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 Quietus
    Jun 30, 2015
    30
    Not only are the concepts themselves reductive and half-baked and the lyrics risibly clumsy, but the songs appear to have been composed in less time than it actually takes to perform them.
  2. New York Daily News (Jim Faber)
    Jun 26, 2015
    20
    The new [album] sinks decent riffs and an earnest message in unlistenably didactic lyrics.

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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