Neil Young, now 80, has released his second album of 2026, titled Second Song, following a double live set called As Time Explodes just over three months earlier. Over the past six years, Young has been incredibly prolific, releasing nine new albums, a 30-minute EP, five self-directed films, three films directed by others, 10 archival live albums, six archival studio albums, and two box sets. He has also been actively touring with his longtime band Crazy Horse, a newer group called Chrome Hearts, and in solo performances. In addition, he has been vocal in his criticisms of major platforms like Spotify, Amazon, and Ticketmaster, as well as the BBC’s coverage of the Glastonbury festival, and has written numerous opinion pieces on politics, the environment, and media for his online publication, the Times-Contrarian. Young’s recent decision to cancel a European tour due to exhaustion has led some to question whether his relentless schedule is sustainable—not just for his health, but also for the quality of his music. While Young has always emphasized spontaneity over technical polish, some of his recent work has hinted that a bit more refinement might be beneficial. Last year’s Talkin’ to the Trees was often described as more instinctive than polished, with some tracks feeling like they were written on the spot. For instance, the track Family Life included lyrics like, “When today has come and gone, I might be singing my new song,” suggesting a more casual approach to songwriting. Additionally, several tracks on Talkin’ to the Trees reused melodies from earlier works, including Woody Guthrie’s This Land Is Your Land and Young’s own Helpless and Harvest Moon. Second Song leans more into Young’s acoustic side, with less of the heavy, distorted sound typically associated with Crazy Horse or Chrome Hearts. The album features more polished production, including a backwards guitar solo on the opening track, The Foggy Edge of Time. The song reflects Young’s ongoing commitment to artistic freedom, a theme that has appeared in his work since the 1970s. However, the album is not without its shortcomings. Two of the seven tracks are re-recordings of songs from Young’s early band, the Squires, which some might see as a sign of limited new material. These tracks, while pleasant, are not particularly substantial. The album also includes a lengthy, rambling track similar to those on Talkin’ to the Trees, and a sweet but brief foray into pre-rock pop on Earth Girl. The standout tracks of Second Song are Soon I Might Be Going and the title track. The former is a somber reflection on aging and personal loss, echoing the themes of 1974’s Ambulance Blues, and features lyrics like, “I miss you like tomorrow.” The title track, however, stands out as a rare gem—its melody is both beautiful and original, and it avoids the repetition that has marked some of Young’s recent work. The lyrics evoke a sense of fading light and inevitable change, but ultimately offer a comforting resolution, suggesting that music can provide solace even in difficult times. While Second Song is not a flawless album, it is a strong example of late-career work from a legendary artist. It may not yet be considered a masterpiece like Bob Dylan’s Rough and Rowdy Ways, but it is a compelling and thoughtfully crafted addition to Young’s extensive discography.