When it comes to Neil Young, everyone has a favourite album—and they’re often fiercely loyal to it.
Whether you lean towards the raw, ragged beauty of Tonight’s the Night, the lush harmonies of Harvest, the fuzz-drenched chaos of Ragged Glory, or the fragile introspection of After the Gold Rush, Young’s vast and varied catalogue speaks to fans in countless ways. Over six decades, he’s journeyed from acoustic folk to thundering rock, dabbled in synths and country, and done it all with a dogged refusal to play by anyone else’s rules.
To settle a few friendly arguments—and spark a few more—we asked readers to vote for their ultimate Neil Young album. The response was passionate, wide-ranging and full of love for the most uncompromising troubadour in rock. So, which era came out on top? Did the classics hold firm, or did a dark horse sneak through? The results are in…
And by the way, you can still cast your vote.
Favourite Neil Young albums
11. Freedom (1989)
Freedom marked a fiery return to form for Neil Young, blending acoustic introspection with electric rage. Bookended by two versions of 'Rockin’ in the Free World', it’s a raw, politically charged album that reasserted his relevance. While it may not eclipse his absolute classics, its urgency and grit make it one of his most vital late-career statements.
Key track: Rockin' in the Free World
10. Sleeps with Angels (1994)
Sleeps With Angels is a haunting, introspective album that reflects Neil Young’s darker, more experimental side. Though not counted among his absolute classics, it offers a deep emotional experience with atmospheric soundscapes and raw lyricism. The album stands out for its moodiness and subtle complexity, making it a rewarding listen for dedicated fans seeking a deeper dive into Young’s evolving artistry.
Key track: Driveby
9. Harvest Moon (1992)
Harvest Moon is a warm, reflective return to the gentle folk-rock sound that made Harvest a classic. Though not among Neil Young’s absolute top-tier masterpieces, it beautifully captures themes of love, aging, and renewal with rich acoustic textures and heartfelt lyrics. Its timeless appeal lies in its intimate, comforting atmosphere, making it a beloved favourite for longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Key track: Harvest Moon
8. Zuma (1975)
Zuma marks a raw, energetic phase in Neil Young’s career, bridging the polished folk-rock of Harvest and the grungy intensity of Rust Never Sleeps. Released in 1975 with Crazy Horse, it features gritty guitar work and deeply personal lyrics, reflecting Young’s turbulent life at the time. It may not occupy the hallowed company of those further down this list, Zuma is beloved by fans for its authentic, unfiltered sound and bold emotional honesty.
Key track: Cortez the Killer
7. Tonight's the Night (1973)
One of Neil Young’s most raw and emotionally intense albums. Born from grief over the deaths of close friends, its rough, unpolished sound captures deep pain and loss. While not commercially polished like some of his other works, it’s widely revered for its honesty and vulnerability. This album marks a turning point, influencing his future explorations of darker, more introspective themes and solidifying his reputation as a fearless artist.
Key track: Tonight's the Night
6. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (1969)
After a decent but unremarkable debut, Neil Young’s second album marks a pivotal moment in his career. It introduced the iconic backing band Crazy Horse, giving Young a grittier, electric edge compared to his folk roots. The album blends folk, rock, and country, featuring classics like “Cinnamon Girl” and “Down by the River.” It’s widely regarded as one of his best works, establishing the blueprint for much of his future music.
Key track: Cinnamon Girl
5. Ragged Glory (1990)
Ragged Glory is a glorious return to raw, unfiltered garage rock, pairing Neil Young with Crazy Horse at full volume. It’s loose, loud, and unapologetically fuzzy, capturing the joy of live, in-the-moment playing. While it may not rank with Harvest or After the Gold Rush, its energy, grit, and unvarnished honesty make it a fan favourite and a late-career high point.
