CSNY's third album in three decades came about when Neil Young and Stephen Stills were working on a Buffalo Springfield retrospective and Young was asked to play on the in-progress CSN album. Young then brought in some songs from his pending solo work, helping to bring about LOOKING FORWARD.
Everyone gets his fair share of writing time on the album, which is a truly collaborative effort. "Faith in Me" is a Stills-penned singalong reminiscent of "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes." The title track is an acoustic number featuring Young on lead vocals, and hints at possible future projects by the group. "Heartland," a Nash tune, features the four singers harmonizing together around a single microphone. This effectively organic approach was prompted by Young, who preferred it to recording separate vocal tracks. "Seen Enough" is a politically themed, slow-grooved Stills tune. "Slowpoke" is vintage Young, a wonderful acoustic number that ranks among his best work. LOOKING isn't entirely a quiet and introspective affair though, as "No Tears Left" features some heavy metal soloing by Stephen Stills. All four veterans are in fine form on LOOKING FORWARD. The harmonies are as stirring as ever, the playing is tight, and the songs are well written.