The Monsanto Years cover

Released 11 years ago this June

The Monsanto Years

Neil Young · 2015

126 min · 23 tracks · alternative rock · blues · folk rock

A bold, politically charged blend of rock and folk that critiques corporate influence and environmental degradation.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • politically charged lyrical exploration
  • dynamic journey with varied peaks
  • thoughtful reflection during long drives
  • engaging storytelling through song
  • cathartic release of frustration

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer fast-paced instant gratification
  • seek standalone radio-friendly singles

Where this album fits

Themes
corporate greed· Monsanto controversy· consumer culture critique
Career context
Released in 2015, 'The Monsanto Years' came during a period when Neil Young was increasingly vocal about social issues, particularly environmentalism. This album followed his 2014 release, 'A Letter Home', showcasing a shift towards direct political commentary and activism in his songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors
Bob Dylan· Tom Petty· The Band
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Sleep Through the Static by Jack Johnson — Shares themes of environmental awareness and critiques of consumer culture through laid-back acoustic rock.
Ashes & Fire by Ryan Adams — Explores personal and societal introspection, blending folk and rock with a focus on emotional honesty.
The King Is Dead by The Decemberists — Combines folk-rock melodies with lyrical storytelling that often critiques societal issues and corporate power.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 A New Day for Love 5:52
  • 2 Wolf Moon 3:52
  • 3 People Want to Hear About Love 6:20
  • 4 Big Box 8:17
  • 5 A Rock Star Bucks a Coffee Shop 5:00
  • 6 Workin’ Man 4:43
  • 7 Rules of Change 4:39
  • 8 Monsanto Years 7:46
  • 9 If I Don’t Know 4:24

Disc 2

  • 1 [opening credits] 2:35
  • 2 Big Box 9:20
  • 3 A Rock Star Bucks a Coffee Shop 6:01
  • 4 Rules of Change 5:13
  • 5 Workin’ Man 4:42
  • 6 Monsanto Years 9:11
  • 7 A New Day for Love 6:01
  • 8 Wolf Moon 3:53
  • 9 People Want to Hear About Love 7:27
  • 10 If I Don’t Know 4:27
  • 11 [end credits] 1:05
  • 12 The Mission 4:15
  • 13 The Method 6:37
  • 14 The Message 5:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata