Topaz (studio album) by Israel Nash

From Mercury 03/13/2021 02:46

(Pretty simple, really. If you wanna hear a lush, beautiful, somewhat by the books Americana/Harvest-era Neil Young album released in 2021, you can’t go wrong here. Some really excellent production, heartfelt lyrics, and beautiful songs.)

I think this is the 3rd Israel Nash album I’ve heard. Each one I’ve listened to were good to VERY good. His sound is chiseled to perfection, the music he makes is sort of a pristine quintessential example of Americana. This album is no exception. On his first album he sounded so much like Neil Young it was absurd. Nowadays I’d say that, while that is still the most clear influence, he has progressed into more of his own musician.

There are stunning, big, beautiful citing guitar jams here, somber and homespun country folk ballads, some folk rock would-be-standards, and some really beautiful (if at times cliched) lyrics dotted all over this album.

I’ve only heard this album once and I will rectify that. This may be an album whose melodies and craft is so good that I find myself growing more and more in my appreciation of it. If so it will rise in the ranks. As of now, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed this album.

If you love late 60s to early 70s Neil Young, The War On Drugs, The Band or bands and artists with that rough yet catchy Americana sound, you’ll for sure enjoy this.