They are the supergroup that became the soundtrack to an era, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, a name synonymous with the late 1960s and early 1970s. This folk-rock powerhouse provided the counterculture movement with a timeless collection of songs, weaving together breathtaking harmonies with lyrics that spoke of revolution and societal change.
In a time defined by idealism and evolving perspectives on individual roles within society, the trio’s music remains profoundly relevant, a true signifier of its generation. Crosby, Stills, and Nash emerged as pioneers of the supergroup concept. David Crosby, previously a defining voice of The Byrds, Stephen Stills, a driving force from Buffalo Springfield, and Graham Nash, the melodic heart of The Hollies, united their distinct talents to create something truly exceptional.
It’s impossible to discuss Crosby, Stills, and Nash without acknowledging the significant influence of Neil Young. His intermittent yet impactful presence, often leading to the band being billed as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, contributed some of their most enduring songs, a testament to his songwriting genius.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young in 1970. (Photo by Tom Copi/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images). Picture: Getty
Crosby, Stills, & Nash continued to captivate audiences live until 2015, sometimes joined by Neil Young, even though their last studio album was released in 1999, ‘Looking Forward.’ (Ron Pownall/Getty Images). Picture: Getty
Their music skillfully bridged the transition from the optimistic close of the 1960s to the more disillusioned 1970s, leaving a lasting impression on countless artists. Seamlessly blending rock, folk, and country influences, they became leading figures of the counterculture, alongside fellow Laurel Canyon artists like Joni Mitchell. Each member of Crosby, Stills & Nash has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, both as part of the group and for their contributions to their previous bands, solidifying their legendary status in music history.
Sadly, with the passing of David Crosby in 2023, a full reunion is no longer possible, but their musical legacy and the impact of Crosby, Stills & Nash songs will undoubtedly live on for generations to come.
With that in mind, we delve into their discography to rank the fifteen greatest Crosby, Stills & Nash songs, celebrating their enduring contribution to music. Let’s explore which tracks rise to the top of this impressive list.
1. ‘Wooden Ships’
David Crosby and Stephen Stills sharing vocals on Wooden Ships performance.
David Crosby, often described as a complex personality who wasn’t shy about disagreements, once surprisingly stated his best trait was his ability to collaborate. ‘Wooden Ships’, from CSN’s debut album, stands as a testament to this. This powerful anti-war anthem, co-written with Stephen Stills and Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane, paints an apocalyptic vision. Crosby described it as imagining “ourselves as the few survivors, escaping on a boat to create a new civilization.” Featuring shared lead vocals between Crosby and Stills, ‘Wooden Ships’ is a harmonious masterpiece, ironically born from dystopian themes that resonated deeply during the height of nuclear anxiety. It’s a quintessential Crosby, Stills & Nash song, blending intricate harmonies with socially conscious lyrics.
2. ‘Southern Cross’
As the fervor of the counterculture movement subsided into the 1980s, Crosby, Stills & Nash demonstrated their continued relevance with ‘Southern Cross’. Released as a single from their 1982 album Daylight Again, this track showcased Stephen Stills’ songwriting prowess, drawing inspiration from the Southern Cross constellation and collaboration with The Curtis Brothers. ‘Southern Cross’ emerged from a period of personal turmoil for Stills, following a painful divorce. He described this soft rock ballad as being “about using the power of the universe to heal your wounds.” The song’s mellow tempo and reflective lyrics made it a hit, proving Crosby, Stills & Nash could adapt and resonate with changing times while maintaining their signature sound.
3. ‘Just A Song Before I Go’
Graham Nash singing Just A Song Before I Go in live performance.
‘Just A Song Before I Go’, a pop-infused track perfect for AM radio, was born from a spontaneous moment of creativity by Graham Nash. The story behind this Crosby, Stills & Nash hit is quite unique. As Crosby recounted, “Graham was at home in Hawaii, about to go off on tour. The guy who was going to take him to the airport said, ‘We’ve got fifteen minutes, I’ll bet you can’t write a song in that amount of time.’ Well, you don’t smart off to Nash like that, he’ll do it. This is the result.” Released as the lead single from their 1977 reunion album, CSN, ‘Just A Song Before I Go’ achieved top ten status in the US charts, highlighting Nash’s melodic gift and the band’s enduring appeal. It remains one of their most recognizable and loved Crosby, Stills & Nash songs.
4. ‘Turn Your Back On Love’
Crosby, Stills & Nash performing Turn Your Back on Love in concert.
Five years separated Crosby, Stills & Nash’s albums leading up to 1982’s Daylight Again, a period of significant global change. ‘Turn Your Back On Love’, the album opener, confidently declared their continued evolution. This track immediately captivates with their hallmark rich harmonies, enhanced by a contemporary groove and a polished production, arguably the slickest sound they had achieved to date. Despite David Crosby’s reduced involvement in the album due to personal struggles, ‘Turn Your Back On Love’ underscored the group’s musical synergy and their ability to remain ‘super’ even amidst challenges. It’s a testament to their resilience and musical innovation within the Crosby, Stills & Nash song catalog.
