Reviews (page 9 of 14)
87/100: This is the album that got Bob Dylan booed off a stage in Newport. Dylan fans despised him using an electric guitar in “Like a Rolling Stone,” saying he was disrespecting the folk genre. But Bob Dylan is the single greatest storyteller in the history of recorded music, I’m sure of it, and so too was the rest of America, because this album—despite the anger it fomented—still became a massive hit. My favorite part of Dylan’s persona is his mystique, how close he keeps his cards to his chest, and it’s showcased on this album better than most of his. I mean what the hell does “The commander-in-chief answers him while chasing a fly saying, ‘Death to all those who would whimper and cry’ and dropping a barbell, he points to the sky saying, ‘The sun’s not yellow, it’s chicken’” mean? The commander-in-chief is presumably LBJ, those who whimper and cry are presumably anti-war protesters, but why is LBJ chasing a fly, what does it mean for the sun to not be yellow but chicken? Is LBJ so aloof that he’d rather preoccupy himself with things as insignificant as chasing a fly than answer to the war in Vietnam? Yellow and chicken mean the same thing, cowardice, is this a jab at politicians for never saying anything new? Is LBJ calling the protesters chickens? Is this a nod to the obsession of politicians at the time referring to communism as just a color: red? Bob Dylan never answers these questions, leaving it for his listeners to interpret for themselves. He does the same thing in “Ballad of a Thin Man.” The identity and even any hints to the story behind Mr. Jones have never been answered by Dylan. The closest he’s ever gotten is saying Mr. Jones is a pinboy who wears suspenders and “puts his eyes in his pocket.” Excuse me, what? In some concerts he would introduce the song as “a song about people asking me questions.” That’s got to make you laugh. This song also has one of my favorite Bob Dylan lines of all time: “You've been through all of F. Scott Fitzgerald's books. You are very well read, it’s well known.” That’s just a hilarious and cunning dig at this mystery man, it’s so hard to not appreciate that kind of writing. The cryptic Mr. Jones even finds himself referenced by John Lennon in “Yer Blues,” saying he feels “so suicidal, just like Dylan’s Mr. Jones.” This is the power of Bob Dylan, even the Beatles were enthralled by his songwriting and mysticism. In this listen through, my favorite song was “Desolation Row,” which was really surprising, because I’ve never really appreciated that song until now. Following along with the lyrics while listening, though, made the song entirely new to me—this also is the beauty of Bob Dylan. It goes without saying, then, that this is, in my opinion, a fantastic album; however, this is not Dylan’s ceiling. His works get even better than this album. It’s for that reason this album does not receive an impeccable score from me.
Musically intriguing, blues-rock meets folky. Lyrically Bob Dylan
Un incontournable. Mon album préféré de Dylan. J'adore Ballad of a Thin Man. C'est aussi sur cet album qu'on retrouve dans Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues le fameux "I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough" samplé par les Beastie Boys pour la pièce Finger Lickin’ Good.
Every song on here is good. I appreciate Bob Dylan but not my favorite to actually listen to. 4/5
Classic
From before my generation. I knew the opening track which hooked my from the beginning. Good stereo separation for an album I don't know. Was my first album from this project. I am not used to listening to something not recorded with a click track lol! It is very interesting to listen to a legend that I know nothing about. The whistley noise in Highway 61 is something that you don't hear to often, with the exception of Van Halen 1. The out of tune instruments take some getting used to for sure.
ai já tô cansada de ver coisa dessa epoca mas esse foi bem melhor do q eu tava esperando
Decent, for Dylan. A little too much harmonica. Dad loved it which added to the vibe.
i hate Bob Fucking Dylan but dammit, this is good.
I have nothing more interesting to say than 'its really good, but not as good as the very best Dylan (Blood on the Tracks, Bringing it All Back Home and Freewheelin). Desolation Row goes on a bit.
Four all-time tunes -- "Rolling Stone," "Queen Jane Approx," [maybe his greatest ever] "Tom's Thumbs" and "Desolation Row" -- somehow don't add up to a 5 because much of the middle bits are pretty samey and even get a little grating. "Blood on the Tracks" is his classic, and while this is extraordinary by anyone else's standards, it's just not quite peak Dylan to me, consistently superior outputs perhaps leading to unfair expectations.
Obviously legendary songwriter. A little twangy for my liking at times but Desolation Row & Ballad Of A Thin Man were 2 songs I'd never heard before that I really enjoyed. Need to take more time out to listen to Bob Dylan, a ton of history being from MN that I am ignorant of!
Like a Rolling Stone: great start, really sets the vibe of fun and gentle start to a road trip. Tombstone Blues: good, keeps the vibes rolling. moving on down that highway. It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a sTrain to Cry: Nice and easy flow. Sounds like an old blues tune being covered by Dylan. Great. From a Buick 6: A little too much right after the deep blues. Ballad of a Thin Man: this sounds like the most introspective song so far. Much like his later work, telling an important story and an indictment of a system.
4.75
Really great actually, I'll be sticking this on again
One of the more notable things that listening to an album a day from this list has done for me is to give me much more of an appreciation of Bob Dylan. He was always one of those musicians that I liked but didn't really "get." Now, having gotten to sample from a good portion of his career, I'm really starting to enjoy his music. I don't really see myself buying any of his albums, but I liked this one It starts out with Like a Rolling Stone, an all-time banger, at least for folk music. Nothing after that is as good, but what are you going to do? The whole album is very consistent, both in terms of its musical quality and its lyrical depth. Certainly a ground-breaking album for 1965. Definitely worth a listen.
Still say that Bob Dylan can flat out tell a story with his lyrics. This is a very good album, and the more I listen to Dylan, the more I like him.
