Much has already been said about Neil Young's most politically-charged album in years. And by years, we're talking 60 years; for, other than a couple of protest songs in the early-1970s (Ohio and War Song), Young has prided himself on celebrating the common man rather than condemning his oppressors.

Indeed, it takes a lot to get the alternately hard-rockin' and honky-tonkin' Young riled up. Arguably, the last time he cut an entire album fuelled purely by passion and a need to voice his concerns, it was Tonight's the Night, the record spawned by the deaths of two of Young's closest pals.

To many, of course, that hastily-recorded, rough-around-the-edges statement remains Young's greatest artistic achievement.

Living with War was recorded barely a month ago, with four of the nine original songs written during the urgent sessions. And yes, the result is rough-around-the-edges ... and easily the best Neil Young album in a quarter of a century. This is a folk album, with all amps turned to 11.

The message is there in the titles -- Lookin' for a Leader; Shock and Awe; and of course Let's Impeach the President. And the melodies often as not are borrowed -- as are most great folk songs -- from tunes past, whether Bob Dylan's Chimes of Freedom (Flags of Freedom) or Young's own My My Hey Hey (Shock and Awe).

Last year, Young released an album that suggested his recent health scare had mellowed the old boy. We should have known better than to believe it.

Track Listing:

1. After the Garden
2. Living With War
3. The Restless Consumer
4. Shock and Awe
5. Families
6. Flags of Freedom
7. Let's Impeach the President
8. Lookin' for a Leader
9. Roger and Out
10. America the Beautiful