The Visitor
Neil Young · 2017
51 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of rock and folk, this album weaves political commentary with heartfelt melodies and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Already Great Start here — This opening track serves as a direct critique of American politics, blending catchy hooks with incisive commentary that sets the tone for the album.
-
→
Children of Destiny — Highlighting hope amidst despair, this track features anthemic choruses that resonate deeply with listeners seeking change and unity.
-
→
Diggin’ a Hole — With its sharp lyrics and upbeat tempo, this song captures a sense of urgency about societal issues while maintaining a playful vibe.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines personal and political themes with layered instrumentation, creating a reflective listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a steady, driving rhythm that sets a politically charged tone for the album.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with guitars and keyboards intertwining to create a rich soundscape.
- The lyrics often shift between personal reflections and broader social commentary, demanding active engagement from the listener.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- raw reflections on personal turmoil
- dynamic peaks and valleys
- cathartic moments of release
- engaging storytelling through song
- introspective listening for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek purely upbeat energy
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued relevance with timely themes and strong collaboration in later career.
- Themes
- political unrest· American resilience· social change urgency
- Career context
- Released in December 2017, The Visitor marks Neil Young's collaboration with Promise of the Real, following their joint project, The Monsanto Years. At this point in his career, Young was embracing a more politically charged persona, infusing his music with contemporary issues while remaining rooted in his classic sound.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Already Great
The narrative directly addresses the state of the nation, emphasizing disillusionment while promoting resilience.
This moment shifts from personal reflection to collective call-to-action, showcasing Young's ability to merge personal and political narratives effectively.
Tracklist
- 1 Already Great Start here 5:47
- 2 Fly by Night Deal 2:37
- 3 Almost Always 4:50
- 4 Stand Tall 5:13
- 5 Change of Heart 5:54
- 6 Carnival 8:20
- 7 Diggin’ a Hole 2:33
- 8 Children of Destiny 3:24
- 9 When Bad Got Good 2:00
- 10 Forever 10:32
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
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.