Neil Young hit a commercial peak with
Harvest in 1972 and a critical peak with
Rust Never Sleeps in 1979. Most of the 1980s, when he was frequently distracted by personal problems, were problematic on both scores, starting with this album, a patchwork effort from various sessions in the manner of
American Stars 'N Bars, but without any really strong material. Subsequent efforts, however, would prove it one of his better efforts of the decade. ~ William Ruhlmann