In 1970 the World was graced with one of the best albums to date, and it was all down to the genius of Neil Young. The album packed with Country Folk music that the most detached person from music could enjoy and appreciate, and this was because of the story telling lyrics, unique vocals and sheer brilliance of the songs.
The album is one that has no real weak spots because everything was carefully calculated and delivered with excellence, which the first song sets a prime example of. ‘Tell Me Why’ lets you know exactly why type of songs you’re in for throughout the album as it has a story, memorable vocals and a communal chorus. However the best is still yet to come.
Neil then brings us the first classic song on the album with ‘After the Gold Rush’, with his lyrics practically painting a picture in your mind while wrapping it with an endless ribbon of melody. As he continues to sing about lying in a burned out basement and a band playing in his head, you are completely lost in the world that he’s managed to create in this small amount of time.
He persistently does this throughout the album with songs ‘When you dance I can really Love’, ‘Southern Man’ and ‘Don’t let it Bring You Down’. Neil makes it feel like you don’t necessarily have to be a real Country folk music lover to enjoy his music as it just feels accessible to anybody who enjoys good music.
Of course there has to be a mention for ‘Only Love cane break your heart’ because it is one of the best, if not the best, heartbreak songs of all time. Neil’s voice does the song complete justice because he couldn’t have done it any better; it’s as almost if he’s playing the part of a broken hearted lover because you can hear the pain in the voice, which makes it increasingly genuine and real.
The album ends on a short number called ‘Cripple Creek Ferry’ which makes for a good ending because it leaves you with the words “Cripple Creek Ferry” rolling of the end of your tongue, which makes you want to continually sing it.
Personally this album is the best Neil Young ever recorded because of the many highlights it has throughout, and those highlights could never be created by anybody else. The record has went on to influence many musicians and there’s no doubt it will continue to do so as it one of those albums that will stand the test of time.
10/10
Words By Alex Wise @al4563
Words For Music - New Music Reviews 