Neil Young Has Released His 50th Studio Album
The rock legend launched his new seven-track record, Second Song, which was recorded using analog technology.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Rock
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Neil Young has released his 50th studio album, titled Second Song, which features a collection of seven tracks. The project was recorded at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu using analog technology and features his band, The Chrome Hearts.
Why it matters
This release marks a significant milestone in Youngs decades-long career as he continues to embrace traditional recording methods. The album blends new material with unearthed tracks that date back to the 1960s.
The album features five previously unreleased songs alongside two tracks that were originally written in the 1960s. It was produced by Lou Adler and The Volume Dealers.
The players
Neil Young
He is a prolific rock musician known for his influential career spanning over five decades.
The Chrome Hearts
This is the backing band featuring musicians Anthony LeGerfo, Corey McCormick, Micah Nelson, and Spooner Oldham.
Willie Nelson
He is a legendary country music artist who is scheduled to perform two shows with Neil Young.
The details
Recorded at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu, California, the album showcases performances by The Chrome Hearts, including musicians Anthony LeGerfo, Corey McCormick, Micah Nelson, and Spooner Oldham. The production relied entirely on analog technology to capture the recordings.
Timeline
The album Second Song was released on September 18, 2026.
Original versions of two tracks on the album were written in the 1960s.
Neil Young will perform with Willie Nelson during the week of September 21, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This album release follows his commitment to the annual Farm Aid festival, which takes place in Virginia Beach. The project aligns with Youngs ongoing professional activities, including his upcoming participation in the prominent agricultural charity concert event.
Fans can look forward to upcoming live shows in Bridgeport and Philadelphia where material from the new album may be performed. The release of this 50th studio project offers listeners a new collection of analog-recorded songs to stream or purchase.
The takeaway
Youngs return to analog recording highlights a dedication to traditional sound quality in an era of digital music dominance. Listeners interested in the artist's legacy may appreciate the inclusion of songs spanning from the 1960s to the present.
What happens next
Neil Young is scheduled to perform two concert shows with Willie Nelson in Bridgeport and Philadelphia during the week of September 21, 2026.
Further reading
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