The 3 Best Neil Young Songs Ever

There's not much question that Neil Young is one of the best singer/songwriters to come out of Canada or any continent for that matter. His songs have done much to shape the culture in which we live, and he has touched the hearts and souls of many of us with his unique songs and expressions over the years. I absolutely include myself in his list of fans. He definitely changed my life with some of his songs, and when I was asked by one of my friends to come up with the 3 best Neil Young songs ever, I must say that it wasn't an easy task.

Still I tackled the task and here's what I came up with:

1. "After the Gold Rush" - this song, though obviously written in reference to visions seen while on a hallucinogenic drug, still is prophetic, as it hits the point in the bulls-eye about modern desecration of the ecological system on the planet ("Look at mother nature on the run in the 1970's"). The melody and piano work are purely haunting with the muted trumpet interlude taking us all on a dream trip. Neil truly was on the aesthetic wave band when he wrote and performed this one. There are more popular songs that he wrote, but few songs touch me spiritually as this one does.

2. "Heart of Gold" - is a simple song about something that is near and dear to all of us. We've all looked for that person of genuine warmth, honesty, trustworthiness, love and faithfulness - many have never found it and like Neil Young are, as he expresses in the song, "a miner for a heart of gold, and I'm growing old." The guitar and harmonica in the song with the rhythm really set the tone and pace of the song. Truly a work of art. I can't say enough about the impact this song has had on me and it never grows old or dull.

3. "I Am a Child" - is a classic tribute to children and the gap of understanding that exists between us adults and them kids. The chord progression and melody are unique - no question about it - and the song has a way of lingering in your thoughts for a long time after listening to it. This line from the song still rings down the corridors of my mind, "I am a child. I last awhile. You can't conceive of the pleasure in my smile."

I have another couple of Neil's songs that could easily rate in the top three ("Love Is a Rose"; "Old Man"; "Everybody Knows This is Nowhere"- to name a few), but I had to draw the line somewhere, and you can see where I drew it.

Even if you don't agree with what I have chosen as the 3 best Neil Young songs ever, I don't think you can dispute that he is one of the best artists we've had around. If you like songs that hit you emotionally and even spiritually, then you might also check out Lawrence Lynn. His songs definitely hit me emotionally and spiritually, and I think you might like them. Click here to download 2 copies of his latest singles for free.