Young’s new album has met with very mixed media reviews and I’m wondering why… You see I think it’s the best thing he’s done in the last five years. It’s also his rockiest album for ages and while the world’s turbulence and problems provides much of the subject matter, musically this album delivers - big time.

Opener ‘When World’s Collide’ does not provide that introductory explosion but next track ‘Fuel Line’ certainly does. It’s a  dark bluesy rocker with superb backing vocals and doom-laden bass vibe. There’s also some very dirty guitar play and of course Young’s perfectly matched vocal. ‘Just Singing A Song’ offers a stronger melody and a vocals that dominate the clamorous guitars and drums. Lyically, it’s top drawer with lines like “Just singing a song won’t change the world…” Another winner…  Then ‘Johnny’s Magic’ offers up another top trad, pacy rock tune with relentless, dirty guitar providing an ideal backdrop.

So far, three great songs out of four (which I would love to see played live) with more to come. ‘Cough Up The Bucks’ is a jerky country rock tune which cleverly overlays the guitar rock with a gentler vocal contribution from Young. Shouldn’t work but it does. ‘Get Behind The Wheel’ reminds me of a big, bruising Yank V8 muscle car cruising the highway and has to be the drive song of the year. ‘Off The Road’ is a moodier song that reminds me of the Young of (very) old. It’s a beautiful, thoughtful, glacially-paced song that could so easily come off AFTER THE GOLDRUSH or HARVEST. Then it’s back to diving, dirty guitars with ‘Hit The Road’ - another fabulous driving song.

Coming into the home straight and it’s another low-geared, acoustic beauty. ‘Light The Candle’ takes an alt-country route with pedal steel, wailing guitars and a moving vocal performance from Young. ‘Fork In The Road’ concludes the album using the ‘fork in the road’ as an allegory for decision-making time - “There’s a fork in the road ahead, I don’t know which way I’m going to turn.” It’s a fabulous, epic closer to a wonderful collection of songs.

The album takes a few listens to really appreciate its quality, but get it you will. Strongly recommended.

4/5