There are few artists that produce such a vast and poetic line of music like Bob Dylan has over the years. A contemporary troubadour for the younger generations of the 1960s and on, Dylan has created a plethora of albums and tracks that not only sound great, but also hold symbolic and figurative lyrics. Here is just a small selection of the most essential tracks from one of America’s most poetic and influential songwriters.
“Mr. Tambourine Man”
From Dylan’s fifth album “Bringing It All Back Home,” this is most definitely a quintessential Dylan track. Released in 1965 and known for its immense imagery and sweeping melody, “Mr. Tambourine Man” is an ode to Dylan’s folksy vibe and sound that carried him throughout the ’60s and further. This track, wonderful in both its original and acoustic formats, is the best way to dive into the poetic lyrics and metaphorical images that Dylan has created.
“The Times They Are A-Changin’”
Another one of Dylan’s early ’60s songs, this track is also bears the same name of his third studio album. In a time when change continued to sweep the nation, this song struck a chord with many, hence its very fitting title. A song with lyrics of purpose and influence, this is one track that undoubtedly makes Dylan an impactful songwriter and singer.
“Like A Rolling Stone”
“Like A Rolling Stone” took Dylan into an era of rock ‘n’ roll along with his bluesy folk roots. With an upbeat tune and recognizable vocals, this track is one of Dylan’s best. This song strays from his usual sound in a small way and made way for folk music to combine with other genres in a new and unique style.
“A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall”
One of Dylan’s earlier releases, this track is a classic to his famous sound. This track came from Dylan’s second album, “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan,” in the summer of 1962. This song strays from some of his faster paced tracks with quick lyrics and chords. It slows down both his vocals and the melody of the song to create a nice laid-back folk vibe. Still, it is a powerful and complex track that, in true Dylan style, sounds like it proved to be inspiration for many current folk and indie singers.
“Blowin’ in the Wind”
Quite possibly one of Dylan’s most well known songs, “Blowin in the Wind,” is also a steadier track on one of his first albums. Some describe this track as a form of protest, but one thing is for sure — the lyrics beautifully showcase questions about war, peace and freedom. Dylan’s distinguishable folk sound is very evident in his raspy vocals and echoed melody in this song. With a soothing and lulling effect, this track is the perfect Dylan song for kicking back and relaxing.
Hailey Stewart can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @Hailey_ann97