The Best Neil Young Albums Ranked

[@richardbooth6063]

Love Neil Young...great list and there are a few I want to check out from your list...However, Zuma...has to be on any top Neil Young list. Danger Bird is in my top 10 all time songs by Neil...Barstool Blues....Lookin for a Love...Don’t Cry No Tears and of course Cortez the Killer make this an essential record...It helped me get through my Navy days sailing around the world

[@robertcooper411]

Have you heard the live version of "Barstool Blues"?(Year of the Horse album) It's great!

[@richardbooth6063]

@@robertcooper411 Yes !!! Great extended jam on that song!...I also like Danger Bird from that album! I saw Neil with Booker T & the MGs in 1993...He was good without Crazy Horse too...Wonderful show!!!t

[@robertcooper411]

@@richardbooth6063 I have a dvd of him with Booker T from 2007 or thereabouts.Ive only ever seen him live with Crazy Horse though (3times).

[@grumpy9478]

not to mention, Stupid Girl ... an all-time great post breakup angst-filled high school kid's tune.

[@mmg9675]

@@robertcooper411 So much better than the studio version. Live he always adds something.

[@rickhager3288]

Hi Mazzy, I enjoy your videos so much, could listen to you all day. I like On the Beach as my # 1. That second side is perfect zone-out music. Thank you for all of your intelligent videos, really great and helpful.

[@MrJacrider]

So great you included Massey Hall. An absolutely fantastic sounding album. Love his conversation with the crowd between songs.

[@luisacosta8535]

When I heard After the Gold Rush the first time I fell in love with Neil Young and after 50+ years I still play this album when I felt bored about the kind of music they play nowadays. Such a great album and I certainly love most of his folk and melodic albums, too.

[@jaisabai4155]

Well done sir. Been a big fan of Neil since I discovered him in the early 70s. I have most of these 13 on vinyl stored away at home including "Decade" signed by Neil after an excellent concert in Australia.

[@flyingjeffsutherland3744]

After watching your shows, they resonate with me for hours, even days! I love your heart felt perspective and super intense dedication to album collecting...truly inspiring. One album that I didn't see mentioned in the comments, which I love, is, Broken Arrow. For me, that album has all the classic sound and insight that I look for in a Neal Young album.

[@fatheroblivion4032]

Really digging these videos man, would love to hear your takes on the steely Dan and herbie Hancock discographies if you’re into them.

[@wjstephens4654]

Great list, For me, Comes a Time ranks much higher, definitely top 5, it just touches me. It was part of the soundtrack of my life at pivotal times. Part of the magic...

[@johnmcguire1792]

My favourite

[@Hektormydog]

Great list from a special artist. His first album is wonderful and will always be one of my all-time favorite albums by anyone/band (I’ve been listening to it for 50+ years and never tire of it!). Everyone Knows This Is Nowhere is my number 1, the guitars, rocking, lazy quiet tracks, polished in a garage band way. After the Gold Rush would be my 3rd place, but you nailed the list, how can you pick 1-2-3-4-5, they are all just great!

[@WilFennell]

Brilliant ranking and reviews. Especially pleased with your suggestion of DECADE as the place to start. Your devotion to NY's music lights up the screen!

[@jeffmpvd7689]

My most listened to Neil album is Greendale! The rockin vibe with Crazy horse is so much fun and as an "audiophile" the recording quality is sublime.

[@ironcurtainsteve]

strange choice

[@artvallejos1460]

Be The Rain.

[@gerardgough9757]

Thanks Mas.... loved your honesty... there's a lot of Neil material that is so special.... well done ..

[@rogerbell8429]

I love Sleeps with Angels. He did a live studio release of 4 songs from that album called The Complex Sessions recorded in October 94. There's a fantastic version of Change your Mind on it which is superior to the album version. It's available on KZbin. Definitely worth checking out.

[@frederickvanpelt6393]

Long time Neil Young fan. Hard to pick a favorite album, many recall moments in time that are special to me. When the mood is there,no better song than ' No more ' from Freedom

[@JohannesYtterstrom]

Of the 17 studioalbums I have and know rather well this is my top 10! 10. Hawks & Doves (1980) 9. Hitchhiker (2017) 8. Rust Never Sleeps (1979) 7. Tonight's the Night (1975) 6. Harvest Moon (1992) 5. On the Beach (1974) 4. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (1969) 3. Freedom (1989) 2. Harvest (1972) 1. After the Gold Rush (1970)

[@Catmando-z7g]

Great album!

