolutely 0 pre-reading (or even knowledge of Neil Young to be truthful) and hated it (besides wonderful occasional guitar solos). Young's voice has the Dylan-esque "songwriter not singer" but the lyrics didn't hit on a first pass. After a full listen through I decided to do some reading up as I really couldn't understand why it would be seen as one of the greatest albums of all time It's almost entirely changed by the context. Neil and the label also held my critiques of it sonically / out of context - and the more I read into the stories of Danny Whitten and Bruce Berry, the more I approached it differently and it soared in my appreciation. Neil: "I know the first time I listened back on Tonight's The Night it was the most out-of-tune thing I'd ever heard. Everybody's off-key. I couldn't hack it... When I handed it to Warner's, they hated it. " And yet, once I'd read into it and reappproached it as a hurried, desperate attempt at processing grief, my god is it heartbreaking and becomes a masterpiece. When you know what it's aiming for, it becomes amazing at expressing that as the most raw purging of those emotions Highlights: Speakin out (phenomenal guitar solo) Borrowed tune (so vulnerable) Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown (recorded live 4 years prior with lead vocals from Danny, who the album is partly grieving the death of) Albuquerque Tired eyes Tonight's The Night pt 1 & 2
Great Neil album! Raw, and unapologetic rock songs like Mellow My Mind, Come on Baby Let's Go Down Town, . ALBUQUERQUE, and the title track(s). The last album of the "ditch" trilogy and probably the best of it.
I didn’t care for this as much in the first listen. But inspired by others saying this is part of a trilogy, I listened to the two albums before this and then this album. It really is such a far way from Harvest, the album that Neil was trying to get away from. It’s much darker and meandering and dirty. It was cool to hear in each album how he was expanding and experimenting. I came to appreciate the album more once I learned the backstory of grief and drug addiction as well. I’m excited to give it more listens and understand it better
Good folk album - makes me feel vulnerable.
Quite liked this, a lot of the songs caught my interest. While listening l was never really sure if Neil Young could actually sing, which is the same for a lot of my favourite singers, prefer it when people sound interesting even if they aren't actually that good. It wouldn't say it's an essential listen but glad it came up. 3.5
I'm quite the fan of this type of music. I'm more familiar with Neil Young as part of CSNY - I've mentioned previously that Deja Vu is absolutely excellent - but I can't say I've listened to a lot of his solo work. This is some ride. I can't say I picked out any one particular song that stood out (maybe as I had to listen through YouTube) but it had the great jangly guitars, felt like it was performed in a desert with the acoustics. Atmospheric, powerful lyrics. One of my highest-rated 4s.
Wouldn't say I'm overly familiar with Neil young, but I've listened to harvest before. Not heard this one though. Enjoyed it, I think perhaps harvest is better, but this was very good too. He's got a really distinctive voice, and Jamie is right, he can't really sing. But there's something about him which makes it sound great. Feels like the type of album which would grow on me. I'll be back
incredible!
I had never heard this album before, despite loving Harvest since I was a teenager. This is a great album, and the tragic context adds weight throughout. One I will listen to again.
This feels like stuff I’d hear at an old and gloomy run down bar. I like that feeling. It’s good, Neil’s voice is weird though at parts, and there’s some mastering issues, but it was still good. Didn’t blow me away or anything.
nice
Un gran álbum del legendario canadiense. Con interpretaciones casi esqueléticas, el aclamado músico en este punto de su carrera se dio el lujo de retroceder unos cuantos pasos e interpretar country y blues de manera semi-acústica sin la ayuda de su banda Crazy Horse, comenzando los 4 años de antesala de lo que será su obra maestra "Rust Never Sleeps".
It’s Neil and I like Neil and his choppy guitar style so I like this. Has a bit of a bluesy approach. Tonight’s the Night is an obvious standout but I really enjoyed Roll Another Number. 4 stars
Favourite songs: Come on Baby Let's Go Downtown, Roll Another Number (For the Road), Lookout Joe, World on a String, Speakin' Out, Borrowed Tune Least favourite songs: Albuquerque 4/5
Have it, it was good not even in my top 5 Neil Young albums.
