An album that wasn’t widely accepted upon initial release but slowly grew to be cherished in the minds and hearts of all music lovers… Does that sound familiar? This album followed a trajectory similar to that of "The Bends" (my latest album review). "Blood on the Tracks" is the fifteenth studio album released by the debonair storyteller, Bob Dylan. Everybody has listened to Bob Dylan, whether it be the allusive but subtle “Visions of Johanna" or the hedonistic but secret stoner anthem that is “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” and, of course, we can’t forget the classic song that is “Like a Rolling Stone.”
This was the first album I ever heard by Bob Dylan. It holds a special place in my heart. It’s so emotionally driven while simultaneously showcasing Dylan’s masterful ability to craft music and lyrics. The simple melodies make it a memorable listen and places it up there in his discography next to the stellar "Blonde on Blonde and Highway 61 Revisited."
This album is relatable through the content of the lyrics. During this album’s creation, Dylan was dealing with the estrangement from his wife Sara, to whom he was married at the time. Obviously. This album spans the highs and lows of a relationship, making the confessional writing style absolutely sublime for the sound Dylan was working for. Many consider this album to be autobiographical and while Dylan has denied such claims, let us be honest. We know. He knows. We all know.
The album begins with the dazzling “Tangled Up in Blue,” considered by many to be one of Dylan’s greatest songs. It deals with the constant movement of life and the failing of a relationship. It tells the tale of how Dylan met his then-wife Sara. It addresses the lingering feelings and the connection one may have when meeting "the one."
The album continues to be excellent throughout but my favorite moments are found on tracks one through four. “Simple Twist of Fate” is another candid song that tackles the subject of fate and centers on a man left broken by a surprise encounter. The precise lyrics depict the scenery of a man and a woman enjoying one another’s company. The lyrics to this song are open to interpretation, as there are some who believe this song is about a hooker. But who knows?
The next song is absolutely beautiful. “You’re a Big Girl Now” is the song that made me say “Oh shit. I love this album.” This song details the relationship he had with his wife at the time. It documents a conversation he had on the phone with her. He swears that he can change and that she can too. These subtle romantic remarks make this album charming and equally as heart wrenching.
This is an album that makes you think about past relationships and how best to move on. It shows sides of love, pain, and general wonderment in a way no one has ever done before or since. The Beatles during the late 60’s made a foray into creative writing that reached outside the bounds of the mind but Bob Dylan, on the other hand, stayed grounded and reached ethereal heights the world had not yet seen.
FAVORITE TRACKS: The whole album is gold but “Tangled Up In Blue,” “Simple Twist of Fate,” “You’re a Big Girl Now” and “Idiot Wind” showcase a type of honesty I wish that I had as a writer.
RATING: 10/10 an Instant Classic
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