[@Rick-vw6en]

Great list there, Mazzy. I would add Zuma and American Star-n-Bars...w/ songs like, Will to Love, Like a Hurricane, and my favorite, Homegrown...such fabulous songwriting.

[@ST-xg3gy]

"Zuma", then again "On the Beach" is simply sublime.

[@SCjuisy]

Nice surprise that you ranked his debut so high. This album and On the Beach are the Neil Young LP`s i play most. Keep up the good work.

[@CornboneStudios]

Saw him on the Greendale tour with Lucinda Williams opening at The Greek. He played the hits after the stage show performance. Amazing show. I got into him in 79 after seeing rust never sleeps movie on cable tv. I really love Ragged Glory. I think I may place everybody knows at number one, but I love them all really. Thank You, great episode. OK Wilson....

[@cbond1c113]

Thanks for the video. Although this was done a year ago, it is very timely in the sense that I am currently tackling putting together the Neil Young component of my vinyl collection. There are some obvious ones which I have staked-out, and should have in 1-2 weeks. However, I have to admit that I've put off collecting his work, because it is so extensive, and he has been brave to try-out different styles at times that one would not expect.

[@reliablebow]

Great pics.... excellent list.... Zuma... thanks for sharing💫

[@chadmcnabb9193]

This is a wonderful, thoughtful video on a historic career. Well done mazzy.

[@aindriubradleymarshall6226]

Hi ... Insightful choices, Sleeps with Angels, Le Noise and P' Pill are killar. After the Gold Rush for me is number one. I love the pastoral bucolic gentleness of Silver and Gold. Zuma and On the Beach are epic, he was on fire in the '70s.

[@KorbenDenver]

American Stars & Bars is pretty great too in my opinion. There's just sooooo much! Nicely done, Mazzy!

[@DCB728]

American Stars and Bars is sublime! In my top five for sure.

[@delcrowe9712]

Decade was the 1st Neil Young record that I bought when I was a teenager in the 70s. I have been a lifelong fan, since.

[@domielakrabi3276]

Nice to see "Psychedelic Pill" in this ranking! I'm a fan of it too.

[@jonnygatenby6333]

Love these videos. Great work and amazing collection

[@getout116]

Love this rundown. I like how this isn’t the typical list I see. Have a few new records to check out now. Keep up the great work!

[@thecroft6070]

Great video. And I'd never seen Neil with a Flying V until your closing photos.

[@craigmelissa12]

"After the Gold Rush" is simply beautiful and haunting to me. Have to agree that it is my "best"/"favourite". Massey Hall is my favourite if I am just looking at sonically the best. Great Video!

[@jamesmachado9366]

Love all of Neil's catalog. With most musicians of the 60 their best work is all in the past. With Neil his best record could come out tomorrow. Hey Neil, thanks for making the world a better place.

[@surfwriter8461]

I couldn't disagree more. Neil has not produced an album or a song worthy of his canon in roughly 25 years. He's been popping out albums with totally undistinguished or downright gag-worthy "songs" for a couple of decades, self-indulgent songs that lack lyrics or melodies of any distinction at all. If you see a list of his greatest songs by anyone with a decent critical faculty, they're all songs from his time with Buffalo Springfield and his first few solo records or the songs for CSNY--all songs at least 25 years ago.

[@williamkennelly9624]

Hi ya Mazzy. Loving all your posts. I agree with you and you showed me albums i didn't know about. Cheers mate keep them rolling.

[@noheamike5036]

Ragged Glory is a glaring omission.

[@adrianhallich6101]

i came here to say the same thing. i figured for sure is would be on the list, probably fairly close to the top. As he came to the top 5, cool, he rated it pretty high. 4, 3...wow, it made top 2. 2...still not there. I didn't think he'd rate it 1, and sure enough he didn't.

[@stephenhaegele2297]

Must agree, super album!

[@davel4708]

Yeah, I'd have put that in there instead of Psychedelic Pill. It's a good list though. I'd have pretty much all those albums, just in a different order. On The Beach is my #1.

