He's been referred to as the godfather of grunge, and his often teeth-rattling live shows date back to when Papa Roach were in diapers. On his upcoming release, however, Neil Young is showing his mellow side.

His new album, tentatively titled Are You Passionate?, is scheduled for release March 26, and those who have heard it have called the record an eclectic batch of heartfelt love songs. Some of the tracks were apparently inspired by the family bonding and priority re-evaluation many people experienced in the weeks following September 11.

The disc also includes "Let's Roll," the song Young wrote about the heroism of Todd Beamer, the United Airlines Flight 93 passenger who led fellow passengers to fight back against a group of terrorists trying to take over the plane that ultimately crashed in Pennsylvania. That track was released to radio late last year.

Young recorded Are You Passionate? with a diverse group of musicians including legendary bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn (Otis Redding, Muddy Waters, Wilson Pickett) and keyboardist Booker T. Jones from the venerable Stax house band Booker T. and the MG's, guitarist Frank "Poncho" Sampedro from Young's frequent collaborators Crazy Horse and Al Green's '80s drummer Steve "Smokey" Potts. All of Crazy Horse play on the track "Goin' Home," Young's publicist said. The diversity of the lineup appears to have fueled the variety of styles found on the disc, which is said to run from Memphis soul to folk to full-on guitar rock.

Young will tour with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young starting February 6 in Michigan at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Dates are scheduled through April 25 in Chicago. Jones, Dunn and Potts will play in the group's backing band. Young plans to tour for Are You Passionate? this summer, his publicist said.

Tentative track list for Are You Passionate?, according to Young's publicist:

  • "You're My Girl"

  • "Mr. Disappointment"

  • "Differently"

  • "Don't Say You Love Me"

  • "Let's Roll"

  • "Are You Passionate?"

  • "Goin' Home"

  • "When I Hold You in My Arms"

  • "Be With You"

  • "Two Old Friends"

  • "She's a Healer"