This made me realised I've missed Neil since he came off Spotify. Not my favourite of his, but still great.
really enjoyable
Good until Neil young does that thing with his voice. Y’all know what I’m talking about.
Good but not essential to be on this list with 6 other Neil Young albums, at least 5 of which make more sense
This album is not on spotify
Beter dan verwacht, goede nummers en af en toe erg beklemmend.
pretty good but why is this the 4th neil young album i've gotten out of 80 albums generated
This album is good. I enjoyed the looseness of it and the rawness. I think this is one where having the background on it is important. Without it, it would have been like a 3/5, but with it, I feel more like a 3.75/5 3.75/5
Another great Neil album, but it doesn’t really have any true classics of his. Although what IS a classic Neil Young song, the kind you’d expect to see him play, besides “Heart of Gold”? Still fucks, though. B
What a Great record! Neil Young is a genius.
Took some time to get to listen to this one given Neil Young’s boycott of Spotify, but glad his music is finally back on the platform. This album has a very live late night bar band feel to it. Like it’s near closing time, the alcohol and drugs have been flowing for hours, and we’ve all realized the inescapable heaviness of life. A lot of tragedy surrounded this album, and it shows in the fragility of the vocals and song structures. I had never heard it before, but could see how this could easily become a favorite from his catalog. I’m torn between 3 and 4, because I don’t think even 5 listens is enough to make a call, it’s definitely a deep album. Will round up for the memories of Danny Whitten and Bruce Berry.
Expected nothing, but honestly really liked this one. The whole album had a dimly lit, intimate mood and I actually dug it. The songwriting was elevated by the stripped down approach which really brought the tunes to life. I'm not quite sure about this being a massively bold move artistically like many say, but it at least turned a new leaf for Young.
So far I like this album. It has that classic rock blues sound which is so lovable. The pianos and guitars just blend together so well. It's just peaceful pub music to me. His voice has just got the right amount of scratch in it. It's a shame I couldn't find this on Spotify. Just YouTube so I did have to watch a lot of ads. My mum heard me listening to it and appreciated that I was listening to Neil Young since she grew up listening to his music. She ended up listening to the other half of it. It was a good experience.
🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬🚬
OK, so there's a couple of thugs that have to be said about this. Musically, it is an exceptional album. Apart from the country stuff, obviously, that's painful. What's also painful is Young's voice. It is appalling. How on earth did he ever make it as a singer when he can't bloomin' sing? It's actively embarrassing listening to him miss notes, waver his voice around wildly where he's clearly wanting to hold... Jeez Anyway, I think I quite enjoyed, asides from the country stuff.
Unable to listen. Love Neil Young but have not been able to hear anything.
LP
This is the most I have liked Neil Young, listening to the whole album helped.
I'm a big Neil Young fan, especially Harvest Moon, but I hadn't really ever given this album a listen. Enjoyed it quite a bit!
8/10 far from Neil Young’s best, but still a pretty solid album
I didn't know as many songs off this as Harvest. Overall I really liked it.
I'll always be a sucker for Neil Young. This one isn't as grabby as some of his other stuff, and you know I love to be grabbed. But it's still got all that Neil Young texture and Neil Young atmosphere and I dig it.
I’m playing catch up here, but thoroughly enjoyed this. “Mellow my Mind” is so dang good. I need to see Neil live before one of us dies.
I enjoyed these songs. Neil Young is good and I like his voice.
Somehow, I'd missed this Neil Young album through the years. I like it. It's very raw. Sounds kinda like it was mostly recorded live, warts n' all. That's not to say there are any warts, other than the endearing kind.
I love this album. It’s got a lot of different moods on it and there is a warmth and humor to it.
Outstanding! Neil was going for a "grungier" sound at this time in his career, not being swayed by commercial considerations, and as a result he has produced an album of powerful songs with a loose instrumental feel.
