Empire Burlesque

Released:- 10th June 1985
Official Release Number:- 23
Dylan Vinyl Number:- 25

Part twenty-five 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

Empire Burlesque features a more polished and produced sound compared to Dylan’s earlier recordings, with heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines. The lyrics also take a more straightforward approach, with less of the abstract imagery that Dylan is known for

Despite its initial poor reception, Empire Burlesque contains some standout tracks. “Tight Connection to My Heart (Has Anybody Seen My Love?)” features a catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm, while “Dark Eyes” showcases Dylan’s ability to write poignant ballads.

Side 1
Tight Connection to My Heart (Has Anybody Seen My Love)
Seeing the Real You at Last
I’ll Remember You
Clean Cut Kid
Never Gonna Be the Same Again

Side 2
Trust Yourself
Emotionally Yours
When the Night Comes Falling from the Sky
Something’s Burning, Baby
Dark Eyes

My Top Three

1) Tight Connection to My Heart (Has Anybody Seen My Love?)
The song tells the story of a man who is searching for his lost love, and the sense of desperation and yearning that he feels is palpable throughout. The music is also exceptional, with a catchy beat and a memorable melody that will stay with you long after the song is over.

2) Dark Eyes
The lyrics are deeply introspective, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life. The melody is simple but powerful, with Dylan’s signature voice conveying a sense of vulnerability and longing. The song’s sparse instrumentation, consisting of just Dylan’s acoustic guitar and harmonica, adds to its intimate and introspective feel.

3) When the Night Comes Falling from the Sky
The lyrics, like many of Dylan’s, are cryptic and open to interpretation, but they seem to speak of a search for love and truth in a world filled with darkness. The chorus is particularly haunting, with Dylan repeating the phrase “when the night comes falling from the sky.”