[@chrisweidner4768]

In “on the Beach,” “Ambulance Blues” has some of his greatest work; “I never knew a man who could tell so many lies. He had a different story for every set of eyes. How can he remember who he’s talking to? But I know it isn’t me and I hope it isn’t you.” “you’re only pissin’ in the wind. You don’t know it, but you are. And there ain’t nothin like a friend who will tell you that you’re pissin’ in the wind.” Written when 24. Pure aware genius.

[@tbullard3]

Yeah , Ragged Glory is too 3 for me

[@bullobca]

Nice list, a few surprises that I haven't listened to but will check out. I like Prairie Wind from his later stuff. Cheers from Canada

[@roadofplenty237]

Great list. My favorite three albums are: 1. Sleeps with angels 2. Everybody knows this is nowhere 3. Ragged glory

[@Arzenteart]

This was great, music plus photographs...Nice Work. J

[@mrhoffame]

Comes A Time is a masterpiece for me. Side 1 alone is just genius. Nice for showing love for LeNoise too. Pscyhedelic Pill also makes my list. That track Ramada Inn became one of my favorite Neil songs overnight. All Great picks Mazzy!!

[@alm5693]

Thank you for this video. I'll admit that I was one of those people who didn't get into On The Beach, but now I want to check out Sleeps With Angels. It would be interesting to see a ranking of your least favorite Neil Young records because he's so often fearless about going off the rails.

[@arcook1963]

Everybody knows this is nowhere, On the beach, Tonight's the night, Rust never sleeps and Ragged glory are my favorite.

[@zenvagabond]

Le Noise is massively underrated masterpiece

[@mazzysmusic]

Totally agree 😵‍💫❤️‍🔥

[@cesarnarro6013]

I can only tell which N.Young albums that I have listened to the most all these years are "Everybody knows this nowhere" "Harvest" and "American stars n bars" you had a few on your list that I had never even heard of ..will definitely be listening to those.. thanks

[@mickcook9277]

I'll chuck in a random pic Mazzy - This Note's for You. Not that popular but I loved it, Twilight and Can't believe you're Lyin' - I played it over and over...Thanks for your videos man.

[@StevieBluenoseScott]

American Stars And Bars is not only, in my opinion, Neil Young's best album it is also one of the greatest albums ever made.

[@jameswiglesworth5004]

a

[@JB-ti7bl]

Hear, hear! It's in my top-5 alongside Doors - L.A. Woman; Beatles - Abbey Road; Kinks - Give the People What They Want; Joe Jackson - Beat Crazy.

[@shaynewest8757]

Time Fades Away is still my fav.

[@alanboas810]

I'd say you have good taste in music!

[@jackm207]

Yeah surprised that didn’t make the list and the new 50th clear edition sounds fabulous. ❤

[@mikel4797]

Decade is a superb collection, and I always double up Massey Hall with Unplugged because of the wonderful sound. Enjoyed the video.

[@barrykrakovsky756]

I enjoy your videos. You do a very good job of providing a rationale for your choices that is coherent and solidly based on your knowledge of the music of the time. I might not always agree with all of those choices but I respect them.

[@DJGerryfromStarlightMusic]

Rust Never Sleeps/Live Rust is Neil Young at his best electric & acoustic!!☘️😎👍

[@thomasnelson5758]

Great list. My top 3 are 1. On the Beach (also one of my favorite albums of all time) 2. Tonight's the Night 3. Everybody Knows This is Nowhere

[@MrBallynally2]

i would add Zuma as a must be in there which makes a top 4. Any of those albums are pure gold..

[@markharwood7573]

@@MrBallynally2 We're very close on this one. I go for 1. Zuma 2. On the Beach 3. Everybody Knows.

[@Universityofvinyl]

‘89s Freedom would make my list, a huge return to form, the SNL appearance blows the doors out

[@BubblesBubbles]

Love the way Decade sits in my memory. You know the sides, and it's a real journey.

[@artvallejos1460]

Who put the palm over my blonde Who put all the tar on the morning sand Who took everything from where it once was and put it where it last was seen?

[@sharonevans6864]

Thank you Mazzy, really enjoyed your list. The pictures of Neil were wonderful. Take care.

