The essential Neil Young playlist

Arguably one of the finest songs in rock history, "Heart of Gold" tells the story of a man whose been searching for love but can never find it. The song was so popular, it reached No. 1 on the charts and No. 13 on Billboard's Greatest Hits. 

Young was the definition of a hitmaker in the late '60s and early '70s. Thanks to his rough, confident groove, songs like "Down by the River" were on every radio station from Los Angeles to New York. 

It's technically a Buffalo Springfield song, but it's also a stunning showcase of Young's talents on electric guitar. A bit solemn and very catchy, Young turns guitar strings into warning bells and riffs into sirens. The song just wouldn't work without him. 

This track about Herman Cortes may not be historically accurate, but then again, I never did pay attention in history class. Either way, it rocks. 

Bringing together two of the most iconic voices in rock history, "Ohio" pairs Young with the legendary Crosby, Stills and Nash. The collaboration came after Young saw photos of the students who were killed at Kent State, and the resulting protest remains a staple of '70s music. 

Although it was ignored by radio stations upon its release in 1977, "Like a Hurricane" eventually became a major success for Young. Now, you can't turn on the radio without hearing it. 

Oh, the irony: you can't watch a Presidential debate without hearing "Rockin' in the Free World" in the background. From Trump to Obama, it seems every president thinks this anti-government anthem is the next "God Bless America." No matter: the swift, snowballing lyrics will knockout anyone who dares to listen. 

In 1979, rock 'n' roll seemed like it was toast when Young released "My, My, Hey, Hey," an endlessly sad tune about the death of rock. It was a hit for Neil in 1979, and it proved the genre still had some life in it. 

The title track from Young's acclaimed 1969 album, "Everybody Knows This is Nowhere" remains one of his most enduring classics. It peaked at No. 34 on the charts, and it would have charted higher if it weren't for more popular songs on the record. 

This autobiographical track released by Young in 1972 reflects on his relationship with Lois Alva. It was an instant hit and remains a tear-jerker for anyone who loves their dad. 

This track whisks you away to an empty field, a harvest moon, and a soft, gentle body to dance with. The harmonica drifts in like a midnight breeze, and when those drums kick in, you'll be floating on thin air. 

Recorded in 1970 by Crosby, Stills and Nash — and written by David Crosby — "Almost Cut My Hair" is one of the decade's finest songs. A hippie anthem, the track is best known for its lyrics about long hair, but don't overlook Young's guitar solos. They're a barber's worst nightmare. 

This is basically a D.A.R.E class taught by Muddy Waters. It may sound cool, but it's really about two friends overdosing on heroin. 

Also inspired by true events, "Sugar Mountain" was released in 1969 as the lead single on his debut album. It's a lovely reminiscence of childhood, and all the people, places, and things that shape it.

Before Leonardo DiCaprio was talking about climate change, Neil Young was singing about how waste could lead to disaster in this surreal, science-fiction ballad. Sure, aliens may be a thing of the future, but shortages of water are definitely a thing of the present. 

It's the definition of a deep cut for many American fans, but "Walk On" was a massive success for Young in Canada. And why shouldn't it be? It's got everything you could possibly want from a Young song: guitar, rhythm, bass, and something to think about. 

Imagine if "We Three Kings" was written as a Catholic confession, and you'd get something like "Running Dry." This prayer for forgiveness is like a Christmas carol on downers. It's not an easy listen, but it's a cleansing one. 

Pro tip: listen to the Last Waltz version. With Joni Mitchell on backup, The Band on guitar, piano and bass, and Neil Young on cocaine, the song gets a much needed boost of energy. Eric Clapton said it was the greatest live performance he'd ever seen. And it's easy to see why. 

The greatest solo in rock history? Check. The most powerful chorus in rock history? Check. The coolest "woo!" in rock history? Check. The only thing "Cinnamon Girl" is missing is another two minutes.

Few artists have given us so much music, wisdom, and inspiration as Young. Fifty-three years in, and the man is still cranking out classics like "Song of the Seasons." What a life! What a career!