The Monsanto Years
by Neil Young
  • Record Label: Reprise
  • Release Date: Jun 29, 2015
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 31
  3. Negative: 2 out of 31
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  1. The Guardian
    Jun 25, 2015
    100
    Young is still a force to be reckoned with. There is urgency and energy here.
  2. Paste Magazine
    Jun 30, 2015
    92
    Working with Lukas Nelson’s Promise of the Real, Young’s urgency is infused with youthful intensity.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jul 17, 2015
    80
    The sound of a legend raging in style.
  5. Uncut
    Jun 24, 2015
    80
    The Monsanto Years is occasionally rambling, frequently sentimental and sometimes moving. [Aug 2015, p.68]
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  6. Under The Radar
    Jul 17, 2015
    75
    The songs are tight, enjoyable, and lively.
  7. AllMusic
    Jun 30, 2015
    70
    If the individual message may wind up fading like yesterday's newspapers, the music will keep The Monsanto Years burning bright.
  8. Exclaim
    Jun 26, 2015
    70
    It's another album of Neil being Neil, and that's a good thing.
  9. PopMatters
    Jun 17, 2015
    70
    Young hits the equilibrium between songwriting and performance best when he brings his heart to the table through rebellion, and these nine tracks geared towards environmental ignorance at large do the trick.
  10. Austin Chronicle
    Aug 6, 2015
    67
    A two-disc version of The Monsanto Years includes a DVD offering a full hour of songs, some sounding better than on the album proper.
  11. Los Angeles Times
    Jul 1, 2015
    63
    This is Young the aged bellwether, raging about the state of the world with the focus of someone with little left to lose.

User Reviews

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User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 3 out of 16
  1. mrtew
    Jul 1, 2015
    8
    It's better if you listen to the music because the lyrics are pretty awkward but after it starts to sink in you really notice how beautifulIt's better if you listen to the music because the lyrics are pretty awkward but after it starts to sink in you really notice how beautiful and even funny some of the songs are. I might even end up liking the whole thing but my favourites so far are Wolf Moon and People Want to Hear about Love (which is about how most listeners aren't interested in protest songs). Get those two songs at least!… Full Review »
  2. ydnar4
    Nov 16, 2016
    6
    Neil Young takes a stand like never before with the Monsanto Years. He's teaming up with Willie Nelson's sons in the Promise of the Real andNeil Young takes a stand like never before with the Monsanto Years. He's teaming up with Willie Nelson's sons in the Promise of the Real and their collaboration brings an enjoyable album. The Promise of the Real is fairly similar to Crazy Horse and the raw guitar really works for these songs because they really aren't produced that heavily.

    None of these songs are going to become Neil Young signature tracks but its an easy 9 songs to listen too. The lyrics aren't necessary that well crafted either. It just seems like a quick jam record. I can't see why any Neil Young fans would be too disappointed with this album.    … Full Review »
  3. BizerSan
    Aug 17, 2015
    0
    I hadn't heard of Neil Young before, and was keen on listening to someone writing critical song texts about important worldwide issues. MyI hadn't heard of Neil Young before, and was keen on listening to someone writing critical song texts about important worldwide issues. My enthusiasm however got less and less the further I listened. What I consider to be a classic-blues-rock sound, feels a bit dull and sleepy. It may be that the texts are good and deep, but Young's voice doesn't go much over the music. Sometimes I got the impression he's missing tones, and the heights are definitely not his strength.
    The dreamy easy-listening nature of the album doesn't fit the strong political texts. It is probably a type of satiré, but I expect bolder, louder vocals and goosebumps, or at least a desire for revolt, rising inside me.
    Normally I might have liked the sound of the album for a relaxing Sunday playlist, but the poor vocals, the length of some tracks (7-8 minutes) and the 'pessimistic' texts make me much too often wanting to just skip and listen to something else.    … Full Review »
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