Girls and Ocean Boys" that was inspired by a trip Young made to visit Snodgrass in which he found out she had been cheating on him.
"[6] Music journalist Nigel Williamson is reminded of imagery from Young's 1968 song "The Loner" by the line "Danger bird, he flies alone.
"[10] Downing praises the intensity produced by the "straining and stretching notes" that Young plays "almost in slow motion.
[10] AllMusic critic Matthew Greenwald describes the guitar solos by Young and Crazy Horse rhythm guitarist Frank Sampedro as being "exquisite.
"[1] Pitchfork contributor Rob Mitchum describes the song as a "triumphantly moody, electric epic" which provides "spacious opportunities for Young to revive his trademark lacerating guitar tone.
[2] Rolling Stone Album Guide contributor Paul Evans describes "Danger Bird" as a "standout" track on Zuma.
[12] Village Voice critic Robert Christgau describes the song as "sprawling blockbuster cut" which he considers compromised to some extent by its "relative neatness and control.
"[14] A year earlier the editors of Rolling Stone rated "Danger Bird" to be the 24th best Neil Young song of all time.
[14][15] Bielen describes the guitar playing at the beginning of the song to have an "industrial wah-wah sound" before proceeding to "distorted power chords.