Hitchhiker
Neil Young · 2017
33 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A collection of introspective folk-rock ballads that reflect on personal and societal themes with Neil Young's signature raw honesty.
Top tracks — play these first
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Pocahontas Start here — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of cultural identity and historical reflection, delivered through Young's evocative vocal performance.
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Powderfinger — A narrative-driven song that showcases Young's storytelling prowess, depicting a tragic tale that resonates with themes of loss and conflict.
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Campaigner — This politically charged piece highlights Young’s commitment to social issues, blending personal sentiments with broader commentary on activism.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Hitchhiker presents a cohesive collection of acoustic storytelling that highlights Young's lyrical depth and raw sound.
What we noticed
- The album consists of ten tracks, all featuring acoustic instrumentation and minimal production, emphasizing Young's vocal delivery.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo acoustic storytelling
- intimate moments of reflection
- short tracks for quick sessions
- narrative-driven listening experience
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy dynamic tracks
- seek extensive album diversity
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid catalog entry showcasing acoustic storytelling, but not a major entry point.
- Themes
- Pocahontas narrative· political consciousness· personal journey
- Career context
- Released in 2017, Hitchhiker marks a return to solo acoustic storytelling for Neil Young after several years of diverse collaborations. This album is a compilation of previously unreleased material recorded in 1976, showcasing Young's enduring relevance and artistic evolution. The project aligns with his legacy as a pivotal figure in rock music, reaffirming his status through reflective narratives.
Tracklist
- 1 Pocahontas Start here 3:26
- 2 Powderfinger 3:22
- 3 Captain Kennedy 2:51
- 4 Hawaii 2:38
- 5 Give Me Strength 3:40
- 6 Ride My Llama 1:50
- 7 Hitchhiker 4:37
- 8 Campaigner 4:19
- 9 Human Highway 3:16
- 10 The Old Country Waltz 3:37
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Blue
Joni Mitchell
Shares intimate storytelling and confessional lyrics with a raw acoustic sound.
Blood on the Tracks
Bob Dylan
Explores personal journeys and emotional depth through stripped-back arrangements and poignant lyrics.
Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
Combines raw, confessional songwriting with a blend of country and rock influences in an acoustic format.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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