Much better than I was expecting. Rating 3.8
This album has always painted an image in my head of a depressed nightclub singer drowning his sorrows at the end of the night. This feeling might be because it was written shortly after the deaths of two of Young's friends -- there is certainly a moroseness that permeates most of the album. "Tired Eyes" is certainly one of my favorite by Young. I think this is a 5-star album, all things considered, but it hasn't quite reached that level for me, yet. I could see myself heavily disagreeing with my 4-star rating in a matter of years.
Really good Neil Young album that I hadn't heard yet.
I always find the entry into this record a tough listen. Tonight’s the night, a lament to a lost friend is dark and depressing. The vocal is strained and the song hangs for a little too long. But once over this hurdle the album kicks on. World On A String is the first standout for me. It marches along, gets the foot tapping, guitar front and centre. Borrowed Time is Young on his own, piano and harmonica. The lyrics are beautiful. One of the things that I adore about NY is his guitar tone and ragged musicianship. Albuquerque is the first time that I really hear it on TtN, the harmonica and that quiet growling guitar. The song itself meanders with that wonderful chorus. Lookout Joe is another terrific bar room style rocker, the whole band chiming in on the vocal and a great little riff running throughout. Tired Eyes is a great title for a song that sounds worn out, disheveled, broken almost unsteady on its feet. Young telling us to, “Please take my advice”. TtN isn’t the record you put on in the background or at a summer BBQ with friends, god that would be awful. This is a record for the end of the day, preferably after dark. It’s a record about life, friendships and loss. Young does this better than anyone else.
AJ: I miss my dad. “I love Neil. But if you give him to much of your time, he’ll kill ya.” Thanks a lot, Uncle.
Veldig, veldig mye heroin.
Whoa. That was amazing. Am I a Neil Young fan now?? Standouts: Tonight's the Night, Speakin' Out, World on a String, Borrowed Tune, Come on Baby Let's Go Downtown, Mellow My Mind, Albuquerque
Some really lovely tracks here, slightly watered down by what felt to me to be some relatively bog-standard blues. The charm definitely wins out though, and Young's voice does a lot over simple, live band compositions. Three and a half. Fave track: Borrowed Tune
Première écoute très apre. Production minimaliste, chant approximatif. On sent que tout a été enregistré en une prise, que tout le monde est bourré, défoncé, déprimé. Album sur le deuil et ses effets sur un groupe de musicien, et d'un coup ça devient plus intéressant et touchant.
The final installment of the Ditch Trilogy, in which Neil Young mediates on death and despair. Rough around the edges but with Young’s trademark soulful lyricism, Tonight’s the Night sees one of Canada’s musical treasures rediscover the joy of music and performance after the massive success of Harvest.
this is a powerful album. themes of death, despair and addiction permeate within the songs. neil young’s voice, both his literal singing voice as well as his artistic voice, portrays vulnerability. i understand that his vocals may be an acquired taste for some, but his voice is what makes the songs sound authentic. they are from someone who has been through some shit. highlights: “tonight’s the night”, “world on a string”, “come on baby, let’s go downtown”, “tired eyes”.
His off key voice shouldn't work but it does. The harmonies are CSNY quality. Harmonica outstanding. Steel guitar masterful. Albuquerque, I never get tired of this music, listened to it over and over again back in the day. One of my favorite all time Neil Young songs. Album is raw. I wonder if he ever did a do over? Could have been more polished if he tried to please the consumer but that is his style.
I'm normally not super into Neil Young, but I really enjoyed this one. Has to do in part with how full and rich the band sounds. There's an edge and forcefulness to the songs that I'm responding to. Sounds like he was not in a great place emotionally when he was writing and recording this, which is perhaps contributing to that.
Though I prefer the album "Zuma" from this period, it's still a good loose rocker from Neil.
This really is a great listen, one of my favourite Neil Young albums, even if the best tune is a borrowed one.
