Neil Young is back. In truth, he’s never been away, but this album is like a trip through the early 1970s. There’s something about these songs and production that is soft, poignant and full of love that could have fit between After the Gold Rush and Harvest. Other people might say it’s like Comes a Time and they wouldn’t be wrong either. Second Song is a very acoustic, intimate collection, sonically inviting and Young baring it all. This album is part confessional and part hope.
Second Song (2026) is Young’s 50th studio album. What a wild ride.
The general vibe of this album has garnered some positive reviews by those people with opinions I value. In recent years, I’ve been cautiously optimistic when Young released a new album. It’s been awhile since I could recommend an entire album of his. Second Song ranks with his finest.
The album was produced by Lou Adler, Young and Nico Bolas, and recorded at Rick Rubin’s Shangri-La studio in Malibu, California.
Forever a voice about politics and threats to the environment and human life, Young said, “Politics today is sad and depressing for me.” He channels this concern into “Soon I Might Be Going”, the only song where he plays some electric guitar. Mostly, he stays away from the vitriol of war and Trump.
“I love the songs and the feelings of life and love.” These songs echo Young’s hopes, appreciates the simple things he sees and feels, and recognize the growing shadow of his mortality.
At age 80, life is growing short. Co-producer Adler, age 92, knows a thing or two about strong melody and crafting music that lingers in your memory (The Mamas and the Papas, Carole King, Spirit, Johnny Rivers). An interesting note, his wife and Young’s wife are sisters.
The Chrome Hearts are a fine backing band and suit where Young is at these days. Although, I miss the unpolished and earthier sound of Crazy Horse.
The songs:
“The Foggy Edge of Time” 4:05
“Day After Day” 7:03
“Earth Girl” 3:31
“Second Song” 11:15
“Casting Me Away from You” 2:38
“Soon I Might Be Going” 9:14
“I’ll Love You Forever” 4:29
Neil Young – vocals, production (all tracks); vibes (tracks 2–4), acoustic guitar (2, 4, 5, 7); Marxophone, Mellotron, piano (1, 3); harmonica (4, 5), electric guitar (6)
Anthony LoGerfo – drums, associate production (all tracks); vocals (3, 4), percussion (4–6)
Corey McCormick – upright bass (all tracks), vocals (1–4, 7), electric bass guitar (4)
Micah Nelson – vocals (1–4, 7), electric guitar (1–3, 5–8), dulcimer (4)
Spooner Oldham – Hammond B3 organ (1, 3, 4, 6, 7), Mellotron (1), Farfisa organ (2, 5, 6), piano (2), pump organ (3), vibes (7)
Final thoughts
Usually, I comment on each song on albums I review. Not this time. This album is a tapestry (sorry, Lou Alder, no pun intended), each song connected to the other by tone and style, so my comments represent the work as a whole. Second Song should be enjoyed as a whole, consume it in a single setting.
Young is not in the business of writing singles, although he’s had a few, that’s not how his brain works. “The Foggy Edge of Time” or “I’ll Love You Forever” are two of the best, also shorter ones, and the longer ones are very good too. No filler on the album.
Leave a comment