Song Anatomy ● 'Heart Of Gold' - Neil Young
Neil Young - Reprise Records Publicity Photo 1992 / Credit - Greg Allen / IVOX MEDIA collection
'Heart Of Gold' - Neil Young
The Song: Heart Of Gold
Writers: Neil Young
Producers: Elliot Mazer, Henry Lewy, Jack Nitzsche
Recorded: Late 1971
Players:
Neil Young - guitar, vocals
Ben Keith - pedal steel
Jack Nitzche - piano, guitar
Tim Drummond - bass
Kenny Buttrey - drums
James Taylor - backing vocals
Linda Rondstadt - backing vocals
Album: Harvest (Reprise, 1972)
"Heart Of Gold," Neil Young's first big hit single, brought the singer mainstream success as well as international stardom. The song "put me in the middle of the road" as Young recalls.
At the time of its release, many critics felt Harvest was too lightweight and sentimental, a dip in Neil Young's standards.
While most of his earlier known songs like "Mr. Soul", "Down By The River," and "Cinnamon Girl" were quirky and dark, enhanced by Young's high-pitched wavering vocals, "Heart Of Gold" was distinctly laid back and warm in contrast. The overall mellow mood of the song, and the album in general, played a large role gaining a wider audience for Young.
In order to ensure the good vibes in the song, Young brought James Taylor and Linda Rondstadt along to provide back-up vocals. Released in March 1971, "Heart Of Gold" was certified gold one month later.
A bad back makes for easy-going rock. While Young may have been shooting for a more central commercial breakthrough, he also had a back injury at the time, which prevented him from going through strenuous electric guitar rave-ups.
Harvest was the first album Young worked on with the Stray Gators, a group he was to work with again with great success.
Neil Young ●Harvest
Harvest is Neil Young’s fourth studio album, released on February 1, 1972, by Reprise Records. The Album featured the London Symphony Orchestra on two tracks and vocals by guests David Crosby, Graham Nash, Linda Ronstadt, Stephen Stills, and James Taylor.
KWXY plays the music of Neil Young, and the song “Heart of Gold”, is in the station’s song library along with other songs from the album “Harvest”.
KWXY has been the Sound of the Desert for More than 50 years, bringing independent, and iconic music to Palm Springs, the Desert Cities, and the Coachella Valley ● KWXY Music Radio ● 92.3FM 1340AM ● streaming at kwxy.com and ivoxradio.com