Billed out
There’s something special about the sound of this record. Very fluid with country stylings. I’m a fan
Gilla de, tror ja kommer bli mer förälskad om ja lyssnar men kom plide ti spotify Neil
Really good country-influenced singer songwriter and folk rock album with mostly lowkey instrumentation with some exceptions such as Let’s Go Downtown. I really enjoyed the two country sounding tracks Roll Another Number and Albuquerque. There are no real weak tracks however I do think the album gets better as it goes along.
Another banger from Mr. Young
not on spotify had to use youtube
Solid Neil.
4.5
Really enjoyed this album.
Seems like a solid folk album, I think I enjoyed it a little more than the other Neil Young. The fact its not on spotify is a little frustrating
4,5
Great! 4/5 "I'm climbing this ladder My head in the clouds I hope that it matters" Standouts: Borrowed Tune, Tonight's The Night, World on a String, Mellow My Mind, Lookout Joe, Tired Eyes, Tonight's The Night, Part II.
Just classic Neil Young, he’s good. alberqueque and the album closer are the highlights
Pretty descent, just wish he'd put his shit back on Spotify and quit being a Chauncy
Not his best work but even then, Neil is at a high level of music, never a bad album
Simultaneously energetic and sad. Great guitar work here as well. One of the better NY albums in my opinion.
Nice… felt myself loving it more and more as it went on. At first I was hoping for the more folky NY, but he had me hooked.
Folk-rock de Neil Young. Le pongo un 4 por ser quien es.
No es mi favorito, pero ...
Folk-rock de Neil Young. Le pongo un 4 por ser quien es.
I really miss having Neil on Spotify.
Canny, easy listening, would listen to again
I liked this quite a bit. Note: the album is not currently available on Spotify but you can find the full album on youtube and elsewhere
Reeking of sadness and personal directionless, Neil Young really poured his heart out on this album.
I love Neil Young. "Freedom" is one of my favorite albums of his. BUT. I keep going back and forth with Neil's voice. It's the part that gives me the biggest trouble. At first, I likened it to Ian Anderson's nasally whine. So I was ok with it. But HERE, there's a few of the songs that it _really_ grates on me. He's trying too hard and singing too high, and it just doesn't sit well with me. (Particularly "Mellow My Mind".) The song lyrics are great, but the singing on those 2 or three songs kinda kill it for me.
I generally dig Neil Young - prior to the 1001 albums I hadn't listened closely to much beyond his greatest hits but I was really blown away by On the Beach. This album is good, but not blow me away good. Many of the songs are pretty basic and he seemed to put even less effort into singing quality than usual (and that's saying something). There were some tracks I liked a lot - Borrowed Tune is a beautiful, captivating track...just Neil on piano and harmonica. I liked Tonight's the Night (both versions). Speakin' Out had some great instrumental breaks (great Nils Lofgren guitar solo). I also liked Lookout Joe (particularly the chord progression during the verses). New Mama had a nice a capella ending. So, plenty of good moments, but not 5-worthy.
Neil Young is a musician I admire a lot. I think I got started with CSNY and then worked my way through many of his very fine albums. I've seen him live when he opened for Dave Matthews. I have discovered a lot of his albums over the years, but I definitely don't think I've heard his entire expansive catalogue. For example, I just really started enjoying 'On the Beach'. This album was new to me, but I found it really terrific. Another reason to be a fan is that Neil Young is always on the side of ethics. He told Spotify to stick it to protest their promotion of Joe Rogan's insane COVID conspiracy theories. And he stuck to it. That's exactly the correct place to be. I don't like live albums generally as much as studio albums unless I was at the show, so while some of his albums are fives for me, this one is a four.