I was pleasantly surprised by this. I was expecting it to be quite hit and miss, but really liked all of it!
Superb.
-good production and vocals -fav song: like a rolling stone
Between Blues and Country
The album starts off great, but kinda peters out by end. Overall, still pretty good
ett riktigt bra album faktiskt. lite för jobbiga munspelsljud och kanske lite för långt för en femma.
This is folk rock singer-songwriter Bob Dylan's sixth album. It is a widely celebrated album, cited as one of Dylan's best work, and among the greatest albums of all time, also being certified platinum in the US. You can lose yourself for almost an hour in this calming, bluesy, folksy, rock album. There's not much more praise for this album that I can write here that hasn't been said before. So just listen to this album for yourself!
You can't deny the poetry of the lyrics. But yeah, this studio offering doesn't convince me of the musicality of Dylan's voice. I have to wonder how many takes it took. He seems pretty restrained as opposed to the live performance we heard. I know about half of these songs from other performances. "Like A Rolling Stone," though, is all Bob. It's iconic and no one can take the warbly version he puts out away from him. The instrumentation. Listening to "Just Like Tom's Thumb's Blues..." I felt the keyboards were kind of in the way of each other. And Dylan's harmonica... ugh. So I can't deny the importance of this album and the poetry of the lyrics, but I can't give it 5 stars. Dylan's singing just... ugh.
Love the deep and complex lyrics. I honestly have no idea what he means half the time, but that's what makes it so great. Like classic poetry. His voice is still awful - I mean he sounds like Pavarotti next to Tom Waits but it just goes to show you don't have to be able to sing to be a great musician. The musicianship on this album was pretty good. I like his harmonica but sometimes he hits it just a bit too hard (too tinny) - see the end of Queen Jane. His backing band adds some nice harmony so I don't care what the Dylan purists say about this not being acoustic only. Favorites are Like A Rolling Stone (undeniably brilliant), Tombstone Blues (funky country style), Ballad of a Thin Man (earthy blues sound and lyrics are a mindf%@*), Highway 61 revisited (first verse hooked me, great beat), and Desolation Row (depressing with fitting stripped down sound). I was this close to a 5. But that voice...and a couple meh songs.
Really enjoyed this listen for the most part. Will I ever not knock a point off for Dylan's vocal tones? Maybe. But today is not that day.
I've got a few gripes with this album. The most egregious one is that the songs feel like they just run really long. The second worst offense is the harmonica. Oh my dear god whenever it's present it is just absolutely ear-splitting. Finally, the one minor gripe I have is that his voice, though it fits the composition really well, isn't the most musical, and it feels like he can only hit a few notes. Other than those things, I really liked this album. The overall music, especially the keys, was fantastic throughout each song. It's got that energy that I love, and each song flows well into the next. Favorite track: Ballad of a Thin Man
Great album, a classic. I liked like a rolling stone, queen jane, tom thumbs blues. I fixed a pair of sunglasses and ate some very sweet nesquick cereal whilst listening. Its also 3/7/22 i started with this ages ago, only came back to it today hoping to stick with it. Im not sure if the early ones have been dated, i hope so.
There's a reason he won a nobel prize for literature. Every song is great.
Bob Dylan’s fit on this cover still works in 2022
One of his best albums!
First song carries hard but the rest of the album still very nice.
Tilda Swinton do be multitalented.
Electric blues, but Dylanesque. Some great songs here. Once heard, never forgotten - good and bad. An important album in Dylan's 60s transition.
fine
harmonica man strikes again
Dylan is one of those polarizing artists. People love him or hate him. I'm in the first camp. I think he was a genius of a writer who just wasn't blessed with that great of a voice. This album showed that, I think. Great songs, deep metaphors, beautiful imagery. The only thing holding it back is poor Bob's vocals. It's not just that his voice isn't so great, it's the melody lines themselves. They're dumbed down and monotonous to match his abilities. Understandable, for sure. But also frustrating to listen to for a whole album. But that is Dylan in a nutshell. Brilliant where he's brilliant. Not so much of a singer, though.
I really enjoyed this, lyrically hard hitting, highlight were ballard of a thin man and tombstone blues. I do totally get why people don't dig his voice, but it works for me
Essencial a audição que começa com Like a Rolling Stone.
Classic
Definitely a great songwriter/storyteller. Most of the tracks are excellent and even desolation road holds its 10+ minute run time. Album is very enjoyable.
I think Dylan's voice has grown on me, a lot of great songs, but still some that I didn't care for. Favorite Songs: Like a Rolling Stone, Ballad of a Thin Man, Queen Jane Approximately, Highway 61 Revisited.
I get that his voice is an acquired taste, but if there's a better story teller, I don't know who it is.
This is the Dylan album I've been waiting for. Like a Rolling Stone is a great song. Dylan goes electric, but mixes everything in that he's come to represent by the mid 60s. This is Dylan the poet in the style that I appreciate most. He is introspective in songs like The Ballad of the Thin Man, but he's also meditative about the world he's living in in songs like Like a Rolling Stone and Tombstone Blues. I have not been completely mystified by Dylan as many are, but I think this is my favorite album of his as far as I know. There is a similarity that evolves as the album moves along. There are also precursors to other Dylan songs that will come later on Blonde on Blonde.
Was great to listen to this album. It's actually better than I remembered it from when my parents let me listen to it. Ballad of a Thin Man is absolute top
I mean it's a classic for a reason though not in my top 3 Bob Dylan albums. He sounds particularly Dylan-y on this album which will definitely turn people off. 8-9/10 1. Like a Rolling Stone 2. Desolation Row 3. Queen Jane Approximately
4/5 I have to have a Dylan in my collection!
