Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts: Second Song review – shaky album occasionally strikes gold

Neil Young, the prolific 80-year-old musician, continues his relentless creative output with the release of "Second Song," his second new studio album of 2026. This follows closely on the heels of "As Time Explodes," a double live album that arrived just over three months prior. Young's recent work schedule is nothing short of astonishing; since 2020 alone, he has released nine new studio albums, a 30-minute EP, five self-directed films, three films helmed by other directors, ten archival live albums, six archival studio albums, and two substantial box sets. His touring activities have also been extensive, featuring performances with his long-standing backing band Crazy Horse, the more recently assembled Chrome Hearts, and solo. Beyond his musical endeavors, Young has been a vocal public figure, engaging in high-profile disputes with major platforms like Spotify, Amazon, and Ticketmaster, and even briefly commenting on the BBC's coverage of Glastonbury. He has also consistently shared his perspectives on politics, environmental issues, and corporate media through his online newspaper, the Times-Contrarian. This demanding schedule, which recently led to the cancellation of a European tour due to reported exhaustion, inevitably prompts questions about its sustainability and its potential impact on the quality of his artistic output.

"Second Song" sees Young drawing inspiration from his extensive past, a characteristic approach that yields results described as variable. However, the album is punctuated by two lengthy, entirely new compositions that are singled out as "real showstoppers," suggesting moments of significant artistic vitality amidst the broader exploration of his catalog. This tendency to revisit past influences and styles contrasts with some of his more recent, seemingly less polished work. For instance, last year's "Talkin to the Trees" was perceived by some critics as crossing the line from instinctive creation to something that felt "dashed off." On that album, Young's improvisational style was particularly evident, with lyrics from the track "Family Life" such as "When today has come and gone, I might be singing my new song" exemplifying this approach. Furthermore, "Talkin to the Trees" featured melodic echoes of Woody Guthrie's iconic "This Land Is Your Land" on multiple tracks, including "First Fire of Wi," highlighting a recurring theme of drawing from folk traditions.

The album "Second Song" is thus situated within a broader context of Young's prolific career and his ongoing commitment to artistic exploration. His post-2020 output alone represents a remarkable surge of creativity, encompassing a diverse range of new music and archival material, alongside significant visual projects. His public engagement extends beyond the studio and stage, demonstrating a consistent effort to connect with his audience and express his views on contemporary issues. Despite the challenges associated with his age and the intensity of his career, Neil Young's dedication to his craft and his prolific release schedule remain a defining characteristic of his enduring legacy.