The Monsanto Years
by Neil Young
  • Record Label: Reprise
  • Release Date: Jun 29, 2015
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
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  1. 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 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    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 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.    … Expand
  2. CmdrR
    Aug 2, 2015
    5
    Do NOT cheese off Neil Young! This man can write an entire album, turning your brand into a snarl word. Monsanto incurred (probably rightly so) the songwriter's wrath by engaging in destructive business practices that affect us all. So, the message is well taken. Musically, however, this album starts out hard to listen to and winds up sounding a bit like self-parody. The earnestness may beDo NOT cheese off Neil Young! This man can write an entire album, turning your brand into a snarl word. Monsanto incurred (probably rightly so) the songwriter's wrath by engaging in destructive business practices that affect us all. So, the message is well taken. Musically, however, this album starts out hard to listen to and winds up sounding a bit like self-parody. The earnestness may be genuine, but it may have been better to hone one song into a weapon, rather than repeating the litany through all of the works.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
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  2. PopMatters
    Jul 29, 2015
    60
    Granted, the lyrics are somewhat cumbersome and heavy-handed, further detracting from the possibility of ensuring these songs will ever be considered of the hummable variety.... The Monsanto Years may not be an album for the ages, but there’s never a moment of doubt that the conviction is clear.
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  3. Record Collector
    Jul 17, 2015
    60
    What could have been an embarrassment is a quiet triumph.
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