MOJO 374 – January 2025: Neil Young

The Godfather Returns

It's the stuff of dreams: Neil Young gets back with Crazy Horse, and they make one of the most incredible, beautiful, raw and powerful records of his career. To call it a return to form, or to suggest that it harks back to the glory days of Crazy Horse is to undervalue what is a totally new beast entirely. And yet there is a timelessness to "Toast". This is music that feels completely relevant and vital, but also utterly timeless.

A Deeper Meaning

There is a sense of deep sorrow and melancholy running through the album, but it is a sorrow that is tempered by a sense of acceptance and, ultimately, hope. Young has never been one to shy away from difficult subjects, and on "Toast" he tackles everything from the death of his father to the state of the world. But even in the darkest of times, Young finds a way to find the light.

The album is a testament to the power of music to heal, to inspire, and to bring people together. It is a record that will stay with you long after you've finished listening to it. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

The Songs

The album opens with the title track, a slow-burning, atmospheric number that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Young's voice is weary and world-worn, but it is also full of strength and defiance. The lyrics are simple but effective, and they paint a vivid picture of a man who has seen it all and come out the other side.

The rest of the album is equally strong. "Indian Givers" is a powerful indictment of the way that Native Americans have been treated by the government. "Standing in the Light of Love" is a beautiful ballad about the power of love to overcome adversity. And "Chevrolet" is a raucous, full-throttle rocker that is sure to get your blood pumping.

Overall, "Toast" is a stunning achievement from one of the most iconic musicians of our time. It is an album that is full of beauty, power, and hope. It is a record that will stay with you long after you've finished listening to it.