Key track: Love to Burn
4. Rust Never Sleeps (1979)
Blending acoustic introspection with raw, electric energy, Rust Never Sleeps stands as one of Neil Young’s most electrifying and innovative albums. Its fearless experimentation and fiery performances capture the restless spirit of the 1970s, bridging folk, rock, and punk influences. Tracks like 'Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)' have become anthems of rebellion and resilience. Rust’s bold sound and enduring impact firmly secure its place in Neil Young’s top five.
Key track: Powderfinger
Neil Young albums: the top three
3. On the Beach (1974)
The midpoint of his so-called 'ditch trilogy' captures Young at his most raw and reflective
On the Beach stands as one of Neil Young’s most emotionally resonant and artistically daring albums, earning its place in his top three. Released in 1974, it emerged from a dark period in Young’s life and career, and its raw vulnerability is palpable throughout.
The songs feel both intimate and apocalyptic, addressing personal despair and societal decay with stunning honesty. Musically, On the Beach blends folk, blues, and rock with a loose, weary feel that perfectly suits its themes. Tracks like 'Ambulance Blues' and 'Motion Pictures' are among his most haunting and introspective.
The album’s stark production and confessional tone were initially polarizing but have since become celebrated for their authenticity. On the Beach is a masterclass in mood, reflection, and songwriting — a slow-burning, unforgettable journey into the heart of Neil Young’s genius.
Key track: 'Ambulance Blues' — A haunting, introspective epic that weaves personal reflection with societal disillusionment, showcasing Young’s lyrical and emotional depth.
2. Harvest (1972)
A warm, intimate mix of folk, country, and melancholy, Harvest captures Neil Young at his most accessible, heartfelt, and enduring
1972's Harvest remains one of Neil Young's most iconic and accessible albums, blending rustic Americana with vulnerable introspection. It captures Young at a crossroads—yearning for connection while confronting fame and fragility.
The album’s warm, country-inflected arrangements, driven by pedal steel, acoustic guitar, and plaintive melodies, made it an immediate commercial success, yet its emotional undercurrents run deep. Tracks like 'Old Man' and 'Heart of Gold' pair timeless hooks with bittersweet reflection, while 'The Needle and the Damage Done' offers a stark, sorrowful commentary on addiction.
Harvest also benefits from the balance between lush orchestration and stripped-back intimacy, highlighting Young’s knack for contrast. Its mood is laid-back, but its themes—love, loss, aging—resonate universally. Though he would later explore darker or more experimental paths, Harvest endures as a definitive statement of Young’s songwriting prowess and emotional reach. It's both gentle and quietly devastating.
Key track: 'Heart of Gold' — A timeless anthem of longing and introspection, it became Neil Young’s only U.S. number-one hit and perfectly encapsulates the album’s gentle, searching spirit.
And you said the best Neil Young album is...
1. After the Gold Rush (1970)
A timeless blend of vulnerability, protest, and poetic beauty, After the Gold Rush captures Neil Young at his most inspired and human
After the Gold Rush stands as Neil Young’s greatest album because it captures the full breadth of his artistic voice—raw yet poetic, fragile yet fierce. Released in 1970, it arrived at a cultural crossroads and responded with music that felt both intimate and epochal. The album moves effortlessly between delicate piano ballads like the haunting title track and raucous rockers like “Southern Man,” balancing vulnerability with urgency.
Young’s songwriting here is at a peak: deeply personal yet steeped in wider social commentary. “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” expresses romantic fragility with stunning simplicity, while “Don’t Let It Bring You Down” channels melancholy through vivid imagery and stark beauty. The production is understated, highlighting Young’s expressive vocals and his remarkable way of making every note feel lived-in.
Musically cohesive yet emotionally expansive, After the Gold Rush is not just a snapshot of a moment—it’s a timeless reflection of human longing, confusion, and hope. The album’s blend of folk, rock, and country laid a blueprint for countless artists to follow, yet none have quite captured its unique atmosphere. For its sheer consistency, emotional resonance, and influence, After the Gold Rush endures as the most complete, affecting expression of Neil Young’s genius.
Key track: 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart' — A beautifully simple, emotionally raw ballad that showcases Young’s gift for heartfelt songwriting and melodic clarity.