Look, it's Dylan! And he's gone electric! This felt a bit like Let It Bleed - a classic 60s album with an absolute all-time worldie first up, another big hitter at the end, and a lot of ordinary stuff in between. But actually I reckon there's more killer than filler here. Ballad of a Thin Man is a welcome change of pace, and the title track is fun (I like the extended gap after 'Let me think for a minute son...'). Plus it's always engaging to listen to a Nobel Prize winner spit his verses. Even when I don't know what he's talking about, Bob sounds like he does, at least. As with the Stones, I hope the generator can show me a better Dylan album. But if this is the best, that's still pretty good. I will re-revist this highway in future.
A much more accessible Bob Dylan album. The things that put me off previous albums aren't present here: the vocal is clearer and less strained, the production seems finished, and melodies are present. All this enables the lyrical craft to be revealed and makes for a very interesting and enjoyable liseten. Plugging in was a good idea. 4/5
23th of December is a good day for listening to this one.
I really enjoyed it! I felt really chill listening to it. Definitely added to my spotify
Dylan upp á sitt besta.
Some great Dylan classics on this LP
Dylan at his poetic best. It’s live, loose and janglely. Sounds like it was recorded all in the same room together playing which just works. A classic for sure
Iconic Dylan album Favorite Track: Desolation Row Relisten: Yes
Bob singing, uhm sure. Somewhat slow.
Great
Great storytelling album, very influential for the folk/rock genre. Felt very americana. Most tracks are somewhat basic musically, but you're here for the lyrical content for the most part. Favourite Tracks: Like a Rolling Stone, Ballad of a Thin Man, Desolation Row
great songwriter, great Americana feels, loved it
Pure Americana. Starts and finishes strong, the title track stands out in the middle with a slide whistle. Overall, an enjoyable evening listen with a similar style throughout.
Tombstone blues: very country western blues sounding. Lyrics like poetry - many references I don’t understand at face value. High energy This song feels faster than others. I’m surprised at how bluesy this album feels. The poetry of the lyrics continues throughout the album, it’s very story telling focused. There’s lots and lots of references to what I assume is common stories and themes. It was a very easy listen. Dylan’s voice is unique as well. I enjoyed hearing the various layers of instruments. Very socially aware lyrics.
Good music, but a little repetitive. Favorite tracks are Ballad of a Thin Man, Highway 61 Revisited, and Desolation Row.
Прикольно, энергично, очень много слов. Нужно вникать в смысл, но местами моё неглубокое понимание английского улавливает глубокие строки.
Excellent. Preferred Blood on the Tracks though.
нормально в принципе
me gustó el final de desperation row
Holy shit a dylan album where he can actually sing?! This is actually a real delight to listen to, the songs have a great personality and life. Desolation Row goes on about 3 verses too far.
I surprisingly good considering how pretentious people make bob Dylan out to be. the beginning of the album is the best part
Dylan squeezes the blues through the rock tradition and his own folky take on big-M Music. The songs expand past typical radio-fare size while retaining accessibility (this especially obvious in retrospect). There's a straining here, in a different sense than other bluesmen I've heard. I think it can be interpreted as a barrier to album perfection or the very thing that makes the project mythical: For me it's the former, by a hair.
A tough call. Comparing it to our first 2 Dylan LPs, which I gave 5s, Blood on the Tracks and Bringing it All Back Home, I don't think the second tier tracks are as strong on this album, and the phrasing is a bit repetitive. Ballad of a Thin Man has always been a favourite and I like the title track, which I can't remember from back in the day. Desolation Row, while still a classic, is about 5 minutes too long.
Good Dylan. I enjoyed the sound of this album
It's a bit aged but also a bit decent
Know this album well. Some great stuff: queen Jane, like a rolling stone, Tom thumb blues. Desolation row. Some I'm not so keen on (fr a Buick, balad of a thin man
Good
not listened to a BD album in it entirety before - glad i did
Classic Dylan rock
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Like a rolling stone, Tombstone blues, Ballad of a thin man, Desolation row
Not a big fan of Bob Dylan or Country music but this album provides good vibes.
I have to be in the right mood to listen to and fully appreciate Bob Dylan. Unfortunately, I was not at the time of this listen. I have heard the album before and do enjoy it, so I'll circle back to it again when the time is right.
Enjoyed this way way more than expected. Outside his radio hits, I really don’t listen to much Bob Dylan. This album really serves as the reintroduction of a legend for me. The folk elements really come through and I thought his lyrics captured an angstiness that I find interesting. His songs effortlessly captured my full attention with my hanging onto both the lyrics and the music. While I’m too young to know if this is true, it feels like the album may bottle a moment in time. Only reason its not 5 stars is I feel like its better listened to as an album. My criteria for 5 is that you can both pluck individual songs that are great on their own OR listen to it as a full album.
Solid Dylan
Bra för att vara Dylan
I remember listening to this album but going back will grow my appreciation for Bob Dylan
Já conhecia.
I think the first Bob Dylan I've listened to? It was pretty enjoyable honestly even though his voice makes me laugh
No lo escuché jeje, es que la discografia de Dylan me interesa hacerlo en orden.
pretty good. The last song on the project is pretty ambitious in its storytelling. Might give it a listen again
this was good. like Leonard Cohen but with good backing tracks.
Classic old Dylan.
Enjoyed, but had in the background and it deserves a more dedicated listen. Will have to revisit.
Some songs dragged a bit...
