Is The Times a good place to start with Neil Young?

Yes, The Times is recommended as a starting point for new Neil Young listeners. A poignant blend of reflective folk and rock, echoing timeless protest anthems with a contemporary urgency. When Neil Young released 'The Times' in September 2020, he was in a phase of revisiting and reinterpreting his classic songs for modern audiences. This EP followed his extensive career, including the politically charged 2019 album 'Colorado', showcasing his ongoing commitment to social issues and activism.

Who is The Times for?

The Times works well if you're into poignant reflections on current events, short bursts of impactful commentary and concise storytelling with urgency.

How many songs are on The Times?

The Times has 7 tracks, running approximately 26 minutes.

The Times

Neil Young · 2020

26 min · 7 tracks · alternative rock

A poignant blend of reflective folk and rock, echoing timeless protest anthems with a contemporary urgency.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Alabama Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Lookin’ for a Leader 2020 — This track updates Young's original song from 2006, directly critiquing the state of American leadership while maintaining its urgent call for change.
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The Times They Are A-Changin’ — Young’s rendition revitalizes this classic anthem, emphasizing its enduring message as a rallying cry for social justice amidst current events.
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Ohio — Originally penned in response to the Kent State shootings, this performance underscores Young’s ability to connect historical trauma with present-day struggles.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

This EP combines classic and new material with a strong lyrical focus, reflecting on contemporary issues.

What we noticed

Each track is built around acoustic instrumentation, emphasizing lyrical content over complex arrangements.
The final two tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

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

poignant reflections on current events
short bursts of impactful commentary
concise storytelling with urgency
thought-provoking moments for introspection

Maybe skip if you

seeking extended listening experiences
prefer upbeat party tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Reinterprets classic songs for contemporary issues, diverging from typical releases.
Themes: political disillusionment· racial injustice· historical protest songs
Career context: When Neil Young released 'The Times' in September 2020, he was in a phase of revisiting and reinterpreting his classic songs for modern audiences. This EP followed his extensive career, including the politically charged 2019 album 'Colorado', showcasing his ongoing commitment to social issues and activism.
Stylistic neighbors: Bob Dylan· Tom Petty· The Band