[@mazzysmusic]

Thank you ✌🏽

[@Ricky2374]

Nice to see some love for Le Noise and Psychedelic Pill, Both those would make my top 10.

[@rajennaidoo7546]

ALL HIS MUSIC IS TIMELESS ENDLESS AND FOREVER Young from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@DavidCKendall]

That was enjoyable.... your passion for the toones is contagious. Thanks for the tips!

[@closedchannel2713]

Great list of a legend and the reason I started playing acoustic guitar. Really enjoyed the photos at the end, Cheers Snowy

[@JakeWarwick2410]

so hard to say....Neil has put out a lifetime of great music. Sometimes you're just in the mood for a particular album by Neil depending on the way you're feeling. I would say my go to albums are Old Ways, Life, Freedom, Harvest Moon, Rust Never Sleeps, Broken Arrow, Tonight's the night, comes a time.

[@coyi51]

A personal favourite for me is Old Ways, but plenty more to choose from. Excellent selection.

[@aaronssportscards7550]

I appreciate your list. I was a little surprised that Rust Never Sleeps wasn't mentioned but everyone's got their own favorites. Keep on rockin in the free world brother!!

[@johnhawker9890]

1/Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere 2/Harvest 3/After The Gold Rush 4/On The Beach 5/Tonight’s The Night 6/Rust Never Sleeps 7/Ragged Glory 8/Sleeps With Angels 9/Unplugged 10/Old Ways Favourite Song Is Old Man Favourite Love Song Is Old Man

[@tinostabile3256]

Hi Mazzy, Sorry for my tardiness. Love Neil. I am in heaven with Vol. 2 box set. All great records. Your 13 are spot on for me. God bless you and our national treasure Neil Young. Tino

[@knockknock705]

1. Tonight's the Night 2. Rust Never Sleeps 3. After the Goldrush 4. Harvest 5. Time Fades Away 6. On the Beach 7. Ragged Glory 8. Everybody Knows This is Nowhere 9. Zuma 10. Harvest Moon 11. Freedom 12. Fork in the Road 13. Sleeps With Angels/Le Noise I saw Neil on the tour that supported Le Noise. Just Neil and mostly his electrical guitar.

[@adeadhead423]

I like your #1 my mom probably would say the same thing. I was wondering if you were going to have that album included. You did. Thank you for this video! Peace love and happiness ✌️

[@covischang3645]

Rust never sleep is my all time favourite, it touches me everytime i play the album. Greeting from Taiwan

[@kappiiee]

Man, great presentation once again. If I could, I'd put Deja vu on one. But it's about solo records ofcourse.

[@larryh.4629]

You did a great compilation of the best not 100% sure of the order but still included most of the masterpieces.. you as myself grew up with Neil and Buffalo Springfield how moving was that stuff ? Do you recall Crosby doing , its been so long but I think it was thousand roads.. underappreiciated. Back to Neil 50 yrs later and I'm still listening!whats that say in itself.

[@illumon8]

I love your List Mazzy! Wondering if yiu have heard the Classic Records release of Prairie Wind. oh my gosh it brings me to tears. Must listen

[@wolftree3948]

I'm relatively new to your channel. I know album rankings have not been your focus, but really glad you are jumping in a little. Who better to do this than you?! What is neat for me, at 59 and one whose listening habits began with bands found in Circus and Hit Parader magazine (sorry for my lack of taste :-)), is hearing in 2021 - for the first time - albums like Neil Young Decade. I bought this months ago and just listened to most of it over the weekend. Of course I have heard many songs on this album, but there are just as many I have never heard before or not in a very long time. So, I'm going back to song releases of 40-50 years ago and in enjoying music in the way you do sometimes, it's been a most enjoyable ride. I'm expanding my horizons beyond the obvious classic rock releases and digging into other genres like Canterbury, prog, rock fusion, etc. and even though its old, its new to me. So, if you like doing album rankings, I welcome it wholeheartedly and will be watching.

[@mazzysmusic]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Yeah I’ll do these every once in awhile as I’m enjoying them. So far lots of positive responses. I’ll stick the the artists I feel I know really well. Cheers !

[@michellequinn3122]

There's albums in this that I didn't know about which is wonderful thank you

[@ronaldschuurman81]

I even love Silver and Gold and Greendale

[@jeffmpvd7689]

Grrendale is so fun to rock out to, amazing sound quality as well.

