Album of the Day

As Neil Young's self-titled solo debut hits the half-century mark, the collection's transitional significance is undeniable. Recorded shortly after the collapse of Buffalo Springfield, the set was described by Rolling Stone's reviewer as “in many ways, a delightful reprise of that Springfield sound done a new way,” and both the country-tinged “The Emperor Of Wyoming” and Jack Nitzsche's string arrangements recall the legendary band. But Young’s eagerness to try new things (like the backing vocals on “The Old Laughing Lady”), the buzzing electric guitar of “The Loner” and of course that haunting, fragile voice would quickly become hallmarks of the singer-songwriter. An auspicious start to a long and distinguished career, NEIL YOUNG is heartfelt, ambitious and well worth revisiting.