4.1
Production: 10/20 Songwriting: 14/20 Innovation: 12/20 Bangers: 10/20 Emotional response: 14/20 =sneaking into a 4 star rating there
As someone who is not all-too familiar with Dylan's work, this sort of folk rock is something I can really get behind. I can understand why purists got mad when Dylan "went electric", but this gives the flat folk sound some real texture and life. In this context, Dylan's voice becomes alluring and mysterious instead of sort of annoying. Ballad of a Thin Man is particularly memorable with it's heavy piano and simple drums giving full leeway for Dylan's vocal performance of the blues-y tune. This is just a compositional wonderland, so rich and inviting. I didn't think I'd like a Bob Dylan record this much, but here we are.
I've long suspected that, not unlike most of the Liverpool team, Bob Dylan is a souped up mega-nonce. This boy-hungry predator who can't sing or play harmonica, still manages to knock out a decent LP...presumably simply to lure in innocent children. For them, Highway 61 should never be revisited, for us it's fine.
haunting. Dylan has a bit of a buzzsaw voice, but I suspect there's something powerful behind these lyrics
Lekker album!
Tää oli yllättävän hyvää kamaa, ainakin verrattuna siihen live-levyyn. Tykkäsin tästä, levyllä oli hyvä tunnelma. Hittibiisi oli hoidettuna pois alta heti levyn kärkeen ja sitten pystyi vaan nautiskelemaan valtatien menosta. Levyllä biisit oli sellaisia "tulkittuja", mutta kuitenkin tarpeeksi hiottuja. Se live oli liian ronskia, levyltä toimi.
7.5/10
A great album from one of the all time greats.
Lovely stuff. This guy will go far. Especially if he is always on when I’m cooking a Mac and cheese and wana soak up some Americana.
Quite a nice album, would probably listen to it again. Two lots of Bob Dylan it’s starting to change my preconceived idea that all his songs were rubbish.
Very enjoyable rock
Possibly due to his more Electric sound, this has always been my favorite Dylan Album. Also "Like a Rolling Stone" is one of the greatest songs ever written too. Loses a point for the last track taking up a 1/5 of the time on the album 4/5
classic bob dylan. Not my all time favorite folk, got a lot of blues mixed in but its a good listen.
Standard Dylan. Album was catchy but some pretty random lyrics.
Great album. Last song is way too fucking long. It’s hard to hear old bob dylan and not think of all the parodies
I was not expecting to like this album as much as I did. I may be a secret Bob Dylan fan. It made me laugh and think at the same time as Dewey Cox floated around in my head especially during Tombstone Blues which I loved. Like a Rolling Stone is also a classic but I was very surprised to see Desolation Row because My Chemical Romance or maybe just Gerard Way covered that song on the Watchmen soundtrack. Their version was only two or so minutes but this behemoth was almost 10 and I still loved it. I love seeing how young Bob is on the cover since he is still kicking to this day, like a rolling stone.
Impeccable lyrics. Dylan is best enjoyed in album context. One of the better Dylan albums in terms of instrumental performance and arrangement.
This is a great album and just it
pionnier de la contre culture une place a part en musique comme le king ou sinatra et tant d'autre je l'ai toujours aimé et je l'aimerai toujours
Año 1965 y la portada podría ser de ayer. Para empezar un clasicazo como "Like a Rolling Stone". Tiene algunas canciones muy buenas y otras buenísimas. Todo un premio Nobel a la guitarra y la armónica.
What was controversial at that time, isn’t that special of an album listening to it in 2021. Lyrics are classic Bob Dylan which is awesome, but musically, nothing stands out other than Like a Rolling Stone.
Finally! We're nearly 100 albums in, and this is our first from Bob Dylan (somehow still no Beatles). This opens with one of his best songs, and easily one of my favorite songs ever. I like the use of electrified rock instruments on here, and Dylan sounds great, but I don't think it's always the best fit. A couple swinging, dance-y rock and roll joints that seem a little odd. The slide whistle or whatever it is on the title track made me laugh, it sounds like a stupid radio show drop. It's a great album, but not my favorite style from Bobby D. I much prefer the rambling, stripped-back poetic songs (like "Desolation Row"). Still, most of it works, and it works really well. I could imagine this blowing my mind in the mid-'60s. Favorite tracks: Like a Rolling Stone, Desolation Row, Queen Jane Approximately, Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues. Album art: Gotta be iconic. I think that can be said for a handful of Dylan album covers. This is a great picture, very '60s. Maybe the coolest he's ever looked. 4.5/5
Great record, not a lot of my favorite Dylan tracks though.
4
Some of the lyrics are a stretch: "They expect you to give a check to a tax deductible organization"
Great album.
Classic Dylan
Oh it’s Bob Dylan. His nasally vocals irritated me at 6.30am but that’s ok. You know it’s a classic album - it really is
Great album. Variety of instruments good songs. Words of the time
No, I am not a huge Dylan fan. I appreciate his work and his impact on music, but I don't actively choose to listen to him. But, this album is a great example of his versatility and style.
Good Dylan album, I don't know him all that much so I'm happy to listen to albums from him. That's folk for me @Gabibo
Good
Better than I remember it
One of the best song writers. His love songs are a bit naive and selfish. But that's the times. His social commentary set the bar high
Great album that feels ahead of its time
Dylan is the greatest!
Better than I expected
Usually hits are stuffed in the middle of an album but this album starts with ‘like a rolling stone.’ Impressive. We’ve spoken about this before but this is almost rap.
Didnt hate it, like I have some Bob Dylan. His voice is kind of grating and the harmonica can be annoying, but I understand the lyrics are cool stories and stuff. Some great cool guitar stuff though.
