A song that combines biblical imagery with political metaphor to explore the shadowy side of human nature and leadership. The 1980s in general were not a good decade for Dylan, however. They would later be released on The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961–1991. Some critics are argued that three of the strongest tracks recorded for the album were wrongly missed off it. Infidels (1983)Īn underrated Bob Dylan album, in my opinion, Infidels features some great songs and strong musical backing.Ĭo-produced by Mark Knopfler with reggae superstars, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare supplying the drums and bass, this album signified Dylan’s return to more traditional Jewish and social themes following his Christian period. Notable song: “Changing of the Guards”, a hauntingly beautiful song that tells a biographical story, likely Dylan’s own interpretation of his life up to then. Many critics and listeners, including myself, have generally warmed to the album over the years after giving it a frosty reception initially.

The album was digitally remixed/remastered in 1999, which greatly improved the sound quality. This album signaled a major change of direction at the time it was released.Īlthough the song lyrics seem based upon Bob Dylan’s troubled marriage and social commentary, the language used is rich in religious and mystical references, perhaps foreshadowing Dylan’s conversion to Christianity (Dylan’s conversion was announced the day after the Changing of the Guards single was released).

Agree or disagree, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. I have drawn on material from throughout Dylan’s career, although the mid 1960s was probably the period when he was at his most captivating and influential.īelow in reverse order are my choices. I was soon spending all my evenings listening to tape recordings and LP’s, enraptured by Dylan’s strange, original and compelling music.īelow are my top 10 selections for the best Bob Dylan albums. I personally have been an ardent follower of his for almost 40 years, ever since I was first introduced to his material by my art teacher in the 1980s (although ironically this was probably Dylan’s worst decade creatively). While we wait, I thought it would be a great time to delve into his back catalogue.īob Dylan has had a long and distinguished career since be burst onto the scene at the start of the 1960s. Aside from the pandemic, the only other interruption to the tour since it began in 1988 was when Dylan suffered serious health issues in 1997. The widespread assumption is that he will resume his Never Ending Tour later this year, or in 2022.

Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, public domain photo via Wikimedia Commonsīob Dylan recently made his first post-pandemic performance, a paid steaming event called Shadow Kingdom.

Bob dylan discography with pictures