Another Side of Bob Dylan is one of my favorites. This album came out in 1964 and includes Chimes of Freedom, My Back Pages, and It Ain't Me Babe. Nobody was putting out songs like these in '64. But they would soon be covering them. In my top 5.
I'll second this. cuz Feel My Love, Not Dark Yet, and that moment when he's listening to Neil Young and gotta turn up the sound (Highlands) ... otherwise this list is on point (imho, ymmv)
I started listening in '75 as a high school junior, and have listened to everything released and not released ever since, and I agree that TIME OUT OF MIND is the best album he has ever done.
I agree, it would be number 2 for me behind Blood on the tracks, but that's one of the great things about Dylan, there can be many different opinions, but they are all valid.
Visions of Johanna is possibly the best Dylan song ever. I would have included Street Legal. It's a bit over-produced but all of the songs are so strong and with such great lyrics. This is one of the great overlooked Dylan albums.
I also think Street Legal is underrated. "Journey Through White Heat" is an astonishing accomplishment. VOJ, It's all Right Ma, Desolation Row three greatest songs in any order. As good as Blood on the Tracks is, no one song is as great as those 3.
How incredibly grateful and humbled I am to be ALIVE while Bob Dylan is creating new music and still performing live in concert. Many, many, many years from now generations will look back at this moment in time and wish they had the same privilege as we music fans and lovers do.......great video Maslov !!
for sure and ever since it came out and I tell my opinion to people they either get snooty or else they have never heard of it, lol...Señor, No Time to Think, Where are you Tonight? Is your Love in Vain? Changing of the Guard, all super songs, I think ....and I like Baby Please Stop Crying and No Time to Think as well
I love Dylan since nearly 50 years - my all time favorite is still "Desire", followed by "Freewheelin'". I also think that "Street Legal" is underrated (I really love "Senòr")
Greetings from Bharat (India). I tremendously admire Bob Dylan, although It took me over 10 - 15 years to come around to appreciate his music & voice. Ironically, it was through the music of Mark Knopfler that I was introduced to Dylan. Anyone associated with Mark must be REALLY good. Right? I didn't like him in the beginning. I was like, why is he not singing like Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Elton John, Springsteen or Louis Armstrong. Then I listened to Mark Knopfler & Tom Petty whose voice have the shades of Dylan. And then I got to listen to " Like a Rolling Stone " & everything changed. :) Thanks for your wonderful videos. They are very insightful, especially for people like myself from other side of the globe who do not understand American pop culture much.
So nice to read your comment and realise that Indian people hear Bob Dylan and enjoy. I have been a follower of Bob Dylan since around 1965..thanks to him I learned to play guitar and even today I am part of a trio that covers Bob's songs..esp John Wesley Harding album. Can you write some more comments please?
Well said! I would also put Dylan at a close second to The Beatles in my list of favorite artists. The more I've explored his work, the deeper and deeper it gets. I was listening to Tell Tale Signs yesterday and had one of those moments where it all felt so rich, so powerful, so real, such great grooves with the band, that I felt I could be satisfied if it was the only record on my shelf. And so much of his work can evoke that same response. What an artist.
Romance in Durango would be my personal fav.track .. but I feel the complete first side Is perfect in its entirety.... so ya great song I agree. So many great albums tho tough choices
Every one has a opinion, as someone who thought I had head all of his best albums was happy to discover it afew years ago. Afew great songs on there, but what really made it for me was the violin and the drum sound. The playing and the fills, crispy!
Great list. My number 1 is and will always be Highway 61 Revisited, but as you say, ranking is totally subjective and there are so many great Dylan albums. Love & Theft would probably be in my top 10, as would Another Side. But Highway 61 seems to represent so much of what has always drawn me to him. I remember first playing a copy of the album in my bedroom, aged about 12 in the early 80s, and I knew that was it for me. The lyrics, the voice, the band, the attitude; everything. By the way, the artwork on Blood On The Tracks is not Bob's; both are lithographs by David Oppenheim.
