Another Feather in His Cap
Now past 70 years of age, Neil Young shows few signs of losing his standing as one of the most vital active rock legends. On his latest album he continues down the path begun with The Monsanto Years, taking on pointedly political themes. The second album with Los Angeles rockers Promise of the Real, helmed by Lukas Nelson, The Visitor is an energetic addition to the expansive Young catalog.
Opener “Already Great” leads the way with a haymaker. Young points out what Donald Trump’s mantra “Make America Great Again” completely misses: In many ways, the United States is “already great” as it’s ever been. Sonically, it fits right into the mold of the crunchy anthem rock Young has perfected over the years.
“Stand Tall” opens with a sample of people debating climate change, with unsurprisingly frustrating results. Later, “Fly By Night Deal” features Young taking on a rambling cadence, breaking down the current climate of discourse: Ram it here and shove it there / Study all the questions and fill in what you can / Try to be nice and be sincere / Even though your blood is boiling in here.”
On the gentler side of Young’s songbook are “Almost Always” and “Change of Heart.” Both showcase pop-oriented sensibilities and are well-placed between more abrasive moments on the album – it’s noteworthy how much Young does not come across like an angry old man on The Visitor. “Change of Heart” even incorporates some common indie pop elements like twinkling bells and copious whistling.
The centerpiece of the album is “Carnival.” Coming in past the eight-minute mark, it gets there in bizarre fashion. The verse features Young atop acoustic Spanish-style arrangements and sporting an almost-unrecognizable singing style. What feels a bit like a Gypsy Kings song abruptly transitions into a half-time circus ragga, sounding like a cross between “For The Benefit of Mr. Kite” and The Soft Bulletin-era Flaming Lips.
“Diggin’ A Hole” and “When Bad Got Good” are traditional blues-based tracks, adding to the diversity of The Visitor. The most uplifting and anthemic track on The Visitor, “Children of Destiny,” falls towards the end of the album. Despite (or perhaps because of) the sometimes-bleak subject matter of the previous songs, he sees a reason to fight for the future, to preserve America for our children.
The Visitor slots nicely alongside The Monsanto Years, showcasing a legacy artist not willing to simply kowtow to the masses and live off his past. The record doesn’t push boundaries sonically, but thematically it’s sure to alienate parts of his classic rock fan base. For Young, it’s just another feather in his cap.
Leave a Comment