Is Comes a Time a good place to start with Neil Young?

Yes, Comes a Time is recommended as a starting point for new Neil Young listeners. A blend of reflective folk and country rock, infused with Neil Young's signature emotive vocals and poignant storytelling. Released in 1978, Comes a Time marked Neil Young's return to a more acoustic sound after the electric experimentation of his previous albums. This was his first studio album following the critically divisive release of Tonights the Night in 1975, showcasing a shift towards introspective songwriting and polished production.

Who is Comes a Time for?

Comes a Time works well if you're into gentle reflective listening experience, steady flow with warm peaks and introspective moments for solitude.

How many songs are on Comes a Time?

Comes a Time has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Released 48 years ago this October

Comes a Time

Neil Young · 1978

37 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of reflective folk and country rock, infused with Neil Young's signature emotive vocals and poignant storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Goin’ Back Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Lotta Love — This track stands out for its catchy melody and poignant lyrics about yearning and love, showcasing Young's ability to blend pop sensibilities with deep emotional resonance.
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Comes a Time — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of nostalgia and reflection, featuring a gentle acoustic arrangement that highlights Young's vocal warmth and lyrical depth.
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Already One — This song features rich harmonies and intricate guitar work, illustrating Young's skill in merging personal storytelling with broader themes of unity and connection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album's warm acoustic sound and introspective lyrics create a cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of acoustic instrumentation, with guitars and soft percussion dominating the soundscape.
Each track maintains a reflective tempo, with no songs exceeding mid-tempo, creating a soothing atmosphere throughout.
Lyrically, the songs often explore themes of introspection and personal reflection, with storytelling elements present in multiple tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

gentle reflective listening experience
steady flow with warm peaks
introspective moments for solitude
for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seeks fast-paced excitement
prefers high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a return to acoustic sound, showcasing Young's emotive storytelling.
Themes: nostalgic reflections· Southern California warmth· intimate storytelling
Career context: Released in 1978, Comes a Time marked Neil Young's return to a more acoustic sound after the electric experimentation of his previous albums. This was his first studio album following the critically divisive release of Tonights the Night in 1975, showcasing a shift towards introspective songwriting and polished production.
Stylistic neighbors: Bob Dylan· Tom Petty· The Band