[@liamdowling8077]

I really enjoyed this list, *because* it is different from the list I would choose. I have really enjoyed replaying Decade and Sleeps With Angels after watching it. Both sounding great. Will also check out Le Noise as it is one of the few I did not pick up at the time. On The Beach always my number 1!

[@wk4max]

YES!!! At Last!!! A Neil Young selection done by A REAL Fan who Knows his Shit !! This is a Buzzing selection brother!! Loved the KinkS list too spot on mate!!! , Max Liverpool 👁👄👁💢💗👁👄💋💘🐶🐱🐈🐺🐃🐂🐮🐮🐴🐑🐽🐪🐅

[@danejohnson750]

Thanks for this video, I really enjoyed it! Big fan here of Neil’s. Have collected all of what he has ever put out on wax...some multiple times. This gives me incentive to maybe begin a channel discussing my Shakey collection. Thank you!

[@cindyurban150]

"After The Goldrush" is at the top of my list too. It's hard to believe Neil was only in his 20's and wrote such complex songs. My best friend had "Jeans" that looked just like Neils on the back album cover,everyone wanted them ! You don't see fashion like that anymore ! Great video. Cindy

[@gilbertgiroux7880]

Hello Mazzy Just for your info,I saw someone posting on Facebook today " Sleeps with Angels" on vinyl.I thought you should know.

[@mazzysmusic]

Yeah that was Lovell. I know him. I’ll get it someday on vinyl

[@nickh.4722]

I like your album picks, but I love the pics at the end!

[@derosa1989]

great photos Mazzy, I would love to have seen Linda Ronstadt live back then, so beautiful.

[@isahalim4119]

20Trans 19.American Stars 18Journey through the Past 17.Self/titled 16.Le Noise 15.Live on sugar Mountain(Bootleg) 14.Time fades a way 13.Harvest 12.Harvest moon 11. Comes a time 10. WELD 9.Everybody knows 8.Greendale 7..Tonight's the night 6.Landing on water 5.Zuma 4.Rust never sleeps 3.Homegrown 2.After the gold rush 1.On the Beach .(Bootleg)

[@richardhedges1109]

Sleeps with angles is amazing, I just listened to off the back of your advice, going to listen to that album again, thanks for sharing! . I have listened to much now, it’s all so good! Your information on David Sylvian and caused me to buy most of his back catalogue. Nothing too fancy just plastic cases in design , the music was everything to me, I can’t explain how good that is right now. Thanks again, your the man M8! Thanks Richard

[@edwardmulholland7912]

Nice to see Neil’s first album getting some love. I love it, my favorite NY album - special for many reasons. You are right, it is the logical conclusion of Neil’s Buffalo Springfield era. You only get to make your first solo album once, and he made a brilliant album and never made another like it ever again. I love those early live shows Neil has released that feature songs from that album (never mind bootlegs). And same as you I love the album cover - it’s perfect.

[@jonsimons7934]

Nice video as usual, Mazzy. I'm enjoying these best of lists. No love for Zuma?

[@nowhereman6496]

Nice video as always Mazzy. Good choices. Can't really disagree with any of them. Recently I've been listening to "Prairie Wind" and his early 80's album ode to rock n roll, "Everybody's Rockin'". Not a great album, but a fun one from Neil.

[@themoodyteam]

Great photos! 😊

[@keithwalker8090]

After the Gold Rush, was on my daily playlist for around six months. I felt it was a lullaby for adults.

[@johnpyle1022]

Hey nice video again, following your Dylan Best of. Re Tell Me Why on ATGR, I always wonder about the lyrics on the first verse....heart-ships on broken harbors...etc etc....any ideas?

[@mazzysmusic]

Sailing heart-ships through broken harbors out on the waves in the night. Still the searcher must ride the dark horse racing alone in his fright. Tell me why

[@johnpyle1022]

@@mazzysmusic Yes I know the lyrics! My Q referred to what they could possibly mean! Thanks. Btw, I bought the new release Way Down in the Rust Bucket and am waiting its arrival...I gues you have it...thoughts?

