Harvest would end up defining not only Neil Young’s career but also an era of introspective, folk-infused rock. At the time Young was already known for his poetic lyricism and achingly honest voice, traits that had made him a beloved figure in the folk-rock world, and his work with CSNY (specifically their masterful Deja Vu album which is an all-time favorite of mine) had already kind of spoken for itself. With Harvest however Young sought a different approach, crafting songs that were sparse and intimate. Recorded partly on a remote ranch in Northern California, the album features a delicate blend of acoustic guitar, pedal steel, and Young’s own fragile, haunting vocals. Young’s collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra as well as guest vocals from old friends David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash bring an unexpected lushness to the album alongside all the downhome roots.
Songs like “Heart of Gold” and “Old Man” have always evoked a sense of longing and introspection every time I hear them– there’s a raw, confessional quality to his lyrics, a gift for simplicity that nonetheless speaks volumes. And his voice– at times tender, at times worn and weary like an old baseball glove– has always given him an authenticity that makes it feel like you’re having a personal conversation with him. There’s a deep melancholy that runs through Harvest which is gorgeously haunting, capturing the vulnerability and existential reflection of a man standing at a crossroads in his life.
Standout Songs: “Heart of Gold”, “Old Man”, “Out on the Weekend”