5. ‘Teach Your Children’
Crosby, Stills & Nash performing Teach Your Children at Live Aid 1985.
‘Teach Your Children’ might initially appear as a simple anthem advocating peace and love for future generations, emphasizing respect and kindness. However, the song carries a deeper, more personal meaning rooted in Graham Nash’s complex relationship with his father, who faced imprisonment during Nash’s childhood in Salford, Manchester. In 1991, Nash articulated the essence of ‘Teach Your Children’, stating his aim was to “write something so personal that every single person on the planet can relate to it.” The song’s powerful message of understanding and compassion resonated universally, evident in the audience’s passionate response during their Live Aid performance, where the lyrics were sung back to them as a powerful affirmation. ‘Teach Your Children’ stands as one of the most emotionally resonant Crosby, Stills & Nash songs.
6. ‘Helpless’
Neil Young performing Helpless in a black and white video.
Featured on the seminal 1970 album Déjà Vu, the first Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young collaboration, ‘Helpless’ bears the distinct mark of Neil Young’s songwriting. It’s a song so inherently Young that it feels like it could easily be a solo piece, which explains why he has consistently performed it throughout his career. ‘Helpless’ evokes nostalgic memories of Young’s formative years, touching upon personal hardships like contracting polio and his parents’ divorce, contrasted with the peaceful setting of Omemee, Ontario, where he relocated. Young described Omemee as “a nice little town. Sleepy little place… Life was real basic and simple in that town. Walk to school, walk back. Everybody knew who you were,” painting a picture of small-town simplicity that likely informed the bittersweet and reflective lyrics characteristic of his songwriting style. ‘Helpless’ is a poignant and introspective addition to Crosby, Stills & Nash songs, enhanced by Young’s unique musical voice.
7. ‘Long Time Gone’
David Crosby singing Long Time Gone in a vintage performance.
While Crosby, Stills & Nash songs often conveyed optimism, they also unflinchingly addressed the turbulence of their era. ‘Long Time Gone’, with its country-rock infused energy, exemplifies this duality. David Crosby revealed the song’s poignant origin, stating he wrote it on “the night Bobby Kennedy was killed,” marking another devastating blow to hope within the American political landscape. “I believed in him because he said he wanted to make some positive changes in America, and he hadn’t been bought and sold like Johnson and Nixon – cats who made their deals years ago with the special interests in this country in order to gain power. I thought Bobby, like his brother, was a leader who had not made those deals. I was already angry about Jack Kennedy getting killed and it boiled over into this song when they got his brother, too.” ‘Long Time Gone’ is a raw and powerful expression of grief and disillusionment, channeled into a potent Crosby, Stills & Nash song.
8. ‘Marrakesh Express’
Graham Nash in Marrakesh Express music video on a train.
‘Marrakesh Express’ could be credited as the catalyst for Graham Nash’s pivotal decision to leave The Hollies and embark on his Laurel Canyon journey. This autobiographical song, recounting Nash’s experiences traveling to Morocco, was surprisingly rejected by his Hollies bandmates for being deemed commercially unviable. Nash reflected on this rejection, stating, “After a couple months of that, a man is liable to go insane,” emphasizing his creative frustration, “especially being the only one who was smoking grass at the time.” Fate intervened when Stephen Stills and David Crosby recognized the song’s brilliance. They embraced ‘Marrakesh Express’, making it Crosby, Stills & Nash’s debut single. This marked a turning point, launching their legendary career and making ‘Marrakesh Express’ a cornerstone among Crosby, Stills & Nash songs.
9. ‘Almost Cut My Hair’
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young performing Almost Cut My Hair live in 1974.
‘Almost Cut My Hair’ became David Crosby’s signature song and resonated deeply as an anthem for the counterculture generation, or hippies, representing those who defied societal norms despite facing societal pressures. The song’s emotional weight is intensified by the tragic circumstances surrounding its recording. Crosby’s girlfriend, Christine Hinton, passed away in a car accident just days before he recorded his vocal part. His typically smooth vocals were replaced by a raw, emotionally charged delivery, reflecting his grief. Despite its somber backdrop, ‘Almost Cut My Hair’ has served as an enduring call for individuality and self-expression for over five decades, encouraging listeners to “let their freak flag fly.” It remains a powerful and iconic Crosby, Stills & Nash song, especially when performed with Neil Young.
10. ‘Carry On’
Stephen Stills singing Carry On with Crosby and Nash in background vocals.
‘Carry On’ not only opens the Déjà Vu album but also serves as the grand introduction of Neil Young into the Crosby, Stills & Nash fold – a truly impactful entrance. The song is structured in two distinct movements, almost like two separate songs seamlessly joined together. The unifying element is the powerful declaration, “Carry on, love is coming, love is coming to us all,” functioning as both a generational aspiration and a personal mantra for the band members as they navigated the challenges of group cohesion. Interestingly, ‘Carry On’ was a late addition to the album’s creation process, identified as the missing piece that would tie Déjà Vu together thematically and musically. Stephen Stills recounted the song’s genesis to Mojo magazine: “I went back to my room in this horrifying hotel and the next morning I knocked on Graham’s door and said, ‘OK, how’s this?’ And I played him ‘Carry On’ and he went nuts. So we got everybody together in the studio and recorded it.” ‘Carry On’ is an essential Crosby, Stills & Nash song, embodying their collaborative spirit and musical innovation.
