Dylan's second album lives on to be his purest and funniest folk work. Before the electric guitars led Dylan on a different, more esteemed rock path, Bob Dylan had four albums before 1965's Bringing It All Back Home, the 2nd, this effort, turned out to be the best.
The universally known Dylan number here is Blowin' in the Wind, a song that may have had a meaning fit for the early 60s but still rings on true as a touching lesson to aspects of life - whether Bob intended to it to be listened in that way or not. Other classic tracks in the Dylan catalogue here are A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall and the innovative spin on a love song, Don't Think Twice, It's Alright. Innovative because it used a sweet and sombre melody juxtaposed with untraditional love song lyrics; Dylan expresses dissapointment without touching on anger. Notably too is Bob Dylan's voice; he isn't crooning or harsh, but sounds youthful but powerful - you don't have to remotely strain to listen to it, which is unfortunately a facet of some of Dylan's later works.
The album just ticks. Bob, on many songs, takes help from his idols; adapts pre-laid songs and traditional folk efforts but only betters them. Bob Dylan is an especially charming narrator on the tracks Talkin' World War III Blues and I Shall Be Free, both songs loaded with humour, observations and just thoughtful writing. Also, you don't need particularly extensive folk music listening to be able to pick up the enjoyment of this record, I have never listened closely to traditional folk, but I'd rank this album among my all-time favourites.
9.1/10
Tracklist*:
Blowin' in the Wind
9.1/10
Tracklist*:
Blowin' in the Wind
Girl From The North Country
Masters of War
Down the Highway
Bob Dylan's Blues
A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall
Don't Think Twice, It's Alright
Bob Dylan's Dream
Oxford Town
Talkin' World War III Blues
Corrina, Corrina
Honey, Just Allow Me One More Chance
I Shall Be Free
(Highlights in bold. Duds in italics.)
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