Very Bob Dylan (obviously). I enjoyed this about as much as I enjoyed "Blond on Blond". Dylan's storytelling is always engaging, and this record felt a little more cohesive and overall enjoyable to listen to. Favorite tracks: "Like a Rolling Stone", "Highway 61 Revisited", "Tombstone Blues"
Dylan is an amazing poet, but not exactly "fun" repeat listening.
finished 1/4/2021
i like it :)
Lots of reputation in his lyrics ramming it down your throat until it catches on. Think overall it was just ok
i like this one because it has minimal use of the harmonica
Classic ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ is the standout, but the rest aren’t too shabby either.
A couple of the tracks were really good, generally like the whole album.
Another one I wanted to like more than I did. Man this one drags on. The music is pretty decent but i just don’t think i love Bob Dylan’s storytelling thing
3/5
There's a Johnny Cash sized hole in my heart and I think Bob Dylan could fill it.
ok
Still find his voice kind of whiney nasally, but I think he's growing on me. Album seemed good
Oooooooh okay. Now I get it.
This was much better than that live album that rolled around first on this project, because that was awful. This was listenable at least
A few classics and a few with a less nasal voice. Also a few that are just purely incomprehensible.
Overrated.
Bob Dylan has a long, long way to go, and I’m a huge fan of his, but this one just isn’t it. I think you can map his career by how well he’s learned to manage his vocal inadequacies. In the beginning it’s terrible, he figured it out, then it goes to shit again when he stats getting old.
Folk Rock from 1965. I never really listened to a lot of Bob Dylan, so color me surprised to hear his voice and it's not nearly as hyperbolic as the years have led me to believe. Musicianship on here is good, but I wouldn't call these technically flashy folks. The songs are fun and have an effervesence to them that is infectious. However, some of them devolve into almost quasi-parody with the silly lyrics (see "Ballad of a Thin Man"). The songs are performed with authenticity and confidence, and the energy is fun as mentioned before. All-in-all not bad, but not something I'll revisit.
I lack a connection to Bob really, didn't hear him growing up. I understand he revolutionised songwriting and he does have some brilliant songs but his general sound doesn't grab me. Knew the first and last songs as you might expect, rest of it was a bit more varied than I would have thought, bit rockier which was a nice switch up. This goes alongside the other bob Dylan albums we've had that aren't freewheelin', nice enough but unlikely to return. 3.5.
It has been well over a year since the last Dylan album. The slide whistles on Highway 61 are obnoxious and distract from quite a fun story. Okay - Like A Rolling Stone is the standout, but Ballad of a Thin Man is a real surprise, really intricate and cool. I think it is however my least favourite overall of the Dylan albums we've had. Some of it is too anonymous - Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues is dull. My dad loved this one though, this and Time Out Of Mind (which is cracking to be fair).
this is cowboy greaser music, i like this harmonica chiseling into my brain
The Beatles love Bob Dylan. Other artists laud Bob for his inspiration. It's just kinda ok for me. He makes good songs for other more talented artists to cover. This album has one great song and some other good nuggets but it's not one of the best albums of all time. Top tracks: "Like a Rolling Stone," "Ballad of a Thin Man," "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues"
Dylan is such a fucking eye roll for me. Like, I know I *should* like it, and I respect the writing. But he's the worst goddamn singer, even for bullshit folk rock. It's a 3 because it's a classic, and would be a 5 if anyone else was singing it.
why he sound like a country bumpkin. he's jewish. Would I listen again: no Deserves to be on this list: something something fine okay 2.5
no es mi estilo la verdad, nunca fui de escuchar rock and rollera semi country. no es malo solo no es mi estilo, quizás tenía que escuchar más este estilo para que me guste más. canción favorita del álbum: ballad of a thin man
A true classic album. 4 stars approximately. Rounded down. Fav tracks - Like A Rolling Badger, Tombstone Badger and It Takes An Otter To Laugh, It Takes A Badger To Cry. Least fav tracks - Ballad Of A Thin Badger, all 20 verses of Desolation Badger.
I like Dylan's music but I don't know why. His singing is crap, the lyrics are rambling and it's all so tedious.
Ei ollut kuin levyn ensimmäinen biisi tuttu entuudestaan. Ihan ok musisointia.
Do I respect Bob Dylan's contributions to music? 100% Do I like to listen to him sing his songs? Nope Unpopular opinion I know, but I do not love to listen to him. I did for the sake of this project listen to the album in it's entirety, begrudgingly and I will sing along if I hear his songs at the pub, becuase I am familiar, regardless of my opinion. I think he is an incredible poet, lyricist, storyteller but the love stops there really. I do not own a Bob Dylan album, but will happily listen to other people sing his songs and read his words. I'm not sorry for this opinion, I'm also not preachy about it, just sayin what is from my own POV. In one word, Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - Yes, for the icon that he is and for the stories he tells, but would I listen to it? Probs not.
I respect it. I like some tracks. Dylan just never did it for me.
I am coming to like Bob more and more with each album we have on this list. He is funny and tells a great story. I have come to realise I am not actually as much of a lyric person as I thought, I am a vocal person. Which is why I think I struggle with country. However I enjoy Dylan's voice and story telling, which is why I enjoyed this. Not sure I can tell each song apart though. His stuff does get a bit repetitive.
Never really improves on the masterpiece that is like a rolling stone. A lot of the songs are lightly treading water with no direction. For dylan afficianados though this is him at his whiny peak
One of the greatest songs ever written, and then a whole bunch of gibberish.
Worst of the Bob Dylan albums I’ve listened to I don’t really understand why this is his highest rated one Some good stuff here for sure but it didn’t blow me away like some of Dylan’s other albums have Favorites: like a rolling stone, tombstone blues, ballad of a thin man, desolation row 3/5
텐션 좋은 밥 딜런
It's alright, but what is it with this guy's vocal delivery man? For some reason I really struggle with it. 'I'm goin' back to New York City, I do believe I've had eeee, nuufff'. Nice production though, and definitely sounds 'live' - quite scrappy in places which has its own kind of charm. Special shoutout to the bass flop in From a Buick 6 at 1:09. Favourite tracks: Like a Rolling Stone, Tombstone Blues, From a Buick 6.
