The Monsanto Years
The Monsanto Years is a studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young and the American rock group Promise of the Real, released on June 29, 2015 on Reprise Records. A concept album that criticizes the agribusiness company, Monsanto, it is Young's thirty-fifth studio album and the third by Promise of the Real. The group is fronted by Lukas Nelson and features his brother Micah, both sons of Willie Nelson. The album was produced by both Young and John Hanlon, and is accompanied by a film documenting the recording process.
Insights
Plot Summary
Recorded live in the studio, 'The Monsanto Years' is a concept album by Canadian musician Neil Young. The album serves as a protest album, critiquing the practices of agricultural biotechnology corporation Monsanto and the wider agricultural industry. The songs explore themes of environmentalism, corporate greed, and the impact of industrial farming on nature and society.
Critical Reception
The album received generally mixed to positive reviews from critics. While some praised Young's continued activism and the raw, live-in-studio feel of the record, others found the lyrical content to be overly didactic and the musical execution less compelling than his previous works.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its direct lyrical approach and commitment to social commentary.
- Noted for its raw, live-in-studio sound.
- Criticized by some for being musically less innovative and lyrically heavy-handed.
Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the album's message and Neil Young's willingness to tackle controversial topics. Many found the songs to be passionate and relevant, resonating with those concerned about environmental and corporate issues. Some reviewers expressed that while the message was strong, the musical execution could have been more varied.
Fun Fact
The album was recorded live in the studio over three days with Neil Young's backing band The Promise of the Real, comprising Lukas Nelson, Micah Nelson, Anthony LoGerfo, and Corey McCormick.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources