What makes 4 Way Street by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young notable?

'4 Way Street' is significant not only for its commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard charts, but also for its role in documenting the band's live performances at a time when they were influential figures in the counterculture movement. The album's tracks reflect a mix of their most popular songs, solidifying their impact on the folk rock genre and serving as an important cultural artifact from the era. By the time '4 Way Street' was released in April 1971, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young had already established themselves as a seminal supergroup following their self-titled debut in 1969 and the critically acclaimed 'Déjà Vu' in 1970. This live album showcases their unique blend of voices and songwriting talents during a peak moment of collaboration, just before tensions began to surface within the group.

How many songs are on 4 Way Street?

4 Way Street has 21 tracks, running approximately 109 minutes.

4 Way Street

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young · 1971

109 min · 21 tracks · folk rock

A rich tapestry of harmonies and acoustic instrumentation captures the essence of 1970s folk rock with a sense of camaraderie.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Suite: Judy Blue Eyes — This opening track showcases the band's intricate harmonies and Stephen Stills' poignant songwriting, setting a reflective tone for the live experience.
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Teach Your Children — The song delivers a powerful message about generational responsibility and love, making it a timeless anthem that resonates deeply with listeners.
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Southern Man — This track stands out for its bold commentary on racism in America, highlighting Neil Young's lyrical prowess while delivering an emotionally charged performance.
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Carry On — As a closing piece, this song encapsulates themes of continuity and resilience, showcasing the seamless vocal harmonies that define the group's identity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album captures the band's live energy but lacks a cohesive narrative across its extensive tracklist.

What we noticed

Several tracks include extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation and interaction between band members.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Teach Your Children

A shift occurs when the song addresses both parent and child directly, emphasizing mutual understanding and compassion.

This direct address transforms the narrative from general advice to personal dialogue, deepening the emotional connection between generations.