It's Bob Dylan, and he can't be anything other than Bob Dylan. Also, there's a fucking slide whistle on the title track, and I think we should just generally take him less seriously.
I enjoyed a bit more that the other 2 albums I’ve reviewed so far from Bob Dylan, still really mid tbh
I just don't get Dylan. I understand the appeal, but I don't get it.
Ni fu ni fa, Bob
2nd half of the album definitely better that the first one. Started enjoying it from”Ballad of a thin Man”
Fito Paez se inspirara en Bob Dylan para cantar de esa forma?
It’s not the worst nor the most revolutionary thing ever. I’ve heard of him before and many people have said that they enjoy his music. So my expectations were high from the start and they weren’t quite met. Could’ve been better.
fave song: tombstone blues
COMPLETE UNKNOWN NAME DROP. Almost makes me wanna see the Timmy Chalamet biopic
Great album!
This is #day728 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… it's been a while since I last got some Bob, so here's to, what is it?, my fifth Dylan record. There's "Like a Rolling Stone" on this record, so that's like half the deal. "Ballad of a Thin Man" is another standout. Otherwise, it's Bob Dylan doing Bob Dylan thing. That album cover is iconic in its own right, too. This is a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day729.
Of all the Bob Dylan albums, this is definitely an album.
Good writing. Sloppy playing and tuning. Not great
밥딜런같음걍
Just some fun sounding music. Good lyrics. Good harmonica. Unique vocals. Blues.
Sitting on the back porch Saturday afternoon music
Here is the problem: every single review of this album talks about the lyrics and how profound and poetical they are (including a review for the Telegraph by Philip Larkin, who knows a bit about poetry); virtually none of the reviews talk about the music. Virtually every song here is an AB structure and tend to go on and on to allow his poetic ramblings to conclude; the melodies and progressions are basic; and the production lacks variety (even if it was revolutionary for a folk artist to use electric instruments, you can’t really hear much difference). In conclusion, the depth of meaning and poetry of the lyrics might be great (worthy of a Nobel prize in literature) but I expect a lot more musically from a ‘great’ album (one of the best ever from many lists). Musically, he has done better (Blonde on Blonde and Blood on the Tracks) but I feel the mythos of Dylan as a poet has really obscured the deficiencies of Dylan as a musician.
Again, the music here is pleasant enough but my god the delivery grates on me after the first 4 or 5 songs. Maybe it’s because there is so little variety in it, and the lackadaisical drawl, whilst likely a stylistic choice and appealing to some, just comes across as low effort to me. When the song structures are so repetitive, and the delivery remains the same, how could this be heralded as anything greater than average?
This was a better bob dylan album.
never really understood the hype about bob dylan (yet, anyway). good songwriting but not my type of singing style i guess.
Halfway through the album I started to notice that mr. Dylan sings in a way that makes it sound like he is really pushing out the words of his mouth by putting pressure on his belly. It sounds forced. OK album though, just a little repetitive.
Skibidi dop dop dop yes yes yes
Tombstone blues
A classic, if you have the time
Not for me teebeeh but not bad
Not my favorite Dylan album. There's three or four good songs but endless harmonica solos wear me down.
This was the most enjoyable Dylan album the site has served me. I didn’t actively dislike or resent my time with this album; I even found myself enjoying it! I still don’t love his voice, but this was a welcome change to the last few Dylan albums the site has generated. 6/10 Pretty Good
One hit. Ok but not for me
This wasn’t as interest as I thought it would be. Unfortunate 6/10
Just about as much harmonica as I was expecting
Pidin tästä yllättävänkin paljon! Tämä ei kuitenkaan ole sellaista korvakarkkia kuin aiemmin listalla ollut Dylanin livealbumi. Like a rolling stone avaa albumin ja alan tulla siihen tulokseen, että se on Dylanin paras biisi. Toista huippubiisiä ei minun makuuni albumilta löydy mutta levy on tasaisen varmaa tavaraa, myöskään kuraa ei levyltä löydy. Hyvä albumi, 3/5. Ansaitsee ehdottomasti paikkansa tällä albumilistalla.
Highway 61 Revisited starts off with a legendary track. Dylan is at the top of his game with his rhyming and biting commentary, and the organ on the song really fleshes it out. The rest of the album doesn't switch up the formula from the opener, but it finds much less success with it. The electric sound suits these songs, as they're rollicking and bouncy, but there are times they feel a bit goofy and unnatural too. "Ballad of a Thin Man" sounds great with its menacing pace though. Dylan's lyrics are full of interesting imagery but are a little obtuse for me; I may just not be smart enough for them, but it often feels like they take too much interpretation to be understood while listening. "Desolation Row" is the epitome/nadir of this, with a barrage of name drops where it's never clear how literally things should be taken. A solid album, but there's just not that much that really moves me.
Meh, that last track went on forever
An okay album, i liked Highway 61 Revisited the most.
I enjoyed it
I respect the artistry, but it is just not for me. If I was raised during his era, I'd be a huge fan, I'm sure of it.
I can understand Bob Dylan's talent, but I ain't want to hear them often.
Great for reference.
I've heard many hate Bob Dylan for his voice. On this album, it was fine, I think. The songs were fine; it turns out I knew Desolation Row from My Chemical Romance, which is a better version, as the original overstays its welcome. A totally neutral 3.
