One of the most mystifying things about music is how it can convey different things to different people, or even to the same person, depending on how they choose to listen.

As such, “Tonight’s the Night” may be one of the bleakest albums ever made, but on a superficial level, it can be quite entertaining. Songs like “Come On Baby, Let’s Go Downtown” or “Roll Another Number for the Road” can inspire a jaunty singalong for stoners, while “Speakin’ Out” and “Mellow My Mind” are about as laid back as any couch potato could possibly hope for, but that perspective can only be maintained if you block out the dark side.

This is an album that addresses the death of two close friends who were an important part of Neil Young’s musical family, and that spirit resonates throughout the record. The title track bookends the contents like a hardcover, ensuring that the intent cannot be pushed aside easily. The reason “Come On Baby…” appears here is because it features the vocals of Danny Whitten, a member of Crazy Horse and musical partner of Young who overdosed on heroin after being fired from the band because of his excessive drug use. Bruce Berry, a roadie and close friend of the band who often used the phrase “Tonight’s the Night” before a show, also died from an overdose about six months later. If you’re looking for a theme here, it’s as stark as the nose on your face, but if you want to skirt the issue, go ahead and sing along.

Featured Tracks:

Tonight's the Night

Speakin' Out 

World on a String

Borrowed Tune

Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown

Mellow My Mind

Roll Another Number (For the Road)

Albuquerque

New Mama

Lookout Joe

Tired Eyes

Tonight's the Night – Part II

June 1975 - Billboard Charted #25