Sunday Spin: Comes a Time
Any chance I get to snag a Neil Young Vinyl in good condition I will. Even if I haven’t listened to the album (which is rare), i’ll still grab it anyways. I find Neil’s music to be easy yet intriguing to listen to. It isn’t always easy listening. But there is something so grounding in how assured Neil Young is in his work. Every time I listen, I leave with something new and can’t wait to go back and find more. I believe this is what sets some artists apart from the pack.
Comes a Time, being released in 1978, brings a sound much closer in resemblance to the work of Harvest than it does to the albums it directly precedes. The sound is smoother, softer and more accessible. If you like Neil Young’s Harvest or After the Gold Rush, you’ll like this album. If you’re a Neil Young ditch trilogy fan, this album might not be reaching enough for you.
With that said, the tunes are still great. Mainly comprised of songs dealing with love and reflection, you still get those unmistakable Neil Young lyrics. I feel it’s the lyrics that keep this album at a great listen. The sound might be more polished, and the production might be bigger, but Neil Young by no means sacrifices his authenticity to achieve that sound.
The album brings back Neil with an orchestra in songs like “Comes a Time”, “Peace of Mind” and “Already One”. It also Includes Neil’s “Lotta Love”, which became a large success for Nicolette Larson. I think this album gets underrated in its country and traditional folk arrangements. It’s these arrangements that make the album not exactly the Harvest sound. The song “Already One” peaks directly into the Harvest Moon, while “Motorcycle Mama” gives a sound closer to Neil’s American Stars ‘n Bars. The album is subtly versatile, yet balanced when looked at as a whole.
Quite honestly, this album is a great blend of Neil Young’s sound that is much more approachable in its arrangements than Young’s fans are used to. All in all, this album is a great listen and consistent in what it delivers. Nothing is earth shattering, but it’s all really good stuff.