In this definitive, illustrated guide to every Neil Young album, take an unparalleled journey through one of rock’s most prolific and uncompromising careers.
Few artists have pursued a creative path as restless, unpredictable, and influential as Neil Young. Across more than six decades and more than 100 albums, Young has continually reinvented himself—moving from folk-rock pioneer to grunge godfather, from chart-topping songwriter to fiercely independent icon. Neil Young: Album by Album captures this extraordinary career in full, offering a comprehensive, album-by-album exploration of his complete recorded output.
Written by veteran music journalists Gary Graff and Daniel Durchholz, this richly illustrated volume uses each album as a stepping stone through Young’s evolving artistry. From his earliest recordings with Buffalo Springfield to his work with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, his defining collaborations with Crazy Horse, and his expansive Archive Series, every phase of Young’s career is examined in detail. Along the way, the book explores the creative breakthroughs, stylistic detours, and cultural moments that have made Young one of the most enduring figures in modern music. Inside, you will find:
- Complete album-by-album coverage of more than 100 releases across Young’s solo and collaborative career
- In-depth analysis of recording sessions, songwriting, and production, revealing how each album came together
- Coverage of key eras and turning points, including the “Ditch Trilogy,” experimental 1980s output, and 1990s resurgence
- Detailed fact boxes featuring release dates, chart performance, personnel, and album artwork
- More than 200 images, including iconic performances, rare archival photography, and memorabilia
This is more than a discography—it’s a narrative of artistic evolution, risk-taking, and reinvention. Whether revisiting classics like Harvest and After the Gold Rush or exploring lesser-known releases and archival gems, you will gain a deeper understanding of the scope and significance of Young’s work.
Perfect for longtime fans, vinyl collectors, and anyone interested in the history of rock music, Neil Young: Album by Album is both an authoritative reference and a visually immersive celebration of a singular artist whose music continues to resonate across generations.
Explore even more great albums and artists through the Album by Album series, including: Metallica, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Rush, and Taylor Swift.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Introduction
Part 1. Expecting to Fly 1963–1970
Neil’s beginnings, from Winnipeg to Toronto to LA—with a stop at Motown in between
Part 2. Heart of Gold1971–1978
Neil’s prolific golden age on top of the charts, down in the ditch, and into the eye of a hurricane
Part 3. Transformer Man 1979–1989
Neil goes out of the blue, into the black and back again, giving everyone whiplash in the process
Part 4. Rockin’ in the Free World 1990–1999
Feedback is back and so is Neil, howling alongside Crazy Horse and Pearl Jam—and crooning at the Harvest Moon
Part 5. Chrome Dreams 2000–2009
Neil feels the Prairie Wind blow, rails against war, visits Greendale, and has some Chrome Dreams
Part 6. A Letter Home 2010–2019
Neil maintains the muse through divorce and an inspiring new relationship
Part 7. Long May He Run 2020–present
Neil gets back in the saddle with Crazy Horse and shines with the Chrome Hearts and archival adventures
About the Authors
Acknowledgments
Bibliography
Image Credits
Index