Rick Nelson was a huge Dylan fan and covered several of his songs. Rick's version of "She belongs to me" is one of the best covers ever! Dylan paid tribute to Rick (after his death) by doing "Poor Little Fool" live. Great artists - so much wonderful music.
Desire my number one then blood on the tracks and third blonde on blonde.can't believe it only made number 9 on your favourites.have the UK reissue and no problems with the sound on that,clear as a bell.great video mazzi
Fair enough, but your one major omission for me is 'The Basement Tapes'. An extraordinary piece of work, also probably his funniest ever, and one that I think really doesn't get the appreciation it so richly deserves.
It got the appreciation it deserved in 1975, Steve. It was number one on both the Pazz and Jop Poll and Christgau's List beating out Blood on the Tracks.
@@dannymoulton4829They released the complete tapes a few years ago. I bought it even though I had already downloaded one of the famous bootlegs of it. Who knew that dicking around in the basement could lead to some great music.
Great choices! My most listened to Dylan albums now (changes a lot) are: Love and Theft, Oh Mercy, Time Out of Mind, Shadows in the Night and Bootleg vol 1.
Great video, great list. Bob Dylan, as important, and influential an artist as there has ever been or will ever be. Incredible how the years go by & he has continued to release great music. Blonde On Blonde would definitely be my # 1 as well, I absolutely love Bringing It All Back Home, that would have to be in my top 3. You had a few in your list that I haven't gotten yet, but intend to, like you said, there are SOOO many Dylan albums. A couple of favorites that wasn't in your list--- definitely The Basement Tapes, &, not sure that it would rank that high but, I always liked Infidels. The box set Biograph is outstanding, dammit I need to get that out again......thanks, Mazzy.....
I love John Wesley Harding but it's hard to penetrate which makes it even more interesting.The mood is so deep and profound that there are times it crosses in to the deeply spiritual and moments where it's beyond words.The harmonica on wicked messenger right at the start carries so much.It's like the calm in the eye of the storm that was 1967.
Great video. I have been on a Bob Dylan resurgence this past year. So I really appreciate hearing your take on these recordings. One point I will add that I'm sure you would agree is just how successful he has been surrounding himself with great musicians. Its really quite something.
Dear Norman, thank you very much for for your most appreciated and pleasing videos. I am born in 1959 and therefore feeling at home with the music you like and talk about. Greetings from the Black Forest in South-West Germany near the borders to Fance and Switzerland. 😎
Time out of mind, yes, certainly should be there, but a great listing anyway. Thank you! My 1st encounter with Highway 61 Revisited was at 14 years of age, alone in a house where everyone had gone out. I must have played it right through more than 3 times. Impact: immeasurable.
_Time Out of Mind_ is about a #5 for me. He wrote it on his *3rd North Node Return.* Knowing what this means in astrology and seeing this aspect manifest in just about every song is incredible. A perfect study of the human condition as decribed by astrology.
I know next to nothing regarding Bob Dylan but to hear you talk about a subject that you so obviously love, is time well spent in my book. And to hear you heap praise to Jimi Hendrix for his "definitive version of "All along the Watchtower" was pure class. A great video Mazzy, always a wonderful watch.
Enjoyed your list. Know it takes awhile to put together a list when an artist has so many to choose from. I have most of the ones from your list but there are a few I definitely need to check out! Thank you Mazzy, take care.
More than anything, kudos are deserved for your ability to compile such a list. I have, on more than one occasion, thought I would “rank” Bob’s albums, according to my preference, of course. However, I was unable to do so as I kept changing my mind. Every single time I put a record on I’d say to myself, “but this one is so good”. I finally gave up. I am a very enthusiastic Bob fan. No list is ever wrong. His words and music hit us differently at different times. I enjoyed this video very much, Mazzy.
