Zuma Songs Ranked
Zuma, the seventh studio album by Canadian/American musician Neil Young, was released on Reprise Records in November 1975. Co-credited to Crazy Horse, it includes “Cortez the Killer,” one of Young’s best-known songs. Upon release, it peaked at #25 on the Billboard 200. In 1997, the album received a RIAA gold certification. In 2000, it was voted number 410 in Colin Larkin’s All Time Top 1000 Albums. After the 1974 stadium tour with Crosby, Stills & Nash and another abandoned attempt at a second CSNY studio album, Young formed a new version of Crazy Horse in 1975 with rhythm guitarist Frank Sampedro alongside of Talbot and Molina. Aside from a brief period in the late 1980s, this line-up would remain stable until 2018, when Sampedro retired and was replaced by Lofgren. Here are all of Zuma songs ranked.
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9. Don’t Cry No Tears
“Don’t Cry No Tears” is a decent country rocker. The tempo moves along at *just* the right pace so I hardly ever get bored with it. Say what you will about Neil Young, but he was (and perhaps still is) quite good at making legitimate country songs despite arguably being more talented in the singer/songwriter folk rock department, or when writing lengthy guitar jams with Crazy Horse.”
8. Stupid Girl
“Stupid Girl” radiates that blind anger of a failed relationship, airing all the grievances being held back. Relishing in the release of being able to put all the blame on the other party, even if you know that’s not an accurate portrayal. For 3 minutes and 13 seconds it feels great to let it out that way.”
7. Danger Bird
“Danger Bird” is REALLY strange. Neil’s vocal range goes all haywire like he was completely stoned when he laid this song down on tape. Either that or he’s deliberately mocking the country rock style by expanding his vocal range and making the entire thing highly unusual, who knows. I LOVE it though. I’m glad he sings it that way! It makes the vocal melody sound anthemic.”
See more: Neil Young Albums Ranked
6. Drive Back
“Neil Young is always brilliant and this album is no exception. Hi wonderful voice lyrics and guitar are as sublime as ever. I will never tire of his music and it has kept me alive more times than I can remember.”
5. Pardon My Heart
“Pardon My Heart” is a bit too quiet and reminiscent of other soft rockers like America or the Orleans for my taste, but it’s alright I suppose. If someone were to compare it to Crosby, Stills and Nash, that would present another problem- most of the time CSN absolutely destroyed a song like this.”
4. Cortez the Killer
“Cortez the Killer” features a lengthy guitar jam, but it’s not nearly as memorable as the jams that occurred from previous albums, such as… you guessed it, Everybody Knows This is Nowhere. In fact, the guitar playing here doesn’t do a darn thing to perk my interest one bit despite giving it over 20 chances to click. Update May 16, 2012- well after numerous listens (and several years) suddenly now the guitar playing DOES sound interesting to me.”
See more: Neil Young Songs Ranked
3. Lookin’ for a Love
“Lookin’ for a Love” is a pretty song. I could have sworn I’ve heard that exact same verse melody from a Christmas song, but I can’t remember if it’s a traditional style Christmas song or something a rock band created that I’m thinking of. It sounds familiar though. *Extremely* familiar.”
2. Through My Sails
“Through My Sails” ends this decent enough album on a note that probably reminds you of the pretty and peaceful vibes of the soft rock period in the mid 70’s.”
1. Barstool Blues
“Barstool Blues” sounds like complete filler with obnoxiously high pitched vocals to boot. I don’t like this song too much. A song like this makes a complete mockery out of the country rock stars of the mid 70’s.”
