Are You Passionate?

(Reprise Records)

If the whole music industry collapsed and was sucked into the black "O" in AOL-Time Warner's name, Neil Young would still be strumming his guitar, singing what's on his mind. He knows who's listening isn't important, just as long as he's being heard.

Young has always possessed the talent for putting simple words to experiences that are hard to explain. "Sugar Mountain" captured transitional youth. "Keep on Rocking in the Free World" humanized the epidemic of the homeless. Now, Young turns his focus to the post-Sept.11 days.

His new album's cover, a wartime theme featuring a camouflage jacket beneath a couple's photo with a rose on top, indicates similar themes on the album.

This is Young's State of the Union Address, putting what is most important above all other global chaos.

Many radio listeners have already heard the Sept. 11, Flight 93-inspired song "Let's Roll," in which Young narrates from the perspective of a revolutionary passenger on the hijacked airliner.

The song begins with a cell phone ringing before lurching into a grooving, grungy, rolling riff with Young declaring, "I got to put the phone down and do what we got to do," climaxing with the chorus of, "Time is running out, let's roll."

The wartime theme continues with a song written from the eyes of an ex-soldier who is taking stock on his current position in life on the title track "Are You Passionate?"

The remainder of the album displays Young's gift for writing brilliant songs centered around relationships gone sweet and sour. "When I Hold You In My Arms" has Young crooning about the sense of shelter from the outside world that a good relationship can bring. Conversely, on the track "Differently," Young reflects on what he'd do (guess) if he had a second chance with his ex-girl.