Bob Dylan (LP)
Released:- 19th March 1962
Official Release Number:- 1
Dylan Vinyl Number:- 3
Part three of the DYLAN VINYL collection which is a brand-new collection of every single Bob Dylan album on high-quality 180-gram vinyl plus a collectors’ magazine
Bob Dylan, the self-titled debut album of the legendary songwriter, was released in 1962. This album was the beginning of a career that would change the face of music forever. It features a collection of folk songs that Dylan wrote and interpreted in his unique style. The songs on the album are mostly traditional folk ballads that Dylan reworked and put his own spin on.
The album was a critical success, but it didn’t achieve commercial success until later in Dylan’s career. Nonetheless, the album is a classic and has been hailed as one of the greatest folk albums of all time. The album features some of Dylan’s most famous songs, including “Man of Constant Sorrow,” “House of the Rising Sun,” and “Freight Train Blues.” These songs are a testament to Dylan’s ability to take traditional folk ballads and make them his own.
It was a first glimpse at Dylan’s songwriting talent. Songs like “Song to Woody” and “Talkin’ New York” are autobiographical and shows his ability to tell a story through his music. The album is also notable for its political themes. “Talkin’ John Birch Paranoid Blues” is a satirical take on the conservative John Birch Society, while “Masters of War” is a scathing critique of the military-industrial complex.
Overall, Bob Dylan’s debut album is a testament to Dylan’s talent as a songwriter and musician. The album is a must-have for any fan of folk music or Bob Dylan. It’s a classic that will continue to be listened to and admired for years to come.
Side 1
You’re No Good
Talkin’ New York
In My Time of Dyin’
Man of Constant Sorrow
Fixin’ to Die
Pretty Peggy-O
Highway 51
Side 2
Gospel Plow
Baby, Let Me Follow You Down
House of the Risin’ Sun
Freight Train Blues
Song to Woody
See That My Grave is Kept Clean
My Top Three
1) Song to Woody
Song to Woody is a beautiful tribute to his hero, Woody Guthrie. The song is a simple acoustic number that showcases Dylan’s early songwriting ability. The lyrics are heartfelt and sincere, with Dylan expressing his admiration for Guthrie and his music. The song has a timeless quality to it, and it still resonates with listeners today. Dylan’s vocal delivery is understated but effective, and the guitar work is delicate and intricate. Song to Woody is a testament to the power of music and the influence that one artist can have on another. It’s a beautiful song that deserves to be heard by music fans of all generations.
2) Talkin’ New York
“Talkin’ New York” is a raw and honest reflection of his experiences as a young artist trying to make it in the big city. The lyrics are filled with vivid descriptions of the people and places he encountered, from the “Spanish Harlem incident” to the “Union card” he carried in his pocket. Dylan’s distinctive voice and guitar playing add a sense of urgency and authenticity to the song, which remains a powerful tribute to the energy and complexity of New York City.
3) Freight Train Blues
Freight train blues is a classic blues song by Dylan that tells the story of a traveler who is tired of the road and just wants to go home. The lyrics are melancholic and the simple guitar strumming creates a haunting atmosphere. It’s a timeless song that speaks to the human desire for a sense of belonging and I picked it in my top 3 because I work in the industry and have Freight Train Blues almost every day.