My favorite part of the album, by far, is the guitar part on World On A String, specifically the defending low notes at the end of each phrase. The guitar part isn’t overly complicated, but it’s engaging as hell. Although it’s more subtle, I also dig the guitar riff on New Mama. And the pedal steel guitar is a nice touch throughout. My only complaint for this album was about the vocals on Mellow My Mind where Neil occasionally strains his voice. I just thought it was terrible at first, but it happens on the lyric, “Ain’t got nothing on those feelings that I had,” which comes after lines about being on the road and loneliness. So I now think the strained voice is on purpose to convey his feelings of stress and despair. The biggest take away, other than finding another album to enjoy, is that how I listen to an album makes a big difference. Some might say duh. I initially listened to this on my drive to/from work. I was left with the World On A String guitar take and not much else because I couldn’t really hear what’s going on. When listening again through headphones, the experience was vastly improved. There are many subtleties to hear, which is difficult to do at 60 mph. This realization makes me think that Neil might have had a point with his high definition, studio quality audio service idea, Pono. It didn’t pan out because not people can’t hear, or don’t care about, the difference. I’m no audiophile, but being able to hear the involution on this album helped me appreciate it much more.
A beautiful record by one of the greatest artists of his generation.
Very good, albeit a bit maudlin at points. Of course, that was the intention, given the back story. Interesting to hear it was poorly rated at the time, but it's far from the only album on the list that this applies to. Not on Spotify (Joe Rogan still sucks).
Ok
Ramshackle but still great. And it has Nils Lofgren!
Not on Spotify. But I liked what other songs he had available.
I loved this album, it was emotional and bluesy. Annoying its not on spotify so cant add to any playlists... but really enjoyed this ablum!
Neil Young is amazing, and this is classic album that shows it.
Another great album from Neil, kinda underrated if you ask me. But maybe not since it's included here. Albuquerque, Mellow My Mind and Tired Eyes are my favorite songs on this, they're all really touching, but I also like the rawness of the more rock songs. So yeah, great album.
Great and smooth album from the young Neil. Not one of my favorites from the guy, but still very enjoyable!
Neil Young as so many albums close to perfection, this one is slighty under some of his masterpiece, therefore it's a 4 for me. But I still enjoy it.
Borrowed Tune, Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown, Mellow My Mind, Albuquerque, New Mama, Tired Eyes... This is a collection of beautiful songs by one of my favourite singer/songwriter ever. The only thing that prevent me of giving it 5 stars is that this is album is not in my top 5 Neil Young. But this is surely a great one.
Unfortunately unavailable on Spotify for me... Had to listen on YouTube which is a pity. I've not had opportunity to listen to much Neil Young beside a stray song here or there. I like the more rocky and less country songs on this album. Fav tracks: World on a String, Come on Baby Let's Go Downtown, Albuquerque, Lookout Joe, Tired Eyes
Listen, not every track is winner, but there's some good shit here. Best track: Lookout Joe
This might be my favorite Neil Young I’ve heard. It’s simple and artistic. I don’t always love his voice but it worked for me on this album. Borrowed Tune especially stood out to me.
Good album... it is a shame he became a snowflake and left spotify...
not his best but good
I didn't know this album, so sad but so honest and coherent
So far my favorite Neil Young album on this list.
Ol grumpy NY. Not on Spotify but I own this one. Always feels a bit drunken. It was written following the death of 2 band members that died through drug overdoses. It feels much more darker than the brightness of Harvest. A solid affair with gravitas. 4
A lot more bluesy than his other live albums
Cheers to Neil for making an album I enjoy. Didn't think that was possible. His vocal performance conveys the trauma he's dealing with really well. I'd absolutely listen to this regularly, or at least when I'm working through my own stuff. This gives me hope I'll find other albums of his to enjoy. Much better than whatever other album of his I listened to.
Unmistakable voice
Earthy, raw, haggard sound. The album starts out shaky, but just gets progressively better as you go, until it's pretty damn excellent. The hurt underpinning these songs is palpable, to the point where it feels almost intrusive listening to it. But wow, what a journey. I feel like I've learned a lot about Neil Young listening to this album. Fave Songs: Albuquerque, Tired Eyes, Lookout Joe, Roll Another Number (For the Road), New Mama, Come on Baby Let's Go Downtown, Tonight's the Night
This was probably good it's been a while
Spotify doesn’t have it. Didn’t get a chance to…
4/5 Great album. Good combo of folk / country / story-telling / jam that really fits well in that space.
Niel Young never came off as inauthentic, which is more than you can say for some other 1970s acts.
