The Monsanto Years
Neil Young · 2015
126 min · 23 tracks · alternative rock
Folk-inflected rock intertwines with pointed political commentary, embodying Neil Young's signature blend of melody and message.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
A New Day for Love Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
A Rock Star Bucks a Coffee Shop — This track stands out for its sharp critique of consumer culture and corporate exploitation, encapsulating Young's frustration with commercialization. The catchy chorus contrasts with its serious message, making it both memorable and thought-provoking.
-
→
Big Box — In this song, Young directly addresses the overwhelming presence of big-box retailers and their detrimental effects on local communities. The urgency in the music amplifies the lyrical call to action against homogenization in consumer culture.
-
→
Monsanto Years — The title track serves as a powerful centerpiece that merges personal narrative with broader societal issues, emphasizing the impact of agricultural giants on health and environment. Its poignant lyrics highlight Young's commitment to advocacy through art.
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
- prefer fast-paced instant gratification
- seek standalone radio-friendly singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album features a political focus and sound that diverges from previous styles.
- Themes
- corporate greed· Monsanto controversy· consumer culture critique
- Career context
- By the time 'The Monsanto Years' was released in 2015, Neil Young had solidified his status as a politically charged artist. This album marked his return to topical songwriting after years of more introspective work, following albums like 'Psychedelic Pill' (2012) and 'Live at the Cellar Door' (2013). The release came amid growing concerns over corporate influence in agriculture and food production.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
People Want to Hear About Love
The song shifts from discussing societal woes to an earnest plea for connection and love amidst chaos.
This tonal shift not only showcases Young's lyrical versatility but also emphasizes the importance of love as a counterbalance to despair, creating a compelling emotional arc.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 A New Day for Love Start here 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 Start here 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
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Sleep Through the Static
Jack Johnson
Shares themes of environmental awareness and critiques of consumer culture through laid-back acoustic rock.
Ashes & Fire
Ryan Adams
Explores personal and societal introspection, blending folk and rock with a focus on emotional honesty.
The King Is Dead
The Decemberists
Combines folk-rock melodies with lyrical storytelling that often critiques societal issues and corporate power.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.