Prime Neil

Few artists remain relevant contributors to the world of music after so many years. Neil is not merely relevant though, as recent releases continue to match his greatest works. Prairie Wind is absolutely essential Neil. Of the so dubbed trilogy of Harvest, Harvest Moon, and Prairie Wind, Praire Wind is by far the greatest. The mood is flawlessly set, the lyrics and music complement each other splendidly and every song hits with the impact that great music always does. There's something very unique about Young; no one else sounds quite like him or writes quite like him. His songs just touch me in a way that those of few others can. Praire Wind features some of his most brilliant songwriting. Every single track hits the mark. I don't just recommend Prairie Wind to diehards or even Neil fans, but to everyone and anyone that loves good music.

it's neil young's 2005 crowning glory

Modern Day Stephen Foster ?

As on "Silver & Gold", Young seems focused on creating songs that could become part of the American consciousness. "Prairie Wind", while a worthwile collection of songs, seems to be built around the masterful "When God Made Me". One of Young's greatest songs "When God Made Me" seems to be a companion piece to John Lennon's "Imagine". It's no coincidence that Young performed "Imagine" at the 9-11 benefit. What is interesting about "When God Made Me" concerns Young's belief in God. Various past quotes from David Crosby indicated that Young typically had an "Anti-God" or atheist stance. While creating a song with all the necessary "sounds" of a hymn (a choir, plaintive piano) Young ultimately delivers a powerful and thoughtful piece of music that not only questions God's existence, but his existence as well.