Neil sounds terrible, and it hits the spot. I dunno, this supposed trilogy is just really getting me so far. To put it in slightly less personal terms, this is the kind of set the Piano Man's playing before Joel swoops in and polishes it up. And I like that song, too.
Wow, how is it that I've never before listened to this album, and really haven't heard much from it? Raw, emotional, intense, rough-around-the-edges, and ultimately beautiful. While I appreciate Neil's integrity, it's too bad you can't listen to this on Spotify, otherwise I would put this on repeat for the day. 4 stars.
I almost always enjoy Neil Young, but other than "old" vs "new," I can't say I can tell much apart between them. Maybe spending more time with Neil would help. This was a pleasant listen.
Rating: 7/10
Enjoyed this one of NY’s better albums.
Neil Young ...so many revere him, so many can't stand him. I don't think it's necessarily an either/or, and I tend to straddle the line a lot with him. I like him ok but would never call myself a fan; dad had a few of his old records I listened to as a kid so there's some nostalgia involved. But this one I don't know much about at all so I was kind of pleased to hear it... ...this one is raw. I wouldn't think I'd like something like this; often sounds like they just threw two mics in a room, didn't worry about levels or compression, and just went for it... but man it seems perfect especially on the title track which is great. It ends up being my favourite cut on the album (although "Borrowed Time" is also outstanding) but I have to say I like this. nothing groundbreaking - it doesn't have the same soft emotional touch of something like After The Gold Rush...it's raw and more basic and drives harder. I feel like if this were recorded today it would have been massively overproduced and ruin the vibe. Aggressive and more in your face than previous Neil records I've heard. I gave this a second spin and liked it even more, this might be my fave of his. (specific mention for the very cool solo by Nils Lofgren on "Speakin Out") 8/10 4 stars.
had to switch to youtube to listen to this album. started listening to this thinking it would be some overrated piece only there because it had the name neil young to it. but surprisingly i couldnt keep noticing the great songwriting
I enjoyed this album. Not all of the songs drew me in, but I can see where they might grow on me after listening a few times. Favorite songs: World on a String, Come on Baby Let's Go Downtown, and Roll Another Number.
Love the man - tuneful and angry despite that reedy voice
Really loved this. It's got such a warm, analogue feel to it. I had no idea this album even existed. The Wiki page description about the circumstances surrounding the album match up perfectly with the music. I would probably give this a 5 if I was overly familiar with it. Four stars will do now for. I've just bought a copy on CD and so we'll see over the coming months.
Neil Young in his darkest of times. Coping with the lost of his bandmate and roadie from separate heroin overdoses, he writes in his linear notes, "I'm sorry. You don't know these people. This means nothing to you." The world is bleak, and he sounds full of regret and disgust with where his life has taken him. Songs like "Lookout Joe" and "Roll Another Number" simultaneously display a display yet resent for his past, particularly due to the political turmoil of the Vietnamese War. In "Albuquerque," Young screws everything and just drives. He says he has a destination in mind, but the other verses feel like he's just trying to get away from it all. Hell, the title track is Young grieving over one of them, unable to think much further beyond the repeated title line. The songs are really solemn. It's mostly country rock, but you don't get that vibe going in. 4 of the first 5 tracks are hard and bluesy. Oddly enough, "Borrowed Tune" (a desperate ballad) is sandwiched between the two hardest tracks on the album. He quickly loses that style in "Mellow My Mind," only reclaiming that with "Lookout Joe." Young has always been controversial for his voice. There's many who adore and many who despise it. I'm one of the former, and his voice suits these songs especially well. You can hear the anguish in his voice, it hurts in some areas. Most heartbreaking in "Tired Eyes." I'm a fan of all the songs. It's one of those where you have to pay attention to the lyrics to appreciate it more, not just for their own sake, but also because they reinforce some melodies that may otherwise be perceived as uninspired. In the weaker tracks, I can find elements to relish, such as the CSNY-esque harmonious vocals of "New Mama." The track ordering is fine. I'd probably just move "Borrowed Tune" down. Favorites: Tonight's the Night, Speaking Out, Mellow My Mind, Tired Eyes
Digging through the ditch can have a effect on somebody, especially when that person has experienced trauma whilst flying close to the sun. It isn't pretty. That was probably intentional. One can come out of it only one way, not the way that can be associated with clarity and optimism. That way can only be relentlessly bleak weariness. Many artists have looked towards this ditch and can gleam various things to attach to their art, but they don't go in; there's no reason to. Only one had done the work for them, they just need to learn. Favorites: Tonight's the Night (Pt. 1 & 2), Borrowed Tune, Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown, Mellow Mind, Roll Another Number (For the Road), Tired Eyes.