Same here. I've got that boxed set that Mazzy showed and I decided to listen to it from beginning to end during the lockdown last year. I was very familiar with his mid/late 60s albums and some of the others, but not, for example the 3 during his "Christian" period. The more I listened, the more I got confused in trying to think through a "Top 10" list. So, I really glad Maz did it.
1. Bring It All Back Home 2.Highway 61 3. Blonde on Blonde 4. Blood on the Tracks 5. Desire 6. Time out of Mind 7. Street Legal 8. Oh, Mercy 9. Love and Theft 10. Infidels
Many thanks! So many illuminating insights peaking with Blonde on Blonde (You are so right!), and (IMO) just one oversight in not putting Time Out of Mind at least in the top 10. Anyway, excellent time spent well and looking forward to watching more of your videos!
Great list man! Thank you! Rough and Rawdy, was indeed a very nice surprise, because his previous 2-3 albums, I didn't like. It is a contender, but I will have to give it more spins and time in order to allow it to displace any other top 15 Dylan record. I would only add Street legal on your list, and place higher Oh mercy, with "What was it you wanted" which is one of my fav songs of all time with its sparse timeless sound.Definitely higher than any album that came after. Also John Wesley Harding is a bit higher for me, probably no.2 . Also love slow train. Gotta serve somebody won a Grammy for Dylan! By the way, I would love to see your take on Knopfler and Dire straits records.
Thank you for the way you touched on Dylan’s religious views. My father who just passed away, was a Southern Baptist minister for over 60 years. I’ve been pleasantly surprised how the vinyl community did the same thing for Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens.
15. Oh Mercy 14. Love & Theft 13. Slow Train Coming 12. Rough and Rowdy Ways 11. Modern Times 10. Nashville Skyline 9. Desire 8. New Morning 7. Freewheeling 6. John Wesley Harding 5. Bringing it All Back Home 4. Times they are changin' 3. Highway 61 Revisited 2. Blood on the Tracks 1. Blonde on Blonde
15. Self Portrait 14. John Wesley Harding 13. Nashville Skyline12. Times they are Changin' 11. New Morning 10. Highway 61 Revisited 9. Street Legal 8. Slow Train Coming 7. Saved 6. Freewheelin' Bob Dylan 5. Bringing It All Back Home 4. Rough and Rowdy Ways 3. Modern Times 2. Blonde on Blonde 1. Blood on the Tracks ~Marjet
Damn Mazzy, you’ve got me trying to choose between Love and Theft & Modern Times. They’re both such perfect records and now I’m battling in my head which I like more.
Beatles are a close second to Dylan. 2022 Dylan still making great music with mind-blowing lyrics. No one compares! He leaves better stuff on the floor than most release !
You can't compare, Beatles wrote different stuff to Dylan and was a folkie when he came out, a continuation, I think the Beatles changed the culture of the western world.Sure a brilliant songwriter, better than anyone around, but the they are totally different acts
Bob Dylan is my favorite. I really discovered his songs in 1977. But earlier than that, in grade school in Rootstown, Ohio, our music teacher taught us to sing "Blowin' in the Wind" - and she told us it was written by a guy who was "kind of a hippie"... Ooh. As fourth graders, were intrigued....
who could argue....what an amazing catalog....the fact that there can even be ones not mentioned is extraordinary by any means.....down in the groove, tempest, time out of mind, world gone wrong, and you mentioned pat garrett....what do you change..what do you choose..what does it matter...all brilliant in their own write....what a great way to spend a half-hour...peace my friend...rocky
I just discovered these videos. I like Mazzy. I’ve watched Miles, Dylan and the end of the Stones (not a fan beyond their late 60s stuff). I listened to In a Silent Way three times yesterday. Thanks for that! Otherwise, ignore the people who complain. Yes, it is just your opinion man. Good enough.
