Noise & Flowers
Neil Young · 2022
74 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
A raw, reflective blend of classic rock anthems and poignant ballads capturing decades of musical evolution.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mr. Soul Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Rockin’ in the Free World — This track stands out as a powerful anthem reflecting societal struggles and individual resilience, embodying Young's signature blend of urgency and melody.
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Helpless — A poignant highlight that showcases Young's lyrical depth and emotional resonance, capturing themes of vulnerability and longing that resonate throughout his career.
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Throw Your Hatred Down — This song represents Young's continued commitment to social justice, encouraging listeners to confront their own biases while delivering a compelling musical experience.
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere — The track's blend of nostalgic storytelling and reflective instrumentation makes it a quintessential example of Young's ability to evoke deep emotion through simple yet profound lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures Neil Young's live energy and reinterpretation of his classics, making it engaging yet somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The album features live renditions of 14 tracks, with several extended instrumental sections that emphasize the raw energy of the performances.
- Tracks are arranged to alternate between well-known classics and deeper cuts, creating a dynamic flow throughout the record.
- 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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6/10
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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- cathartic live performance energy
- dynamic journey through emotions
- reflective moments of solitude
- spontaneous sing-along opportunities
Maybe skip if you
- prefer structured, predictable albums
- seek short, radio-friendly tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and reinterpretation of classic tracks in later career.
- Themes
- European tour memories· social commentary anthems
- Career context
- Released in 2022, Noise & Flowers arrives during a fruitful period for Neil Young, shortly after his 2021 album Barn. This live album encapsulates performances from the 2019 tour with Promise of the Real, showcasing his enduring relevance and ability to connect with contemporary audiences. It serves as a testament to his unyielding spirit and dedication to social issues.
Tracklist
- 1 Mr. Soul Start here 4:33
- 2 Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere 2:46
- 3 Helpless 5:22
- 4 Field of Opportunity 4:17
- 5 Alabama 4:12
- 6 Throw Your Hatred Down 9:03
- 7 Rockin’ in the Free World 9:52
- 8 Comes a Time 3:31
- 9 From Hank to Hendrix 5:02
- 10 On the Beach 7:27
- 11 Are You Ready for the Country? 3:33
- 12 I’ve Been Waiting for You 3:43
- 13 Winterlong 4:11
- 14 Fuckin’ Up 7:17
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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