Landing on Water cover

Released 40 years ago

Landing on Water

Neil Young · 1986

40 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock · blues · folk rock

A blend of rock and synth textures, exploring personal and societal pressures through introspective storytelling.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo reflective moments
  • introspective storytelling through melodies
  • personal themes of societal pressure
  • even pacing for focused listening

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer standalone upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

Themes
1980s media culture· counterculture disillusionment· societal pressure· personal struggle
Career context
Released in 1986, 'Landing on Water' marked Neil Young's first album with Geffen Records following his controversial contract dispute with Reprise. This period was characterized by a shift towards more polished production, reflecting Young's attempts to adapt to the evolving music scene while still maintaining his unique voice.
Stylistic neighbors
Bob Dylan· Tom Petty· The Band
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Tonight by David Bowie — Similar polished production with introspective themes on personal and societal struggles in the 80s.
Fables of the Reconstruction by R.E.M. — Explores disillusionment and complex storytelling against a backdrop of layered rock textures.
True Stories by Talking Heads — Merges rock with synth elements while examining media culture and societal pressures in an offbeat way.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Weight of the World 3:44
  • 2 Violent Side 4:25
  • 3 Hippie Dream 4:16
  • 4 Bad News Beat 3:20
  • 5 Touch the Night 4:32
  • 6 People on the Street 4:35
  • 7 Hard Luck Stories 4:11
  • 8 I Got a Problem 3:21
  • 9 Pressure 2:48
  • 10 Drifter 5:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata