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Decade by NYNG

Album Details

Decade cover

Decade

Neil Young

Release Info

1977

Reprise Records

Genres

Rock, Folk Rock, Country Rock, Hard Rock

Rating

Referenced

Why This Album Matters

"Decade stands as one of the definitive career-spanning compilations in rock music, meticulously curated by Neil Young himself to present the full breadth of his artistic evolution from 1966 to 1976. While compilation albums are typically considered referenced rather than canonical works in their own right, Decade's thoughtful selection and sequencing elevates it beyond a mere collection of hits. The album's inclusion of previously unreleased tracks and Young's personal liner notes provide valuable context that enhances understanding of his artistic development during this crucial decade. For many listeners, Decade serves as the essential entry point to Young's diverse catalog, offering a comprehensive overview of his work across folk, country rock, and harder-edged material."

Full Details

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About Decade

Decade stands as one of the definitive career-spanning compilations in rock music, meticulously curated by Neil Young himself to present the full breadth of his artistic evolution from 1966 to 1976. While compilation albums are typically considered referenced rather than canonical works in their own right, Decade's thoughtful selection and sequencing elevates it beyond a mere collection of hits. The album's inclusion of previously unreleased tracks and Young's personal liner notes provide valuable context that enhances understanding of his artistic development during this crucial decade. For many listeners, Decade serves as the essential entry point to Young's diverse catalog, offering a comprehensive overview of his work across folk, country rock, and harder-edged material.

Reviews

They knew what they were doing. Decade Each track represents a moment when inspiration met craft. Singular voice in rock and folk music have left an indelible mark on music, and this collection demonstrates why their influence continues to resonate. The compilation reveals the arc of a career built on integrity. The careful curation here respects both longtime fans and newcomers, presenting the artist's evolution with clarity and purpose. Rather than claiming canonical status, this compilation serves a different but equally valuable purpose: it honors a significant artistic voice and provides context for understanding their place in music history. The sequencing allows each song to breathe while building a narrative about creative development and artistic growth. What emerges is not just a greatest hits package, but a thoughtful meditation on how certain artists become part of the cultural conversation. The production quality serves the material without drawing attention to itself, allowing the songs to speak with their original power while benefiting from improved fidelity. This approach respects the integrity of the source material while making it accessible to contemporary listeners. The result is a compilation that functions both as historical document and living music, capturing why this artist's work continues to find new audiences. It was enough. This collection stands as a respectful tribute to an artist whose contributions deserve recognition, offering both celebration and invitation to explore further. In an era of endless musical options, it provides valuable guidance about where to begin understanding a significant creative voice.
5 GuideJanuary 1, 2025

Additional Reviews

"Decade stands as one of the most comprehensive and essential career retrospectives in rock history. Covering Young's first ten years as a solo artist and his work with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, the collection presents a remarkably consistent artistic vision despite spanning multiple styles and collaborations. What makes Decade particularly valuable is Young's personal involvement in its curation—he selected the tracks and wrote insightful liner notes for each song, providing context that enhances the listening experience. The compilation balances well-known hits like 'Heart of Gold' and 'Ohio' with deeper cuts and previously unreleased material, offering both an entry point for newcomers and fresh perspectives for longtime fans. The sequencing is particularly masterful, creating a cohesive listening experience that illuminates the evolution of one of rock's most distinctive and uncompromising voices."
— William Ruhlmann, AllMusic

Track Listing

  1. 1.Down to the Wire2:25
  2. 2.Burned2:14
  3. 3.Mr. Soul2:41
  4. 4.Broken Arrow6:13
  5. 5.Expecting to Fly3:44
  6. 6.Sugar Mountain5:43
  7. 7.I Am a Child2:17
  8. 8.The Loner3:50
  9. 9.The Old Laughing Lady5:38
  10. 10.Cinnamon Girl2:59
  11. 11.Down by the River9:16
  12. 12.Cowgirl in the Sand10:01
  13. 13.I Believe in You3:27
  14. 14.After the Gold Rush3:45
  15. 15.Southern Man5:31
  16. 16.Helpless3:34
  17. 17.Ohio2:59
  18. 18.Soldier2:28
  19. 19.Old Man3:21
  20. 20.A Man Needs a Maid4:00
  21. 21.Harvest3:08
  22. 22.Heart of Gold3:06
  23. 23.Star of Bethlehem2:42
  24. 24.The Needle and the Damage Done2:02
  25. 25.Tonight's the Night (Part 1)4:41
  26. 26.Tired Eyes4:33
  27. 27.Walk On2:40
  28. 28.For the Turnstiles3:01
  29. 29.Cortez the Killer7:29
  30. 30.Campaigner3:30
  31. 31.Long May You Run3:48
  32. 32.Like a Hurricane8:16
  33. 33.Love Is a Rose2:16
  34. 34.Winterlong3:08
  35. 35.Deep Forbidden Lake3:39