I agreed with every word you said...maybe not the order of albums but pretty close. I share your Dylan passion. Blonde on Blonde is a masterpiece. Sad Eyed Lady was written for wife Sara. This video was awesome...thanks (Yes I'm a Dylan fan)
Thanks, Mazzy, really enjoyed this. Apologies for the nerd out, but I can’t see that anyone has yet mentioned this spot of Dylan trivia. The consensus (I think) is that Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands was written for his first wife, Sara Lownds (a name which even sounds a little like the song title). Dylan himself later sang in the song Sara (from Desire), ‘Staying up for days in the Chelsea Hotel, writing Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands for you.’
Very well-reasoned rankings. I largely agree with you, though somehow I'm not quite as high on Blood On the Tracks as most Dylan fans. I wouldn't have put them on the best-of list either, but I really love Street Legal and the 1975 release of The Basement Tapes with The Band. Like you, I'm a huge Beatles fan, and I didn't fully dive into Dylan until the '80s, but in my opinion Dylan stands above the Beatles -- and everybody else.
Kudos for attempting to pick “the best” 15 Bob Dylan - an impossible task - totally appreciate your choices & love your insight - but whose kidding who? there is a glimpse of brilliance on EVERY Bob album with some brilliant from start to finish - you did a great job - (btw my oldest son (24) is named Dylan mainly because Garcia was completely out of the question - his mother “we’re not naming pets”) - I’m a bit of a fanatic & completist. My first concert ever was Dylan @ MSG 9/30/78 - Thanks bother!!! I thoroughly enjoyed your video - although I didn’t completely agree - i can completely relate - in Bob we trust! ✌🏼💙🎼
Pretty hard to argue with #1. There have been times when BIABH has been my favorite, but I always come back to Blonde on Blonde. Love & Theft is such a great album, it's in my top 5 Dylan records.
Thanks, always fun to watch to watch other music lovers rank albums by your favourite artists. And as usual I don't agree. And as usual both are right. That's the beauty of music. My number 1 is Highway 61. My "forgotten" Dylan album is Street Legal, I love that album, the songs, the sound, Dylan's singing, the background vocals, Changing of the Guards, Señor (Tales of Yankee Power) and I'll stop now. Keep up the good work!
I started listening to Bob Dylan when Highway 61 Revisited came out, and then bought all of his earlier releases. I'm still a big fan, and listen to his music regularly.. I agree with you on John Wesley Harden, and I like Highway 61 Revisited the best. Like you said, it's very subjected. I think Bob Dylan was a master in the studio, but I never cared for his live performances. I really enjoy how you bring music from my era back to life.
Just an addition to what you said - Mostly agree. I went to see Bob Dylan just before COVID hit. I am a huge fan of his songwriting. Before I went I was warned by a couple of Dylan fans that his live performances varied a lot. I must have copped him on a bad night. He was truly awful - probably the worst live concert I have seen (and I've seen a few). We were ready for the fact that he didn't interact with the audience - that's par for the course. He played the piano and did adaptations of a lot of his songs - that's OK except his voice was terrible. People walked out - a fair bit of yelling out from the audience. I'm still glad I saw him before I die. An interesting experience. BTW Mazza - great video.
he has tons of albums and a lot of people say that some of these records are actually pretty bad but i couldn't see someone who commented on these unwanted (?) records, I wish you will make a video about it one day. great video
Mazzy, you and I both hold Dylan in the same regard..Beatles/Dylan..glad to see Rough and Rowdy Ways make your list..what a friggin great record..I play it and then I play it again..and again..Modern Times, Love and Theft👍👍👍can’t argue with your list because I love every record on it..your top two are my choices as well..Geez..next thing you are going to say is Ry Cooder is your favourite guitarist😛😛😛😛Really enjoyed this..thanks Mazzy👍👍❤️❤️🍸🍸glen
Great list...Blood on the Tracks and Blonde on Blonde are 1 and 1A . I like Infidels (Jokerman/Knopfler's great guitar work) and Street Legal is very underrated. Enjoyed this episode!!!
