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Greendale
by
Greendale Image
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 57 Ratings

  • Summary: Credited to Neil Young & Crazy Horse (expect electric rather than acoustic), this latest offering by the 57-year-old rocker is a 10-song concept album about the lives of the fictitious Green family.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 3 out of 17
  1. PopMatters
    90
    Not only does Young accomplish his goal of creating a musical storyline that transcends the tedium and self-indulgence of your average concept album, but he's also crafted his finest set of songs since at least Freedom and Ragged Glory.
  2. AllMusic
    80
    It all adds up to a very good record -- one that is interesting, and one that satisfies musically.
  3. Village Voice
    70
    The problem with Greendale-the-CD is that too many songs rely on simple blues vamps that neither Young nor Crazy Horse manages to rave up into their trademark protogrunge.... But you keep listening because he's created real setting, plot, and character.
  4. Playlouder
    70
    A soothing, gentle rock'n'roll opus.
  5. The Guardian
    60
    Instances of clarity and grace alternate with wodges of unfathomable nonsense that a good editor would have blue-pencilled from the first draft.
  6. ShakingThrough.net
    48
    Young's nomadic narrative requires its own Cliffs Notes, and the lack of cohesion or focus (which Young pretty much cops to in the liner notes) give the record less heft than the irate rambling of your neighborhood curmudgeon.
  7. Austin Chronicle
    20
    Unlistenable, grade-A manure.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 36
  3. Negative: 2 out of 36
  1. DavidH
    Aug 22, 2003
    10
    A classic...as a comment on our times and for just great music. "Bandit" rates with the best songs Neil, or anyone for that matter, has ever A classic...as a comment on our times and for just great music. "Bandit" rates with the best songs Neil, or anyone for that matter, has ever written. 'Nuff said.… Expand
  2. mrtew
    Jan 2, 2012
    10
    I love this album! The combination of the story and the music does it for me every time. No clue why it's not higher rated by theI love this album! The combination of the story and the music does it for me every time. No clue why it's not higher rated by the critics; it's one of his best modern albums by far in my opinion.… Expand
  4. Dan
    Sep 15, 2003
    10
    This album is destined to take it's place among Neil's finest. See it live if you can.
  5. CharlieD
    Sep 22, 2003
    10
    10 brand new Neil Youngs and they're as good as anything he has ever done. Go see the show. His stage play of Greendale will have you 10 brand new Neil Youngs and they're as good as anything he has ever done. Go see the show. His stage play of Greendale will have you buying the CD the next day. Guaranteed!!! … Expand
  6. MarkH
    Oct 19, 2004
    10
    An amazing album.. I sat in stunned silence as thing unwound like a weird, musical snake. Tales of doping and cop killing and a call to An amazing album.. I sat in stunned silence as thing unwound like a weird, musical snake. Tales of doping and cop killing and a call to revolution....reaches deep down inside ....and grabs you… Expand
  7. AntonisM
    Aug 25, 2003
    9
    Excellent! A very nice work by Neil Young both in music and lyrics! The bonus dvd is very good too and i found the idea of giving us the Excellent! A very nice work by Neil Young both in music and lyrics! The bonus dvd is very good too and i found the idea of giving us the opportunity to hear the electric songs in an acoustic mode very very interesting.I personally enjoyed the acoustic versions more than the electric! This cd will stay in my cd-player for a long time.Thank you Neil! … Expand
  8. austinj
    Sep 20, 2003
    0
    load of crap

See all 36 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Most Discussed Album of 2003

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