This looks to be the last of the Neil Young albums for me. I really go into Tonight's the Night but the rest of the album didn't really grab me so I would normally give this a 3 but since I've given Neil a few 4s I'll bump this.
Solid Neil album. A few classic songs.
You couldn’t say that I have been much of a Neil Young fan. I’ve liked some of his music, but was never completely into his style. As the first few songs rolled out I was lukewarm. This listen has left me appreciating Neil Young’s delivery a lot more. There’s a lot of compelling emotion in how he delivers a song. The backing bands are fantastic. I really like the country-tinged songs “Roll Another Number (For The Road)” and “Albuquerque.” Other favorites were “Tonight’s the Night,” “World On A String,” “Come On Baby Let’s Go Downtown” and “Lookout Joe.” “Tonight’s The Night” has increased my appreciation of Neil Young.
This one was a new one for me. I enjoyed much of the lead guitar playing. Neil Young has a very distinct lead style that incorporates blues and jazz motifs with unusual rhythms. Some songs here miss the mark while others show Neil Young pushing himself into new territory.
classic sound, overall good
Not my favorite neil
A great album.
Frábær plata!
Very good, raw and nice 👍
Neil Young is a loser
Good stuff. One song had a bit of a rougher than usual voice. My style
Old shakey moves away from his crisp harvest sound to a more punky style. I prefer his more melodious stuff but this still rocks.
I keep thinking I can't stand Neil Young's voice, and he keeps making things that transcend that voice and make it so I really don't care. It's some kind of sorcery. This whole thing threatened to break my heart, and that was even before I read up on the background/inspirations for the album. Borrowed Tune is one of the most poignant songs I've ever heard.
This will fly in the face of the last Neil Young review I did where I think I said something to the effect that NY should be a one-man show - guitar, harmonica, and vocal. But, turns out I really like this album. It's got a bluesy rock vibe that I dig. Well done, sir.
Is it possible I have too many records? (No.) Because I'd forgotten that I have this album and I'd forgotten how bloody good, relentless and depressing it is!
hna er for vild
This was one of the three Neil LPs I had aside from compilations and live albums. That's not a lot of his stuff and it's hard to imagine how this got on my short list and into my collection but I'm glad it did. It's a fringe album and there were no hits really. I think the title track is the best known and that song was not the attraction for me. It shows a special side of Neil. My favorite songs are: 1. C'mon Baby . . ., Good ole rock n roll. 2. Roll Another Number, - Lyrics like "I long to hear that lonesome hippie smile" really talk to me. 3. Lookout Joe 4. Tired Eyes. Best song on the album. This song defines singing from the heart. "Open up your tired eyes" means: Stop being dead. Merry Fucking Christmas. Given the significance of the mirror in Tommy, our recent listen to that album has got me to start a playlist with songs that refer to mirrors. Artists use the mirror to deliver very powerful messages. Tired Eyes will be the contribution from this album. ("What do you mean he had bullet holes in his mirror?"). I am a little worried that it will be a depressing playlist but I will see how it goes.
I didn’t have much of a chance to listen to this, as I was driving to Ottawa yesterday and my co-judge and I listened to Rolling Stone Magazines top albums of 2021. Like Ragged Glory this LP has a raw, messy, one-take feel. I prefer the less electric bluesy tracks – Neil plays a pretty good piano in Speaking Out. Knowing that the album is about the recent deaths of his bandmate/roadie makes his off-key singing sound more painful.