11. ‘Helplessly Hoping’
Crosby, Stills & Nash performing Helplessly Hoping in a cappella style.
Stephen Stills shared the unexpected inspiration behind ‘Helplessly Hoping’, crediting his 10th-grade English teacher in Tampa, Florida. “She was a real knockout, so much so that she got all the football players to stand up and read poetry, trying to impress her with how sensitive we were and how much we loved this awful stuff. Some of it must’ve rubbed off on me.” Her teaching methods clearly left a lasting impression, as Stills employed alliteration throughout the song, starting with the opening line: “Helplessly hoping / Her harlequin hovers nearby.” Featured on their 1969 debut album, ‘Helplessly Hoping’ offered an early glimpse into their future sound, even including guitar work from Neil Young, foreshadowing his integral role in Crosby, Stills & Nash’s journey. This song is a beautifully crafted example of early Crosby, Stills & Nash songs, showcasing their vocal harmonies and Stills’ lyrical artistry.
12. ‘Ohio’
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young performing Ohio live in Golden Gate Park 1991.
‘Ohio’ stands as one of the most powerful protest anthems in music history and is considered by Neil Young to be his most significant contribution during his time with Crosby, Stills & Nash. Written for their 1970 album Déjà Vu, Young penned ‘Ohio’ as a direct and immediate response to the Kent State shootings, where unarmed students protesting the Vietnam War were tragically killed by the US National Guard. David Crosby recalled the song’s rapid creation after Young read about the events in Life magazine: “he was silent for a long time, then picked up his guitar and 20 minutes later had this song.” ‘Ohio’ became an anthem for the anti-war movement, capturing the disillusionment with the Vietnam War and the profound emotions of a generation. It remains a defining Crosby, Stills & Nash song, amplified by its historical and social significance.
13. ‘Woodstock’
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young performing Woodstock at the festival.
If a single song could encapsulate Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s impact on popular culture, it would be ‘Woodstock’. They were, after all, central figures at the Woodstock festival, embodying the countercultural spirit of the event. However, ‘Woodstock’ was not originally a Crosby, Stills & Nash song. It was written by Joni Mitchell, Graham Nash’s partner at the time. Mitchell was scheduled to perform at Woodstock but ultimately couldn’t attend. She wrote the song from the perspective of an outsider, capturing the idealistic essence of the festival and its importance to a generation yearning for hope and optimism. Joni Mitchell later explained, “I was the deprived kid who couldn’t go, so I wrote it from the point of view of a kid going. If I had been there in the back room with all the egomaniacal crap that goes on backstage, I would not have had that perspective.” Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s rendition of ‘Woodstock’ became the definitive version, transforming it into an enduring anthem of the era and one of their most celebrated Crosby, Stills & Nash songs.
14. ‘Suite: Judy Blue Eyes’
Crosby, Stills, & Nash performing Suite: Judy Blue Eyes live in concert.
‘Suite: Judy Blue Eyes’, penned by Stephen Stills about his then-girlfriend Judy Collins, quickly became one of Crosby, Stills & Nash’s signature songs. Stills described its origin: “It started out as a long narrative poem about my relationship with [Judy Collins]. It poured out of me over many months and filled several notebooks,” documenting the tumultuous journey of their romance. Judy Collins revealed to Mojo magazine the song’s impact on their relationship: “He sang me ‘Suite Judy Blue Eyes’ and, you know, broken hearts are a very good inspiration – and I just caved in and I suppose I made promises I couldn’t keep. We both had personal struggles.” ‘Suite: Judy Blue Eyes’ (the title playing on both “sweet” and the classical “suite” form due to its varied musical sections) established the trio’s vocal harmony prowess, which would become their trademark. It has remained a beloved fan favorite and a quintessential Crosby, Stills & Nash song, showcasing their musical complexity and emotional depth.
15. ‘Our House’
Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young in Our House official music video in a domestic setting.
Despite their reputation for revolutionary ideals and challenging societal norms, ‘Our House’ revealed a more personal, domestic side of Crosby, Stills & Nash, showing their appreciation for simple home comforts. Written by Graham Nash, this sentimental folk-rock ballad from the 1970 album Déjà Vu offers a glimpse into his domestic happiness, inspired by his recent move into a Laurel Canyon home with Joni Mitchell. Contrasting sharply with the stereotypical ‘rock star lifestyle’, Nash described the song as a “portrait of our life together” for Mitchell, capturing a peaceful afternoon spent in domestic contentment and creative harmony. Featuring their characteristically serene harmonies and “la la’s” in place of a guitar solo, ‘Our House’ reached number thirty on the US charts in 1970, though chart success was never their primary focus. ‘Our House’ has become an enduring symbol of the Laurel Canyon hippie era and continues to resonate with listeners as a soundtrack to happy homes and simple joys, becoming their most streamed song and a classic among Crosby, Stills & Nash songs.
