Neil Young proved he’s still got it with a wonderfully weird album

Neil Young Still Surprises at 79

Neil Young’s new album Talkin’ to the Trees proves he’s not slowing down. At age 79, Young created this project with a fresh band called the Chrome Hearts, featuring Micah Nelson, Corey McCormick, Anthony LoGerfo, and Spooner Oldham.

The record was co-produced with Lou Adler at Rick Rubin’s Shangri-La studio. Recording engineer John Hanlon said the sound feels “in your face, loud, irreverent rock ‘n roll.” Young’s messy brilliance and vibrant spirit drive the album, which continues to surprise both critics and longtime fans

The Chrome Hearts Bring New Fire

Young didn’t call back Crazy Horse. Instead, he formed Chrome Hearts, including trusted collaborators. Micah Nelson, Willie’s son, replaced Nils Lofgren in 2023. LoGerfo and McCormick had played in Promise of the Real.

Spooner Oldham brought history from Harvest Moon and Comes a Time. Crazy Horse stopped touring in 2024 due to health issues. The Chrome Hearts locked in fast, capturing Young’s chaotic energy and offering a jolt of new chemistry on every track.

A Burst of Original Albums in 2025

Talkin to the Trees wasn’t Young’s only project this year. In 2025 alone, he also released Coastal: The Soundtrack and Oceanside Countryside, following a streak of six albums since 2023.

Unlike past projects built from vaults, this album is made entirely of new songs. Nothing was taken from old tapes or past sessions. It’s his freshest full-length creation since 2022’s World Record, built from scratch in the studio.

Vibe Over Perfection in Studio

The album’s sessions were all about loose, live energy. Young told the chrome hearts to jam, share ideas, and stay spontaneous. Perfect takes didn’t matter as much as raw feeling.

That creative freedom gave the album its unpredictable spirit. Producer Lou Adler helped shape the wild sound into something still listenable. The band said Young’s honesty in the studio kept them connected from start to finish.

Hitting the Road for Festivals

To promote the album, Neil Young & the Chrome Hearts kicked off their 2025 European festival tour on June 18 in Sweden. They also made a triumphant return to Glastonbury, marking a major moment for fans.

The tour featured a headlining set at BST Hyde Park on July 11, where they were joined by Yusuf / Cat Stevens and Van Morrison. Titled “Summer of Democracy,” the tour reflected the album’s bold, activist spirit and Young’s enduring political voice.

Glastonbury Comeback Sparks Buzz

When fans heard Neil Young was returning to Glastonbury, online excitement exploded. He had famously boycotted the festival, so his 2025 headlining slot made waves.

Organizer Emily Eavis said having Young back is a festival highlight. Fans flooded social media with praise and plans. From longtime loyalists to new listeners, everyone is curious to see how his new band sounds live.

Three Tracks Leave a Mark

“First Fire of Winter” feels like a cousin to “Helpless,” using gentle steel guitar and sorrowful lyrics. “Bottle of Love” adds vibraphone textures and echoes of “Danger Bird.”

The title track, “Talkin to the Trees,” closes with everyday imagery, dogs dreaming, markets buzzing, and ends on a soft, thoughtful tone. These three songs reveal Young’s knack for emotional shifts in just a few verses.

A Misstep with “Let’s Roll Again”

Not every song worked. “Let’s Roll Again” faced backlash for mixing political lyrics with clunky garage rock. He urges Democrats to fight Tesla and fascism.

The lyric “Build us somethin’ won’t kill our kids” got lost in noisy guitars. Critics and fans alike slammed the track. Some called it Young’s weakest since his old Voice-o-Graph covers with Jack White.

Personal Stories in Two Tracks

“Silver Eagle” is Young’s tribute to his old tour bus, filled with gratitude for road memories. He calls it part of his identity, honoring drivers and long drives.

“Family Life” takes a sweet turn, naming his kids Ben, Amber Jean, Zeke, and wife Daryl Hannah. Though one line about cooking drew laughs online, the chorus rang with heartfelt affection that longtime fans appreciated.

A Surprise Gig for a Good Cause

On May 23, 2025, Young played a surprise benefit at Lakefield College School in Ontario. The concert raised money to save a farmhouse tied to his visits with Daryl Hannah.

He also performed “My Boy” for the first time since 1983. The song comes from Old Ways and honors his father and son. Young wrote on his blog that this is his favorite recording ever.

Daryl Hannah’s “Coastal” Doc Shines

Young’s solo 2023 West Coast tour inspired Coastal, a documentary directed by Daryl Hannah. It gives a behind-the-scenes view of life on tour and personal moments with Young.

The movie features unreleased live performances and debuted at the Woodstock Film Festival in October 2024. It was later screened globally on April 17, 2025, offering fans a rare look at Young unplugged.

“My Boy” Returns with Meaning

Alongside “My Boy,” Young also revived “Name of Love” during the Lakefield show. He ended the performance with classics like “Old Man” and “Helpless.”

In a blog post, Young explained how much “My Boy” means to him. “I know my dad must have heard this song,” he wrote. “Zeke is my wonderful son.” The performance moved many in the audience.

A Fast Pace Few Can Match

Since 2017, Young has released more material than most artists. That includes five albums of unreleased vault songs and now several brand-new records.

Instead of crafting one album for years, he keeps pushing forward. Talkin to the Trees is different from his vault work. It’s completely original and built on momentum, not polish. That rhythm now defines his output.

Raw Emotion in “Dark Mirage”

“Dark Mirage” stands out for its distorted sound and fiery lyrics. Young tackles rumors about his daughter Amber Jean, singing with grit and sharp guitar licks.

The band plays heavy and fast, while Young’s rough voice rips through the verses. He ends the song on a hopeful note: “Found the right lover and they’re building the sky,” celebrating his son Zeke’s path.

Young Reflects Deeply on “My Boy”

During his surprise May 2025 show, Neil Young paused before performing My Boy for the first time since 1983. He said the song connects him to both his father and son and called it “my favorite recording ever” in a heartfelt blog post.

He also mentioned how proud he is of Zeke, writing “Zeke is my wonderful son” and suggesting his dad must have heard the song. That moment, shared live and online, revealed a vulnerable side of Young that added even more weight to the album’s release.

If you’re in the mood for timeless tunes? Dive into the only Neil Young playlist you need.

Still Risking It All

This album captures every side of Young’s world in 2025. He’s political, personal, loud, and soft all in one project. From Glastonbury to Lakefield, his voice still cuts through.

He’s recording with new partners and playing surprise gigs. With nearly 50 albums behind him, Neil Young is still experimenting, creating, and challenging expectations. At 79, he proves he’s not done shaking things up.

Think you know who’s leading the pack? Find out in Who is country music’s no. 1 star of the 21st century? Take a guess.

Think Neil Young’s still got that spark, or has he gone too weird this time? Drop your thoughts below!

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.