Comes a Time, Neil Young

Record is in Near Mint Condition. Cover has age stains and ring wear. 

Neil Young – Comes a Time

Artist: Neil Young

Title: Comes a Time

Album Type: Ninth Studio Album

Original Release Date: October 2, 1978

Label: Reprise Records

Genre: Folk Rock / Country Rock / Americana

Background & Production Comes a Time marks Neil Young’s full-scale return to the acoustic, country-folk sound that made Harvest a global success six years earlier. The album’s production history is legendary: Young famously rejected the initial pressing of 200,000 copies because he was unhappy with the audio quality, reportedly using the rejected discs as shingles for his barn or shooting them with a rifle. Eventually, he personally paid for a remix and remaster. Recorded at various locations including Nashville and Young’s own Broken Arrow Ranch, the album features backing vocals by Nicolette Larson, whose harmonies became a defining characteristic of the record's warm, accessible sound.

Musical Composition & Style The album is a departure from the dark, jagged rock of his "Ditch Trilogy" and the sprawling electric sounds of Zuma. It is characterized by lush acoustic guitars, clean production, and a heavy influence of Nashville's "A-Team" session musicians.

• Orchestration: Unlike his raw solo work, several tracks feature a large string section (arranged by Jack Nitzsche) and a backing band of up to twenty guitarists playing in unison, creating a "wall of acoustic sound."

• Key Tracks: The title track "Comes a Time" is a gentle meditation on aging and wisdom, while "Lotta Love" became a major hit (later famously covered by Nicolette Larson). The album closes with a faithful, high-energy cover of Ian & Sylvia’s folk classic "Four Strong Winds."

• Vocal Harmonies: The interplay between Young’s high tenor and Larson’s smooth vocals gives the album a polished, communal feel that contrasts with Young’s more solitary efforts.

Critical Reception & Legacy The album was a major commercial comeback, reaching #7 on the Billboard 200. Critics praised the record for its maturity and melodic consistency, viewing it as the "sequel" to Harvest. It remains a fan favorite for its comforting, pastoral atmosphere and is essential for collectors of 1970s singer-songwriter and Laurel Canyon-style folk-rock.

• Keywords: Neil Young, Comes a Time, Nicolette Larson, Folk Rock, Country Rock, Reprise Records, Harvest, Americana, 1978 Vinyl, Acoustic Rock.

• Collection Ideas: Classic Folk Rock, 1970s Singer-Songwriters, Country-Inflected Rock, Essential Neil Young.

• Related Artists: Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve