Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere is the second studio album from Neil Young and the first to feature and credit his famous backing band, Crazy Horse. Although he had only released one solo album several months beforehand, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere is considered a record that redefined Young’s career, as it offered a unique sound, beginning his legendary rock and roll influence that would lead to Young receiving the title as the “Godfather of Grunge”. Despite only being seven tracks in length, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere was a massive success that had several songs dominate radio stations upon release. Several tracks are considered masterpieces– most notably the opener, “Cinnamon Girl”, the centerpiece “Down By The River” and outro piece “Cowgirl in the Sand”, all of which were written by Young while he was suffering from a 103° F fever.

Upon its release, critics favored the album, praising the heavy energy that the record gave off. Others praised the dark lyrical content that was featured on the album, pointing out that the lyrics were a lot more tame on Young’s debut. In more recent reviews for the album, critics continue to note its influence on countless other acts, and it quickly became one of the most acclaimed albums of all time. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere has also been featured on numerous best of lists, including Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, NME’s list of the same name, as well as receiving other accolades such as the Polaris Heritage Prize, which Young garnered in 2018.