Not my style, but it's okay
I wonder what would have happened if he had a ghost singer
Can't say I'm the biggest Dylan fan but this is OK. Won't rush to listen again but I'm glad I heard it
Yep, the guy still has a funny voice. I didn't appreciate the loud ass harmonica straight into my ear canal, but that's what I got. Otherwise, not bad. Favourite Track(s): Tombstone Blues, It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry Least Favourite Track(s): Queen Jane Approximately
Very good, an amazing part of town to see someone find a new style!
I can't help but hear Timothee Chalamet
one traumatizing bob dylan experience can ruin it for life
actually, not bad!! okay Bob!!!
Erstes Dylan Album gehört und gar nicht SO schlimm.
Have listened to many of the songs before. I like bob dylan but wasn’t in the mood for him today.
Bob Dylan is an undeniably phenomenol lyricist and I can really see why his songs resonated with so many at the time. That said, musically I'm not sure they've withstood the test of time as strongly. I'm sure it sounded groundbreaking at the time, but now it's hard for me to get really into the songs. Still not a bad album overall.
Хороший альбом. Напевне він виділяється своєю ліричною роботою, але я на неї уваги великої не зверта. А так пісні класні, але не прям розйоб. Да. Оцінка: низька-середня 7
Bob Dylan isn’t bad, but all of his stuff just sounds way too similar. Still not an awful album to listen to but not quite my jam.
Is it just me or do Bob Dylan songs all sound a little too similar? The country blues style just doesn't do it for me. Almost every song he sings he uses only 2 or 3 vocal tones, adding to how similar they all sound while also making an unexciting monotone feel for much of his songs, often broken up by the same harmonica sounds.
Lock this man up
Great lyrics and storytelling, but over an entire album Dylan's songs tend to drag and drag, save for a few highlights. Favourites: Like a Rolling Stone, Ballad of a Thin Man, Queen Jane Approximately
It was good I guess
Bob Dylan couldn't sing well even if his life depended on it.
such a classic, not my style tho
3.5
Decent.
Bob
bob dylan? more like dylan bob
3,5
Not for me
Songs sind super, aber nicht super ausgefeilt, oft wiederholend
L'album più bello di Bob Dylan, ma hanno fatto di molto meglio.
Poetic songwriting with one of my favorite songs of all time. Probably closer to 4 stars but I like lots of other bob dylan albums more.
Listened last week. Another one that's just not my taste. I see why people like Bob Dylan, but his voice just doesn't do it for me. Also his harmonica was a lot all at once. Rating: 6/10 Fave track: Like a Rolling Stone
Someday I’ll have listened to my last Bob Dylan album on the list and that’s what gets me through Playlist add: "Tombstone Blues"
"Like A Rolling Stone" one of the greatest songs ever. I absolutely hated "Ballad of a Thin Man", and could have done with about 8 minutes less of "Desolation Row". The rest of the album was just fine. It's no Blood on the Tracks.
I can’t believe the same musical genius released two groundbreaking, mind-blowing albums in the year 1965. But enough about John Coltrane. In all seriousness, I respect the lyrics but the music itself just sort of plods along. 5-10 minute long songs where the backing band plays the same thing all way through. Like a Rolling Stone though 👍
He's addicted to the harmonica like it's the 60s version of a vape.
Catcht mich nicht
5 - fine
Not my thing. Didnt care for most of it except for Desolation Row. That song is very important to me.
Had an amazing time reading through the lyrics on this one, not so much in terms of listening though.
3,2/5
Really hate that I can’t love this one Addressing the elephant in the room, Like a Rolling Stone is absolutely one of the greatest songs of all time; among music critics it is seriously in contention for the best song ever made. Even with it being a genre I don’t particularly care for, I can tell it’s truly a special song. This is definitely an album you have to read the lyrics for, which I definitely think is the strongest part of Dylan’s music. They’re poetic without being too pretentious, but they still have so much meaning. Ballad of a Thin Man and Tombstone Blues in particular resonated with me. I do think this album absolutely demonstrates Dylan’s shortcomings though. There’s a lot of emotion in his vocals, but the range just isn’t there; he’s just not much of a singer. As everyone knows by now I just don’t like Folk as a genre and although there’s definitely more rock and electronic elements in this one than some that we’ve listened to, I still just can’t bring myself to truly enjoy it. The harmonica blasting you for minutes at a time just really irritates me. I don’t wanna hate on Dylan too much, especially since the songs on this album genuinely changed so much about music going forward, but I think a better musician could take what Dylan built and make something even better. It’s a tough one to rate, since the good is truly transformative but there’s a lot I don’t care for in this one. After thinking a bunch I think this belongs on the higher end of 3s; I’ll definitely have to listen again to see if I’m able to appreciate it more
I dont really get folk. The harmonica also hurt my ears on that last track. Sorry dad
Not for me. That's all I can say about this album. I can recognize why someone would say it's really good. But this album and this music is not for me at all. Also I hate the fact that the last song was 10 and a half minutes long.
Decent album.
Legendary. For songwriting. For not being able to sing. For introducing The Beatles to weed. For changing over to electric guitar. For a handful of songs that capture the essence of the country. But mainly for wasting my time.
its was alright for an introduction to folk but it was a little boring
Nice folk rock album from the legend. Not my favorite style but still some good songs and pleasant listen overall.
Very interesting probs fav song is like a rolling stone. Not bad album considering I'm a pop girlie at heart. 7/10
Jeg synes det lyder fint, men jeg bliver altså aldrig den store Bob Dylan-fan.
Tjaaaaaa Elsker 'Like a Rolling Stone', kan godt lide 'It Takes a Lot to Laugh ...'. Ellers er det jo, som det er. Det er Dylan, og det er hyggeligt nok. 2.8
Much better than “Blonde On Blonde”. The musicians sounded like they had fun making this album. Too bad that lyrics weren’t coherent enough to understand the themes of the songs.
bob dylan
Would give it a 3.5 if possible - really enjoyable listen!
