Few contemporary musicians have had as long and varied a career as singer/songwriter Bob Dylan. Now headed toward 50 years in the limelight, Dylan has released 53 official albums (there are hundreds of bootlegs) and continues to perform up to 250 shows a year.
Many Phases to Bob Dylan's Career
Dylan’s career has also seen quite a variety “phases.” He’s dabbled in folk, rock, blues, country, gospel, jazz and even carribean. Critics like to say that the enigmatic performer “constantly reinvents himself,” while others may see this as the simple growth of a highly creative mind.
Of those many phases, the most well-known are his early “protest singer” days, followed by an experimental electric period of the late 60’s, his Christian period centered around 1980, and the more recent resurgence of the 2000’s with a triad of roots-based albums. Between those periods there are arguably several other phases with various degrees of shading toward one or another.
Which Albums Best Represent the Various Stages of Bob Dylan?
For fans who are just discovering the music of Bob Dylan, it can be hard to know where to start, what albums among all of these will give the best taste of such a varied and influential musical presence. The following is a highly subjective list of 6 starter albums intended to give the listener an overview of Dylan’s music. Bear in mind, these may not be the six “greatest” (as some periods held several of his best), but are strong representatives of each era. Second choices are also given.
Dylan Albums From the 60's & 70's
The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963)- His 2nd album, here’s what folks heard shortly after he burst onto the scene: the subdued but anthemic “Blowin’ in the Wind,” the bitter “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” and the lyrically thought-provoking “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.”
Blonde on Blonde (1966) – A double-disk released at an intense period culturally and musically, this one is often considered his best, or among the top three. Blonde on Blonde speaks of its time like few other albums, and shows Bob having turned a corner, with the cryptic “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again” and the sprawling “Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands.” Alternate choice: Bringin’ It All Back Home.
Blood on the Tracks (1975) – This is Bob Dylan at his best, at perhaps the height of his abilities. Well-known as the “divorce” album, he was writing deeply emotional songs like “Shelter From the Storm,” the angry “Idiot Wind,” and singing in his strongest, most nuanced voice ever. The hit “Tangled Up in Blue” is here, as is the wacky caper song “Lily, Rosemary & the Jack of Hearts.” 2nd choice: Desire.
Dylan's Born-Again Christian Period
Slow Train Coming (1979) – Dylan stunned everyone in the late 70’s, not as much by becoming a born-again Christian as by letting his music reflect it. But this album, recorded in Muscle Shoals studios with Mark Knopfler is as musically tight as any of his long career. “Precious Angel” is one his most-underrated songs. All 3 Christian albums (including Saved and Shot of Love) contain gems.
Empire Burlesque (1985)- most of the 80’s and 90’s were considered a low point for Dylan, though he continued recording and touring tirelessly. A reevaluation of the period, with perspective, shows several very good albums, with this one at the top. Recommended: “Tight Connection to My Heart” and the eerie “Dark Eyes.” Alternate: Infidels.
A Resurgence in Writing and Popularity for Bob Dylan
Love and Theft (2001)- Released on September 11th, 2001, this is the middle album of the trio that included Time Out of Mind (’98) and Modern Times (’06). All three marked a resurgence in Dylan’s writing and popularity, and this is the strongest of three strong albums. Rootsy and fun (“Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum,” “Floater,”), kickass (“Honest with Me”), the heavy irony in its release date juxtaposed with the song “High Water” cannot be ignored. That’s Bob Dylan.
Also, for a taste of Dylan live, in his heyday (if he’s not still in it), 1974’s Before the Flood is probably his best concert recording. Recorded with The Band, from the 1974 tour, it’s one of the better “live” rock albums. For more on Bob Dylan and his music, visit BobDylan.com.
 |
