Nils Lofgren Albums (24)
'The Loner: Nils Sings Neil'
Release Date 6/9/2008
Tracks 15
Label Hypertension
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What The Critics Say
Nils Lofgren is a guitar hero who does great work in the employ of others and is wildly inconsistent as a solo artist and vocalist. Lofgren is at his best when he can strut his stuff on electric guitar, so why would anyone want to listen to an album of him performing Neil Young tunes on acoustic guitar and piano? The Loner: Nils Sings Neil sounds like a truly misguided idea for an album, but against the odds it turns out to be a sweet and heartfelt surprise, a moving interpretive album and one of Lofgren's best solo efforts to date. Lofgren can't bring the same kind of fire to his acoustic guitar work that he does on electric, and his voice is a wavering tenor that doesn't carry a lot of weight, but Lofgren has the advantage of recording and touring with Young in the past, and it's clear that these songs speak to something in his heart -- he knows this music, and when he sings he hits a clear and unaffected emotional bull's-eye. At first, it's hard not to wish that Lofgren had overdubbed a bit of accompaniment on these tracks, but let the album sink in and the spare, minimal recording and arrangements work in favor of the songs; the nakedness of these performances brings the emotional core of the material front and center, and Lofgren sings "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," "Don't Be Denied," and "Don't Cry No Tears" with sincere clarity, allowing each word to carry its full message. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Neil Young is one of rock's finest songwriters and Lofgren has chosen 15 superb selections from his catalog, but there's more to cutting a good cover than simply picking a good song. The Loner: Nils Sings Neil demonstrates that Lofgren knows what makes these songs so powerful, and he doesn't cover up the essentials with these spare but soulfully direct interpretations; the result is a small and simple triumph. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Sacred Weapon is Nils Lofgren's 17th studio album since parting ways with Grin in a career that's spanned more than 30 years, and it's to his credit that after all this time it's hard to know what to expect from the guy when he makes a record. Above and beyond all else, Lofgren is a hell of a good rock & roll guitar player, but while he gives himself some powerful six-string workouts here, on Sacred Weapon he seems more interested in baring his soul and looking into the nooks and crannies of human relationships than in reeling off solos. Vocals have never been Lofgren's strongest suit, and his voice, reedy and wavering, is not in its best shape here, but there's a naked emotion in "The Comfort Your Love Brings," "You're Not There," "Whiskey Holler," and "In Your Hands" (the latter a duet with Willie Nelson) that compensates for the flaws in his instrument, and he puts a soulful force behind his performances that's inarguably affecting. The songwriting follows suit, and for every loose-limbed rocker like "Can't Take the Rock," one or two deeply personal songs cut to the emotional quick, and the album includes musical homages to two fallen heroes, Walter Payton ("Tried and True") and David Briggs ("Mr. Hardcore"). Some of Sacred Weapon works and some of it doesn't, but what does stick is powerful and heartfelt enough to make this one of Lofgren's best solo albums since 1991's Silver Lining, and proof he can write fine songs of his own when he's properly inspired. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Although he'll be forever best known as Bruce Springsteen's go-to guitar player post-Steven Van Zandt, Nils Lofgren is an accomplished solo artist in his own right, having issued numerous critically acclaimed (yet often commercially overlooked) solo albums. He's also issued countless live albums over the years, and 2003 saw the latest entry, Live. As with most double-disc live sets from veteran rockers, various entries from Lofgren's career are touched upon -- including a wink to his early band, Grin (which is represented by "White Lies" and "Lost a Number"), plus a classic track from his brief affiliation with Crazy Horse (the Danny Whitten-penned "I Don't Wanna Talk About It"). Also included are newer solo tracks, such as the hop-a-long album opener, "Puttin' Out Fires," as well as a rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" -- which is not the expected instrumental Hendrix-esque guitar showcase (but rather focuses on Lofgren singing the lyrics). As fans have known for decades, Lofgren is one heck of a multi-talented gentleman, and Live offers further evidence. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
'Breakaway Angel'
Release Date 1/15/2002
Tracks 14
Label Vision Music
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What The Critics Say
Breakaway Angel is the first Nils Lofgren studio album in six years. Although he is famous for his excellent guitar work, most of the tracks here showcase his use of the classical harp. He still continues to play the guitar, although most of his work here is acoustic. Featuring 13 self-penned originals and one more written with Lou Reed, Breakaway Angel is a return to form for the underrated songwriter. ~ Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Acoustic Live is a small treasure for longtime Nils Lofgren fans. Capturing Lofgren alone in front of an appreciative audience, knocking out such favorites as "You," "No Mercy" and "Keith Don't Go," plus six new songs. Even with the new songs, there are no real revelations, only a selection of little gems that will certainly bring a smile to the face of any longtime Lofgren fan. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide
'Old Grey Whistle Test Series'
Release Date 1/20/1995
Tracks 13
Label Windsong
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'Shine Silently'
Release Date 1/1/1995
Tracks 14
Label Spectrum Music
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