Is Time Fades Away a good place to start with Neil Young?

Yes, Time Fades Away is recommended as a starting point for new Neil Young listeners. A raw and emotive collection reflecting on personal loss, with loose arrangements that capture the turbulent essence of early 70s rock. Released on October 15, 1973, Time Fades Away was Neil Young's first live album and followed his acclaimed record Harvest. At this point in his career, Young was grappling with the pressures of fame and the emotional toll of his recent successes, which influenced the album's candid themes and stripped-down sound.

Who is Time Fades Away for?

Time Fades Away works well if you're into steady emotional crescendos throughout, raw introspection for quiet moments and reflective listening during solitude.

How many songs are on Time Fades Away?

Time Fades Away has 8 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Released 53 years ago this October

Time Fades Away

Neil Young · 1973

34 min · 8 tracks · alternative rock

A raw and emotive collection reflecting on personal loss, with loose arrangements that capture the turbulent essence of early 70s rock.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Time Fades Away Start here — The title track sets a reflective tone, contemplating the passage of time and the inevitability of change through haunting melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
→
Don't Be Denied — This track offers a poignant narrative about resilience in the face of adversity, showcasing Young's ability to blend personal storytelling with universal themes.
→
Journey Through the Past — This song evokes nostalgia while addressing the complexities of memory, featuring a distinctive arrangement that highlights Young's experimental approach during this period.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album's raw sound and introspective lyrics create a distinct emotional landscape, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.

What we noticed

The album features a raw, live sound with minimal production, emphasizing the emotional weight of Young's vocal delivery.
Each track is structured around simple chord progressions, allowing for extended instrumental sections that showcase the band's improvisational skills.
The lyrics across the tracks delve into themes of loss and disillusionment, often reflecting Young's personal experiences during performances.

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: 5/10

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

steady emotional crescendos throughout
raw introspection for quiet moments
reflective listening during solitude
gradual build to poignant closure

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat party tracks
prefer standalone singles experience

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Departs from polished sound of previous albums, exploring raw emotions and disillusionment.
Themes: autobiographical struggle· faded fame
Career context: Released on October 15, 1973, Time Fades Away was Neil Young's first live album and followed his acclaimed record Harvest. At this point in his career, Young was grappling with the pressures of fame and the emotional toll of his recent successes, which influenced the album's candid themes and stripped-down sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Bob Dylan· Tom Petty· The Band