Another groundbreaking release in Dylan's discography, though one that took me longer to fall in love with when compared to his earlier releases. Dylan in the 70s isn't the most consistent and his ditching of the "harsher" folk-rock noises that his seminal 60s releases were composed of for 'Blood On the Tracks' didn't go over well with me upon first listen. But ultimately, the decision to "regress" to his more traditional folk style amplifies this album's beauty, warmth, and melancholic ethos. It's no secret that this album is, in large part, about the turmoil surrounding his marriage with Sara at the time. The opening songs 'Tangled up in Blue' and 'Simple Twist of Fate' play into these nostalgic memories and fond moments spent with several ambiguous characters. 'If You See Her, Say Hello' may be the most directly heartbreaking song here related to Dylan's personal life, while 'Shelter from the Storm' offers a level of comfort on the album's most soothing moment. 'Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts' is the standard labyrinthian tale on these Dylan albums, though in theme with this album, it's largely related to false charades and convoluted love paradigms. My favorite song has to be 'Idiot Wind', not only is it the most catchy and visceral song here, but Dylan's criticism of his own supposed ego here comes off as poignant and undeniably aggressive - it reminds me a lot of 'Like a Rolling Stone' in that sense. This is not an album that's as politically charged as his previous efforts, but in my opinion, it boasts some of Dylan's strongest and most vivid writing. There's a looming sadness here that can't be shaken off on even the most optimistic of songs.