Agree with you completely! You have to kick something off to include his great work in the new millennium. It made me happy to see Oh, Mercy included which includes my favorite song: 'Most of the Time.'
I have listened , rabidly to Dylan for 30 years. Recently I bought a copy of “Good as I been to you” Did not even come across in the 90’s. I love it. I would advise any Bob Dylan fan to listen intently I don’t believe the contractual obligation myth Excellent production and performance. Not recorded on cassette. Tape, perhaps
Great list! Only thing i woulda definitely put up in there aswell is Planet Waves, such great work also sonically with The Band. Also deserved shoutout for Pat Garret and Billy the Kid.
Aloha Mazzy Awesome ratings of your 15 best Bob Dylan record albums. Enjoy watching all your videos. Looking forward to seeing your next video. Mahalo Ed
What a wonderful presentation and ranking of all time best recording artist. My no 1. Desire nicely included. Rough and Rowdy also👍 . So very good video. thanks.
Great ranking man. Not only is the Dylan Archive here in my town of Tulsa, but I was born on the day Bob crashes his Triumph Tiger, July 29th, 1966, just 5 weeks after the release of Blonde on Blonde.
Hi Mazzy, I like coming back to your ranking whenever my rankings change, some albums have gone up, some down, not much on the top 3 but quite a lot behind it. Street legal, Nashville skyline, Slow train coming have made it into the top 10, Desire has managed to climb up to 5th place. I've recently bought "world gone wrong" I think it is really good too. I'm with you about "new morning" I love it!
1. Blood on the Tracks 2. Highway 61 Revisited 3. Blonde on Blonde 4. Love and Theft 5. Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan 6. Bringing it all back home 7. Basement Tapes 8. John Wesley Harding 9. Desire 10. Time Out of Mind 11. Another Side of Bob Dylan 12. Rough and Rowdy Ways 13. Oh Mercy 14. Nashville Skyline 15. Shot of Love
You tell me what other artist could ever make a masterpiece like Love and Theft and still only have it be his 14th best album! Dude is damn living legend. His failures are better than most songwriters' successes.
Great video. The only change I'd make is to switch "Blood on the Tracks" with "Bringing It All Back Home" with "Blonde on Blonde" as No. 1. To think that he created those 3 albums in one 15-month period is almost beyond belief. I grew up in the 1960s (b. 1954) and my 3 favorites also included Dylan and The Beatles, but my third was The Beach Boys. So, been listening to Dylan since the mid-60s. Thanks again for a great video.
I don't know how I missed this a year ago. Brilliant selection. Yes, I may have re-ordered some of them and it's all subjective. When it came down to the top two, you selected them in the same order as me! BOTT and BOB are both sublime in completely different ways. Heartache, brilliantly articulated and 'that thin wild mercury sound'. Perfect.
#1 Highway 61 Revisited #2 Blonde on Blonde #3 Bringing it all back Home. I bought Highway 61 Revisited in 1965 when I was 12 because of 'Like a Rolling Stone' so I may be a bit biased. I've had many copies of it over the years and finally went back and bought an original mono LP because it sounds the best, thank you Norman.
Great records all 15! And I guess you need a top 30 list to include all favourites. Thanks for mentioning "Any Day Now". I love Joan Baez and that record. I think you mentioned it was a Dylan painting on the cover, but I think it's her sketches on my copy? I can recommend her book "And a voice to sing with". I'm so impressed of this woman.
Got to say, you got it just about right. Blonde on Blonde may be my favorite album by any artist. Have never seen that other back cover of Blood, just the one with the liner notes. Thanks for sharing
Loved this ranking video. Been a Dylan fan since the early 70s, my eldest brother got me into him. Used to have about 30 LPs but like a complete twot got rid of them when CDs became the thing! I would have Blood on The Tracks at one (don’t think it’s a generational thing - I’m 60) and at one point in my late teens used to play it every night before going to sleep! New to your channel but will be checking out your other video. Cheers from the UK 🇬🇧
Great ranking Norman. Hard to argue with your picks, although like some others, I’d have to include Time Out Of Mind - ah, but what to omit??? Pouring rain in Sydney as I type this. A perfect afternoon to dip into my Dylan box set - Infidels, Nashville Skyline and Slow Train are today’s picks..
