Neil Young
The essential Neil Young records, ranked — where to start and what to reach for next.
-
1Everybody Knows This Is NowhereNeil YoungStart here
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
The first with Crazy Horse, ragged and electric, home to 'Cinnamon Girl'. Loose and powerful. A landmark.
-
2HarvestNeil YoungEssential
Harvest
Young's warmest, most accessible record, full of country-rock comfort and the tender 'Heart of Gold'. His best-selling album for good reason. An easy entry point.
-
3After the Gold RushNeil YoungClassic
After the Gold Rush
A fragile, beautiful set balancing piano ballads and ragged electric rock, more haunted than Harvest. A quiet favourite among devotees. Timeless.
-
4On the BeachNeil YoungClassic
On the Beach
A bleak, beautiful record of disillusion and fragile beauty. Raw and beloved. A devotee favourite.
-
5ZumaNeil YoungClassic
Zuma
A loose, electric Crazy Horse peak, home to 'Cortez the Killer'. Raw and beloved. A high point.
-
6Rust Never SleepsNeil YoungClassic
Rust Never Sleeps
A two-sided acoustic-then-electric peak of restless energy. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.
-
7Harvest MoonNeil YoungClassic
Harvest Moon
A warm, autumnal sequel to Harvest of gentle reflection. Beloved and acclaimed. A late favourite.
-
8Tonight's the NightNeil YoungDeep cut
Tonight's the Night
A raw, grief-soaked record of loss and ragged beauty. Harrowing and beloved. A cult favourite.
- Heart of Gold from Harvest · on Best Folk Songs of All Time, Best 1970s Folk & Singer-Songwriter Songs
Tracks we've featured in our best-of lists — tap a title to find it on Amazon Music.