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. 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. 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 theI 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.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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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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