Neil Young Announces New Album: 'Second Song'

RECORDING and LISTENINGTimes Contrarian | Neil Young Archives(Click photo to enlarge)

Neil Young has announced another new studio album titled 'Second Song' and recorded with the Chrome Hearts. 

On Times Contrarian | Neil Young Archives, Neil writes that the album, with eight total songs, contains three written in 1963, which have remained unreleased. Neil explains the creative process beginning several months ago when he spent several days composing new lyrics and melodies in the early morning hours. In early March, the recording sessions began under a full moon at Rick Rubin's Shangri-La Studios in Malibu.  

During the two days of recording with the Chrome Hearts, they recorded five new songs.  A search of the archives discovered previously unreleased early material. 

The final mixing and mastering were completed in April under a full moon. In another statement on NYA titled "Moon To Moon,", Neil writes that the new music is a "special gift" that he "really feels".

RECORDING and LISTENING

4-21-26

Recording 'Second Song', my next studio album for Reprise records, was a lifetime experience. First, the music was breathing. Every song of the seven released on this album is straight form the heart.

Second, we tried to do something we have never done: record digital and analog masters at the same time.

We did this so we could show the difference we know and believe in, my friends and I. Analog was the beginning, and it never sounded better. Hi res digital is a clear second best. We are finishing the two versions and will release them both. The Digital hi res master and the Analog Vinyl. You can hear the difference, instantly. They are both beautiful if the song is. One is as deep as life. One is the highest quality counterfeit copy. If you are interested in the sound you can disappear into and lose yourself… over repeated listenings, Analog.

I made records like that in the beginning. I miss the quality people today hardly ever get a chance at hearing. Music is infinitely deep. Museum quality sound is analogue.

Try comparing these if you get a chance. For true analog playback, there can be no digital components in the player or amplifier or speakers. I do hope you enjoy the music no matter how you listen. We made it for all of us.

LOVE

Neil

More on Times Contrarian | Neil Young Archives.

And in other Neil Young news of late, the the album "As Time Explodes" by Neil Young w/Chrome Hearts  was released for this year's Record Store Day on April 18. 

"As Time Explodes" 

Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts

 (Click photo to enlarge)
Lastly, still no word on re-scheduling the cancelled 2026 Europe Tour dates.

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