"Harvest Moon" is the 21st studio album by Canadian-American musician Neil Young, released on November 2, 1992. It serves as a spiritual sequel to Young's acclaimed 1972 album Harvest, featuring many of the same backing musicians. After dealing with tinnitus following the recording of Ragged Glory (1990) and its accompanying tour, Young returned to a more acoustic sound, utilizing instruments like guitar, piano, and banjo, reminiscent of his earlier work. He opted for 1970s analogue recording techniques to achieve a "warmer" sound, despite using some digital equipment. Young noted that fans had long urged him to create a follow-up to Harvest, and he described the experience of making Harvest Moon as a spontaneous return to that era, spurred by the songs themselves.
The album features a mix of new compositions and older material revisited. Many songs reflect on relationships, with a mature perspective shaped by Young's long-term partnership with his wife, Pegi. For instance, "Unknown Legend" is a tribute to her, beginning as a sketch in the mid-1970s and completed years later with help from archivist Joel Bernstein. Other tracks, like "From Hank to Hendrix," explore the passage of time through cultural references, while "You and Me" has roots dating back to the Harvest period. The title track, "Harvest Moon," is a heartfelt homage to Young's marriage, celebrating enduring love. "Old King" serves as a memorial to his dog, Elvis, and "Natural Beauty" intertwines themes of beauty in both nature and relationships.
The album was recorded in late September 1991 at Redwood Digital, located on Young's ranch in California. He assembled the Stray Gators, the same group that had played on Harvest, which included notable musicians like Ben Keith, Tim Drummond, and Spooner Oldham. Young also enlisted a string section arranged by Jack Nitzsche for the track "Such a Woman." To promote the album, Young embarked on a solo acoustic tour across North America, performing songs from Harvest Moon and his extensive catalog. A compilation of these performances was later released as Dreamin' Man in 2009, featuring solo renditions of the album's tracks. Young also recorded a set for MTV Unplugged, released as an album in 1993. Harvest Moon was well-received, appreciated for its warmth and introspective lyrics, cementing Neil Young's enduring legacy in music.
