Let’s face it, Neil Young has one of the most annoying voices on the planet. His high tones remind of what a eunuch would sound like if they were to sing. But Neil Young has a gift for songwriting and makes that ridiculously high voice work to his advantage. It just goes to show that you don’t need to have the most beautiful voice in the world to be a successful musician; which brings hope to people like me.
If I could describe this album with one word, it would be ‘raw.’ Some of Young’s later works sound over-produced and too blocky. While listening though the album you’ll hear Young playing guitar, piano, and harmonica, all of which add a singer/songwriter feel to his music. This album is one Young’s best by a long shot.
After the Gold Rush was originally released in 1970, just a few months after Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s album Deja Vu. This album went gold only two months after its’ release, and then in 1986 it went double platinum. Though Harvest is helped make Young known to the world, Gold Rush may be considered his crown jewel.
Rating 5/5
I agree about Neil Young’s voice. Some people are just meant to write music and not necessarily sing it. But he writes great songs, so I do my best to forgive his voice. He has also inspired me to have a little hope for my singing voice.
You are right in saying this is a raw album. It is a classic, but it never grew on me the way his surrounding albums (“Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere” and “Harvest”) have. Still a good pick for your playlist. Kudos.