"It's a blue album, but it's not a blues album. I'm not pretending all of a sudden now I'm blues"

Neil Young's quote, "It's a blue album, but it's not a blues album. I'm not pretending all of a sudden now I'm blues", reflects a nuanced difference in between state of mind and category in his music. When Young describes his album as "blue", he's likely referring to an emotional tone rather than aligning it with the musical category of blues. "Blue" as an adjective frequently conveys feelings of melancholy, self-questioning, or somberness, suggesting that the album encapsulates these moods.

In identifying that it's not a "blues album", Young clarifies that while the album might carry an emotional weight reminiscent of the sensations the blues genre often stimulates, it does not adhere to the conventional musical structure or style that identifies blues music. Blues as a category has specific musical components, like its usage of the 12-bar form, blue notes, and specific balanced patterns. Young is highlighting that his album, while emotionally resonant, does not adopt these technical stylistic elements.

Young's comment, "I'm not pretending suddenly now I'm blues", is a candid acknowledgement of his credibility as an artist. He seems to decline any concept that he is appropriating a musical identity that isn't inherently his, opting rather to stay true to his own imaginative voice. This recommends a respect for the cultural and historic roots of the blues, comprehending it as an unique category with its own place in music history.

Overall, Neil Young's remark is a testament to his awareness of the fine line in between creative inspiration and genre appropriation. It highlights his intent to check out deep emotional landscapes while preserving a respect for the art form's stability, eventually showing his commitment to authenticity and emotional sincerity in his music.