Neil Young Popular Songs Ranking [2025]

Rockin’ In The Free WorldNeil Young8rank/position

Rockin’ in the Free World

Canada’s legendary musician Neil Young defies easy categorization, but his style of blasting distorted guitar at high volume is a defining hallmark.

This track is a fan favorite that appears in both acoustic and electric versions on Freedom, the hit album Young released in 1989.

The hard-edged guitar and bass, along with a song structure that alternates between calm and explosive passages, had a major impact on the grunge sound that exploded in popularity from the 1990s onward.

The song was also featured in Michael Moore’s film Fahrenheit 9/11.

This Note’s For YouNeil Young9rank/position

Neil Young – This Note’s For You (Official Music Video)

Neil Young is one of the world’s leading guitarists and singers.

His way of life and innovative musical style have influenced many artists.

A song in which he comments on his own musical style is “This Note’s For You.” Set to a country-style melody, it expresses his passion for music.

While it doesn’t use provocative language, it does include phrases that call out certain well-known companies by name.

Give it a careful listen.

After the GardenNeil Young10rank/position

After the Garden

“After the Garden” is a track by Neil Young, a leading figure in folk rock, included on his album Living with War.

Released in 2006, the album is a collection of songs themed around opposition to the Iraq War.

“After the Garden” is a folk-rock tune featuring a cool, gritty electric guitar tone and performance.

Its lyrics—singing about “what happens after paradise is gone”—really resonate with the listener.

OLD MANNeil Young11rank/position

NEIL YOUNG – OLD MAN

Neil Young is often ranked alongside Bob Dylan for his powerful, profound lyrics that sing heartfelt truths.

This song, which compares the lives of the old and the young, was written for the caretaker who watched over the Broken Arrow Ranch he purchased in 1970.

PhiladelphiaNeil Young12rank/position

Philadelphia – Neil Young

A melancholic song created for the 1993 film Philadelphia, starring Tom Hanks, which portrays prejudice against AIDS and gay people.

It was nominated for the 1994 Academy Awards.

The majority of the song’s proceeds have been donated to AIDS-related support organizations.

Sunny InsideNeil Young13rank/position

Sunny Inside

Included on the 1988 album “This Note’s for You.” A Canadian singer-songwriter born in 1945.

It’s a track from the album released under the name Neil Young & The Bluenotes.

The melodic progression, which somehow evokes Japanese kayōkyoku, gives a nostalgic feel when you listen to it.

WinterlongNeil Young14rank/position

Winterlong (2017 Remaster)

This number by Neil Young is known as a song that makes the chill of winter feel comforting.

Although it was created in the 1970s, it remained unreleased and first saw the light of day when it was included in the 1977 collection Decade.

The song is marked by a gentle, warm melody characteristic of Neil Young and lyrics that resonate deeply.

It overlays lost love with the winter season, beautifully expressing longing and loneliness.

Young’s distinctive high tenor further enhances the song’s world.

It’s the kind of track you’ll want to listen to alone, quietly, in a warm room on a cold winter night.