When it comes to Neil Young albums, everyone seems to have a favourite – and loyalties run deep.
Whether it’s the ragged, heart-on-sleeve intensity of Tonight’s the Night, the pastoral warmth of Harvest, the feedback-soaked fury of Ragged Glory or the delicate introspection of After the Gold Rush, Young’s sprawling catalogue has something for every listener. Across six decades, Young has traversed acoustic folk, roaring rock, synth experiments and country – and always on his own terms.
To spark a few debates (and settle some old ones), we asked readers to vote for their ultimate Neil Young album. The answers were passionate, surprising, and full of admiration for rock’s most uncompromising troubadour. So which era triumphed? Did the classics dominate, or did a hidden gem rise to the top? The results are in…
Your favourite Neil Young albums
15. Colorado (2019)
Colorado finds Neil Young returning to the raw, rootsy textures of his Crazy Horse collaborations. Loose, heartfelt, and imbued with rustic charm, the album blends gritty guitars, organic rhythms, and intimate storytelling. While not revolutionary, it showcases Young’s enduring ability to craft emotionally resonant rock with authenticity, warmth, and a timeless sense of craftsmanship, proving he can still connect deeply with listeners.
Key track: She Showed Me Love
14. Living with War (2006)
Recorded in the midst of the Iraq conflict, Living with War captures Young at his most politically charged and uncompromising. Stripped-down arrangements, urgent vocals, and raw instrumentation amplify his anger and disillusionment with the Iraq War and contemporary politics. The album’s unpolished, almost live feel enhances its immediacy, making it a fiery rallying cry that blends protest, moral outrage, and Young’s signature emotional intensity.
Key track: Let's Impeach the President
13. Comes a Time (1978)
Comes a Time is a gentle, introspective album that echoes the pastoral warmth and melodic grace of Harvest, with acoustic textures and heartfelt songwriting. Yet it also departs from its predecessor, embracing a more understated, contemplative tone and subtle country influences. With soft harmonies and reflective storytelling, the album feels like a quieter, autumnal counterpart to Harvest, showcasing Young’s ability to evolve while retaining his signature lyrical and melodic sensibilities.
Key track: Goin' Back
12. Mirror Ball (1995)
After forming a connection at a 1992 Bob Dylan tribute, Neil Young and Pearl Jam reconvened to record Mirror Ball a few years later. Captured live in the studio, the album channels the raw energy of Crazy Horse with a slightly more polished, modern edge. Brimming with electric intensity and youthful vitality, it rounds off that remarkable six-year comeback era which began with Freedom (of which more in a moment), blending rock ferocity with collaborative synergy.
Key track: Downtown
11. Freedom (1989)
After a few wilderness years in the 1980s (Landing on Water, anyone?), 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)
Haunting, introspective: Sleeps with Angels reflects Shakey's darker, more experimental side. Though not often 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)
Two years after the earthy, confrontational Freedom, 1992's 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)
Released in 1975 with Crazy Horse, Zuma captures Neil Young at a raw, restless peak. The album bridges the polished folk-rock of Harvest and the grungy intensity of Rust Never Sleeps, featuring jagged guitar work, loose grooves, and intensely personal lyrics. Though it may not enjoy the universal acclaim of some of Young’s other classics, fans cherish its unfiltered energy and emotional honesty, making it a quintessential snapshot of his turbulent, fearless mid-1970s phase.
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)
Young saw in the Nineties – a decade that would be kinder to him than the Eighties – with this glorious return to raw, unfiltered garage rock. Recorded with Crazy Horse, Ragged Glory is 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.
Neil Young pics: Getty Images