Wow! I never saw that second issue of Blood On The Tracks! A tough task of choosing only 15. I would have slipped Time out of Mind in there - the great My Heart's in the Highlands, his musings on mortality after his near fatal heart trouble. Also the Rolling Thunder Revue - all remakes but to hear him go full Rock, with Mick Ronson on guitar ! He might be the only artist where you could choose 15 and still leave room to consider more. BTW, Sam Peckinpah directed Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, with James Coburn, Kris Kristofferson- his wife Rita Coolidge, Slim Pickens and yes, Bob Dylan.
Great video Mazzy - Time Out Of Mind would have to be in/around the top 5 for me along with Blood On The Tracks, Highway 61, Blonde On Blonde - Rough & Rowdy Ways only improving over time as well and may sneak in ahead of Bringing It All Back Home..
Wonderful list. I’m not big on rankings but this works quite well. Was taken by you side comment on Joan Baez beautiful version of Love Minus Zero / No Limit. That brought to mind another quite precious version from the 1971 Rudy The Fifth album by Rick Nelson. As you know Dylan was a Nelson fan, even paying him tribute doing Rick’s Lonesome Town on tour when Rick died. If you haven’t heard it in awhile, or ever, give it a listen. Rick covered several Dylan songs, all worth hearing but that one creates such a gentle peaceful mood.
Nice list Mazzy! People need to lighten up with these types of videos. They are subjective and they are your opinion. That's the idea. It gets the blood moving. lol. I really enjoy your insights. I especially like those videos where you reminisce about a specific time and place in your life when discussing the music. Not a bad listing at all. I would have put "Freewheelin'" higher on my list simply because "Hard Rains a-gonna-fall" is the song that got me to love Dylan. As soon as I heard that song, my world changed. I just listened to music in a different way after first hearing that song. Still is my favorite song of his along with "Rolling Stone". Glad you recognized his most recent work but kind of surprised that "Time out of Mind" was not included. Still remember picking up "Love and Theft" when it was released on Sept 11, 2001. I was the only customer in the store. Getting home and just immersing myself in that album got me thru that terrible day and time. Anyway, an enjoyable video Mazzy.
Murder most foul was definitely very haunting when it came out, still is! Really enjoyed the video my friend!! The stones the dead and Dylan are my top three
1. Highway 61 Revisited 2. Bringing It All Back Home 3. Blood on the Tracks 4. Blonde on Blonde 5. Time Out of Mind 6. The Time They A-Changin' 7. The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan 8. Another Side of Bob Dylan 9. John Wesley Harding 10. Desire 11. Oh Mercy 12. Love and Theft 13. Rough and Rowdy Ways 14. Infidels 15. Nashville Skyline Devoting 11 minutes on Desire to Joey instead of including Abandoned Love is a bit puzzling but hey it is Bob's album! Broke the tie between Nashville Skyline and New Morning for No. 15 because of I Threw It All Away. Another compelling post! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and opinions.
Mazzy love your list that Blonde on Blonde is Number 1 is my tops too . I need to give Love & Theft another listen it’s one I heard the least . Time Out of Mind is one I really dug it would make my top 5 easily great stuff Mazzy. Lovellandrew
I have been planning, for a very long time, to give a deep dive into my 60s Dylan box set. Like the Beatles I know his music but don’t really know his music. One of these day. I will agree with your ranking! Well done! What do I really know. Steve
YES! I've been waiting for a ranking video from you. Love rankings because they makes you think - when doing them yourself - and hearing the ones done by others. And yes, music isn't a sport or a competition, but music is something that happens in the moment when you listen to it. Being alert and reflective can enhance that experience.