I actually really enjoyed this album. I went in with pretty low expectations, but I came out pleasantly surprised. Each song tends to have roughly the same feel, but that's not necessarily a bad thing as that energy is the kind where it makes you want to spend some quiet time with friends around a camp fire. Musically, I think the only complaints I have are that his voice is rough around the edges and that the higher-energy songs are not as enjoyable. Favorite track: Borrowed Tune
Puhas klassikaline rock'n'roll.
Exquisite use of the harmonica.
This album has all the elements you would expect from a Neil Young album, great songwriting, great instrumentals especially guitar, but the singing on this one is rough.
I legitimately love whenever the singer for a band is low key kind of shite cause it's like they're saying "fuck you, even if I can't hit all the notes this is the music that's in my heart and I'm going to sing it anyway"
First ever listen. Definitely back for more.
Neil's done done it again!
Great Artist…. Love his music
It’s probably good. I’m just getting sick of his voice
Very groovy. Good background music for sure
It was OK.
i'll probably always think neil young is boring, but nothing against him!
I'm usually not a big Neil Young fan, I don't care for his voice, but I liked this
I hadn't heard most of this album before. Neil Young's vocals are always a little grating, but he mostly makes it work for me.
A songwriter with a questionable voice. He sounds…old on some of the upper register stuff Speakin’ Out was more country than I realized Neil Young can be. Albuquerque is fantastic.
Another good Neil Young album. 7-8/10
Not a big fan but It is a good album.
Aika raaan ja rosoisen kuuloista matskua. Toisaalta Neilin ääni kuulostaa ärsyttävältä, mutta sitten taas persoonalliselta ja kärsivältä. Tämäkin levy on sellaista tunnelmakamaa. Mieleen jäi tonights the night ja mellow my mind
pretty good! predictably, the songs with the most plays were my favorites.
More like Neil old
I don't think I had heard any of these songs from him before - really enjoyed the more bluesy sound
camping music
mega fajny álbum, super klimacik bardzo mi się podobał, co prawda bardzo prosty ale to właśnie sprawia ze super lekko się tego słucha
It's Neil Young, so of course it's good. Not his best, but still pretty good. But if you've heard Unplugged, then this version of World on a String is disappointing. New Mama is great, not heard that before.
Great album
Not my favorite Young album by a long shot, but still a fantastic collection of blues-rock tracks! The title track is incredible!
not bad
excellent, not my favorite neil but probably top 3
Borrowed Tune - a highlight. Listen to the album again.
Klasse Album, ausreichend abgespacet aber gut hörbar!
Not going to lie. Expected to poo poo on this one. I NEED to be in a NY mood and I was NOT yesterday. Surprisingly, this was beyond expectations and actually PUT me in a Neil Young mood. I am a lyrics guy, stripped that from my normal listening routine and really enjoyed this one.
Pretty enjoyable listen- I was happy to hear some familiar songs. Tonight's the Night Part II is a great jam.
Takiego Younga jeszcze nie znalem, album o wiele surowszy niz harvest czy everybody know this is no where, a potem wikiuje i podobno wiekszosc nagrana zostala podczas jednej sesji, caly material siedzial ponad 2 lata w szafie, albumik ktorego trzeba przesluchac w calosci od poczatku do konca, cos jak w przypadku dylanowych albumikow, nie tylko przez harmonijke ktora sie pojawia na kilku trackach, bo to wlasnie z dylanowa krwia na torach sie mi kojarzy ten albumik, oba sa przepelnione smutkiem, tutaj smutek po stracie przyjaciol, ktorzy przedobrzyli z niebezpiecznymi substancjami, album swietnie oddaje bol po stracie, na plejke leci tytulowy tonight is the night oraz mellow my mind
4/5
Estilo inconfundible de country-rock, con una voz característica y con canciones con ritmo. Para escuchar en diferentes estados. A falta de alguna canción más conocida en el álbum, es bastante completo