A folk-rock titan steps into the spotlight alone—confident, eclectic, and carried by golden hands and gravel voice.
Stephen Stills’ self-titled debut isn’t just a side project—it’s a statement, and a bold one at that. Released while Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were still burning hot, Stephen Stills showed he had plenty to say—and plenty of ways to say it.
He swings between acoustic introspection, Latin-flavored grooves, bluesy stompers, and full-blown rockers, often within the same song. And check this: both Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton play lead guitar on the record. Not bad for a first solo outing.
It’s not as cohesive as Neil or as poetic as Graham, but it’s rich with craft, heart, and muscle.
Track-by-Track Review
- Love the One You’re With – 5/5
The hit for a reason. Catchy, soulful, and optimistic without being cheesy. That gospel-choir hook still sticks. - Do for the Others – 4.5/5
Tender acoustic number. Proof that Stills could write with real emotional clarity. - Church (Part of Someone) – 4/5
Groovy, funky, and slightly psychedelic. Feels like something between CSNY and Santana. - Old Times Good Times – 4.5/5
With Hendrix on lead guitar. Loud, loose, and full of electric swagger. - Go Back Home – 5/5
Eric Clapton drops in for a smoldering blues-rock number. It builds like a storm and lands like thunder. - Sit Yourself Down – 4/5
Piano-led and soulful. Big choir, big chorus. Feels like a hymn for confused hearts. - To a Flame – 3.5/5
A brief, soft ballad. Beautifully sung, but a bit overshadowed by the surrounding tracks. - Black Queen – 5/5
A gritty, drunken-sounding blues track recorded live-to-tape. Unfiltered and raw—Stills at his most dangerous. - Cherokee – 4/5
Energetic and percussive with Latin-infused flavor. A wild card that keeps the record diverse. - We Are Not Helpless – 4.5/5
A rousing closer. Spiritual, political, and personal—a nice send-off that feels like a mission statement.
Shining Star: “Go Back Home”
Clapton’s lead and Stills’ grit make this a blues-rock sleeper hit. It’s smoky, soulful, and sharp as a knife.
Final Verdict: 9/10 – The sound of a man with something to prove—and the chops to prove it.
Stephen Stills is a bold, ambitious solo debut. It may hop genres, but it never loses heart. With iconic guests, sharp songwriting, and a voice full of fire and gravel, Stills shows he could stand toe-to-toe with his legendary bandmates—and sometimes outshine them.
This one’s a cornerstone of early ’70s rock with real staying power.