Neil Young - Fork in the Road (Reprise) ***1/2

I recall hearing some of these songs live when I saw Young live. He was already trying a handful of these songs on stage. They sounded good, and passed the stage test. Here we hear the whole set of the newest recordings. Fork in the Road is a set of songs dealing with variety of subjects, but mostly cars. Young’s fascination with automobiles is well known, so it’s no coincidence he sings about something he loves. There are some self-reflective words from Young as well. Young sings about not being able to change the world just by singing a song. Perhaps he is mistaken, as his songs were quite important statements in the counterculture over the last four decades. On the other hand, quickly observable changes are hard to come.

Fork in the Road is a very different record from its predecessor, or even Living with War. It’s another face of Young that was always there, but never as up front. The revolutionary tendencies are put aside here, but not completely erased. Young maintains his cutting edge, and is an artist who is always moving forward at his own pace.

Neil Young is an icon who continues to surprise and grace the listener with his music. Despite his status, he is not afraid to take the left turn when you expect him to the right one. This unsuspecting way of thinking is what makes this artist so vital and relevant for so many years.

Mark Kadzielawa