Barn

Barn, released in 2021, represents the 41st studio album by Neil Young and his 14th collaboration with Crazy Horse. The record is defined by its unique recording environment: a restored 1870s barn in the Colorado mountains. Young specifically chose this location for its lack of 'squares' - the round surfaces of the Ponderosa pine logs provided a natural acoustic warmth that eliminated standing waves. Working with producer Niko Bolas, the band recorded live to tape, often capturing songs in their very first take to preserve the raw 'feel' of the compositions. Lyrically, the album is deeply personal, with tracks like 'Heading West' exploring Young's childhood move to Winnipeg, while 'Human Race' and 'Song of the Seasons' address his long-standing environmental concerns. Critically, the album was hailed as a late-career highlight, with Robert Christgau naming it the best album of 2021, particularly praising the atmospheric centerpiece 'Welcome Back.' It stands as a testament to the enduring, telepathic chemistry of Crazy Horse.