I've never really listened to Bob. I quite enjoyed this - a lot less grating and long-winded than most of his other songs I have heard. Hearing this I 'get' why he is so lauded. To a degree. There are some good songs here, and a few great lines, and the blending of genres works well. Would I sit down and play this through again though? Probably not.
Bob has always been a brilliant storyteller. This works at best for me with the full band behind him. I can't be doing with the finger in the ear folk shit. BIABH rocks from start to finish. There's still some acoustic strumming to add a light touch to the electric riffs. But over the top of all this, and stealing the show, are the lyrics. Baby Blue is a one of the best ever album closers. What a trooper.