It was fine, not a big bob dylan guy
I don't actually mind all of this. I think Dylan's voice is fine, and I like a lot of the more rock instrumentation. Unfortunately a lot of the songs overstay their welcome and I really did not enjoy Desolation Row.
I like Bob Dylan more than I thought
Not the best Dylan album
It was okay
I will never understand how Dylan got big. It makes no sense to me. Keep in mind I enjoy this era of Dylan and seen him live. I still couldn't tell you why. I prefer some of his other albums to this one. Another Side of Bob Dylan is a stronger album to me. This has a few of his hits on it and I think this one released at a point in time that captured the radio. Like a Rolling Stone, great track, Ballad of a Thin Man, good stuff right there. Some miss me though Takes a Train to Cry is one. If you like ol Bob you will like this. If you hear his voice and recoil, you will hate this album.
JUDAS As usual with Bob, I like the jangly, folky stuff and don’t like the blues stuff at all.
I'm not sure Bob Dylan will ever be quite my thing but this is still a pretty good listen Fav tracks: Like a Rolling Stone, Queen Jane Approximately
🤬🤬🤬🤬🤮🤮
Like a rolling stone - 4/5 Tombstone blues - 3/5 It takes a lot to laugh, it takes a train to cry - 3/5 From a Buick 6 - 2/5 Ballad of a thin man - 2/5 Queen Jane approximately - 3/5 Highway 61 revisited - 2/5 Just like Tom Thumbs blues - 4/5 Desolation row - 4/5
I’m not a massive Dylan fan as a performer as a songwriter I totally respect him. This was alright though a high 3
NIce album really had my full attention
nunca escuche bob Dylan pero me gusto aprobado
Марко 3,5-4 Сара 3
not the worst, not the best either; keeps me on neutral ground. I'm not a particular fan of the harmonica either. This album's more of a 2.7 for me.
Listening session: april 27th, while getting ready in the morning Listened to before: heard one song before Thoughts: of course I agree that Bob Dylan is a good musician and a great songwriter in particular, but I really don’t enjoy his singing so that’s why I find it hard to trilt appreciate his music Favourite tracks: Like a Rolling Stone & Ballad of a Thin Man
Il m'aura fallu du temps pour avoir du Bob Dylan et je suppose que j'en aurai encore plus. C'est pas mal, ça me changera de Nick Cave. Donc alors, cet album, donc. Ben il est bien cool ! Je n'ai jamais écouté du Bob Dylan, en dehors des musiques de films ou quand parfois il passe à la radio. Il a une voix particulièrement reconnaissable et une façon de chanter très typique. Comme je ne connais pas tellement sa discographie, je peux difficilement comparer, mais il me semble que celui-ci marque un changement avec les albums précédent, où il était seul à la guitare sèche ? En tout cas, c'était très énergique, j'ai bien aimé, mais ça ne m'a pas marqué plus que ça. Je suppose qu'il faudrait que je me repenche plus sérieusement dessus. En tout cas, c'était une écoute fort agréable !
highway 61 rocks
The old saying goes: Bob Dylan - great songwriter, terrible singer. It's why just about every cover of his songs is better than the original. This album will not change that opinion. Very listenable though and a fine dissection of middle America. Have three stars, sir.
6/10
Hørte på litt, virka greit
pretty great stuff, sort of in between 3 and 4 on this one. but boring at times but some songs are just too good. real poetry
probably the most ive injoyed bob dylan so far 3.5
You know what? I'm done sticking up for Dylan. His country and western contemporaries were representing this style of music far better than he was, but Dylan gets laurels about being a generational talent and poet. Title track is the best song on this album.
Swagger!
A vibe
like a rolling stone, buick 6 were standouts it was alright
Pretty good Dylan even though he isn't my favorite
Feel 7/10: I like how the songs are almost jazzy but also a little bit of rock feel Length 6/10: Runs a little long and some songs drag Musicality 8/10: I personally love the feeling of the music and the story telling. Also, cool harmonica Flow 6/10: The songs blend well, mostly because they all sound the same Understandability 4/10: I have no clue what is even being told. Feels like american pie type confusing Overall 6/10: Good fun album. I don’t know that I would revisit but was worth the time
Sympa mais trop ressemblant
Fair Dylan album, not much standing out from this one compared to the others I have heard. I feel it is a lightly muted or toned down version of him. 3/5
Like a Rolling Stone... this album accelerates down hill fast.
Tangled Up in Blue and Hurricane aren’t present here so this is an inherently weaker Dylan album but I still mostly enjoyed it. The closing song however does not justify its 11 minute duration.
This is kinda mid in a normal setting but on a roadtrip it would be aight for 10 min
No está mal pero no es para escuchar mucho tiempo seguido, muy subjetivo mí comentario igual.
It’s fine
Seems decent 3. Sounds like the foundation of modern music to follow for some of these songs
This guy is a bit of an enigma for me. When his voice works for me, it works. When it doesn't work for, me oh brother, it really does not work for me. And his songs are, generally, too damn long despite the music being good. "Like a Rolling Stone" is one that I've always liked. "Ballad of a Thin Man" was probably my favorite track on the album.
Still not fond of his voice. I read there’s 7 albums from Dylan on here, mentally preparing myself
Honestly... MEH! I also dislike Bob Dylan's voice. He's got a couple of great songs but I've heard them so many times I avoid them.
Now, you see this one-eyed midget shouting the word "Now" And you say, "For what reason?" and he says, "How" And you say, "What does this mean?" and he screams back, "You're a cow!" -The greatest poet of his generation(?)