[@lizdoncampbell9921]

My favourite depends on my mood - Mr Young covers the spectrum from “calm/melodic” to “get up and dance” to “kick arse” and all points in between. What a body of work!! Harvest hooked me when it first came out, a fan ever since now with over 20 vinyls plus CDs. Landing on water great when angry about something. All time fave the Massey Hall live double - just him and instruments - pure!!

[@fredwylds1383]

Great list, like yourself, i am a die hard, and brought Harvest when it came out, i come from West London, i remember buying the album, then going and sitting down on a bench overlooking the River Thames, and opening it up and looking at everything, and 2 hippy guys walked by and said, '' cool album man '', i have been hooked ever since, don't know how many times i have seen him live, hard to pick a best , but On The Beach is high up there for me,

[@GlenKellawayfromthebasement]

Loved your list Mazzy..a few different picks and order for me..On The Beach is my number one...gotta love Neil...👍👍❤️❤️🍸🍸glen

[@jnicholls4120]

Thanks Mazzy for another great video! I'm in the UK and I got the first 4 albums as soon as they were released here - I got a US import of After the Goldrush a few weeks ahead of the the UK release - it's still my favourite. The first 3 albums are still my favourite 3. I agree with your high placing of the 'Neil Young' album - I'll never forget as a kid hearing 'The Loner' on my little radio - a life changer for me. BUT the first time I played 'Harvest' I hated it. Last year my kids bought me a record player (I hadn't had one for many years). The first vinyl I played on it was 'Harvest' - I expected that after all these years I would now appreciate it - but I still hate it. For me, Zuma would replace it in my top 12.

[@kingofallmediums2123]

Great picks again! When are you going to go through the Grand Funk catalog?

[@mazzysmusic]

Good question!

[@danielstephens9748]

Great list Norm. I'm in your age bracket and your number 2 is my number 1...hands down!...no overdubs...totally recordered live. First album with Crazy Horse. My Number 2 is Rust never sleeps...recored live with an audience... later wiped off the tapes.

[@gablen23]

Your list easily could be my list, love all the albums that you ranked here. But I would add "Ragged Glory" and though it's a live album "Weld", I think it is one of his best live albums.

[@alanboas810]

GREAT VIDEO MAZZY. LOVE YOUR NEIL YOUNG ALBUM CHOICES! (1) TIME FADES AWAY (2) HARVEST (3) AFTER THE GOLD RUSH (4) EVERYONE KNOWS THIS IS NOWHERE

[@MB-en3do]

*My list in a somewhat descending order* Tonight's the Night (together with the live companion record 'Live at the Roxy') Harvest Everyone Knows this is Nowhere After the Gold Rush On the Beach Live Rust / Rust Never Sleeps Comes a Time Silver and Gold Sleeps With Angels Harvest Moon Zuma Freedom Homegrown Mirrorball Chrome Dreams II Live at Massey Hall Ragged Glory Prairie Wind Time Fades Away Le Noise ... etc. Get 'em all on vinyl! The quality of Neil Young vinyl pressings are unparalleled Love Neil

[@MB-en3do]

Might need to give his first album a bit more of a listen

[@klausrain111]

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere is one of my fave records of all time. I bought it not long after it came out as I was a big Springfield fan and very sorry they didn't continue as a band.

[@groundhogday1]

Interesting what you didn’t add to the list. Enjoyed this though and will revisit Le Noise.

[@loukruse1136]

Thanks for the videos ! I am also bay area transplant. Whats your favorite record store in north west?

[@mazzysmusic]

Im in Seattle but I love Hi Voltage in Tacoma. In Seattle I like Easy Street, Silver Platters, Daybreak & JiveTime.

[@thehopelesscases4844]

Bravo. Greetings from cologne.

[@garypeacock5919]

Excellent review. Personally i Still need to go for rust never sleeps, the thrasher, powderfinger and Pocahontas, all classics. Greetings from Scotland🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸

[@powderthumb5959]

Interesting list. I could never leave off Zuma, but I really appreciate that you included Sleeps with Angels -an album typically missing from these types of lists. I like that you’ve been to Sea Ranch. Unbelievable beautiful section of the Northern California coast.

[@jtsrecordroom3963]

Your 1 and 2 picks are exactly the same for me, like how you put " Massey Hall" in a high spot.. perfect Neil performance !! Thanks for the insight...