Neil Young - Living With War Album Review

Artist - Neil Young
Album - Living With War
Label - Reprise

Stepping, with lumberjack boots, into the whole Iraq war debate, Living With War leaves the listener in no doubt whatsoever about Young's position.

Whether it is a great Neil Young album, however, is more debatable. With a grunge-core sound reminiscent of Zuma, and lyrics that are among his best ever (whether you agree with his viewpoint or not), he has clearly channelled a whole lot of aggression into this piece. However, it doesn't sound great - it's all a bit tame and rote.

The sense is of an album that would undoubtedly work well live, but it all seems a bit rushed. The best track is the first - After The Garden. While protest albums make sense here and now, there isn't a lot that will make Living With War a staple of a Best Of in the future.

3.5/5

Mike Rea