Thanks Norman for a moving tribute to the singer-songwriter of genius, Bob Dylan in rock and folk music. Liked your choices and reason s for those choices. I think John Wesley Harding (of which you brilliantly describe) is Dylan's no 1 album. This album followed perhaps his most frenetic period of drug-fueled psychedelic rock in Highway '61 and Blonde on Blonde, perhaps his peak rock records. But all great artists have to land back on their feet to restore their spiritual energy, and this he did with JWH, a quiet folk-rock album of inner strength: the perfect summation of his genius. So I place JWH as no.1, Blood on the Tracks as no. 2, Blonde on Blonde as no.3, Highway'61 as no.4.
Was kind of hoping to hear a shout-out to 'Good As I Been to You' , his acoustic album of folk covers. His interpretations, his singing, his guitar playing, just magical. Probably my most-played Dylan record. And I think it is a good idea to balance the whole concept of Dylan the auteur/genius with Dylan the Entertainer, which seems a key element of his self-definition.
Awesome video.. We share the same top 5, just in a slightly different order. There are so many Dylan albums to collect. I own 13 of the 15 you showed. Need to pick up New Morning and John Wesley Harding. Really enjoyed watching you talk about these amazing albums.
Dylan, along with Allman Brothers my favorite bands/artists all time. I will hesitate commenting on Norman's list --- except to say, I agree with his #1. My favorite also. Would also have tried to fit in Street Legal and Time Out of Mind. Of course, likely in a Top 20.
Hey Maz, Another great overview from you dear friend (I’ve been a subscriber since UA-cam first prompted me with your hilarious “Clapton/wanker” textbook quality rant!)… I’m totally down with at least your top 5, but am a confused “deer in the headlights” with most of the more recent stuff, in spite of the efforts of my nephew to bring me up to speed (being too busy shaking my fist and saying, “You kids…”). I’m greatly in agreement in regard to the “lost albums” “JWH” and “New Morning,” and I might say “Self Portrait” is also greatly overlooked! Bob’s incredible sense of humor is so often below the radar of the casual fan, or those of late arrival. Why there should be a house gypsy fortune teller in a “big hotel” in a “little Minnesota town” is of no consequence in the greater “Dylan-verse!” And that leads me to mention his wonderful “Christmas Album,” whereby Mr. Zimmerman leaves “no turn unstoned!” A quick personal anecdote. The youngest of five brothers and a total mama’s boy, I had always craved my father’s approval (he being a total Johnny Cash fan!). When Bob brought out “Nashville Skyline,” I ran to the local furniture store and invested my meager lunch money, happy and full of enthusiasm! That evening, with baited breath, I played the opening track with high hopes. My father listened stone faced throughout this historic duet, and as I lifted the stylus from the groove and looked up in most hopeful expectation, he tersely observed, “Johnny Cash is a WAY better singer!” Thanks Mazzy, always love your posts! Best, Glenn “They call me a bummer and a gin-sot too, but what cares I for praise…” “Days of ‘49”
His born again period live shows are amazing, I listen to that bootleg series often. “Saved” is an ok album, but I really like “Shot Of Love”, I am glad to see “Rough and Rowdy Ways” get some love. That’s a great album. “New Morning” is in my top 3.
I like some of your underdog picks (e.g., New Morning, Nashville Skyline). I could make a case for his much-maligned debut album. Granted, it's not filled with original songs, but I love that 1965-era white boy folk blues a la Dave Van Ronk, Tom Rush, and Koerner, Ray, and Glover. Only real quibble from me is your preference for Times They Are a-Changin' over Another Side. They're both great, but the latter is so much more surreal and hilarious, pointing the way out of the Protest Folk cul-de-sac in which he found himself. I guess Blonde on Blonde is the apex of 60s Dylan, but I like some of the alternative versions of its songs that have come out over the years, e.g., the incredible acoustic version of Visions of Johanna on Biograph.
Hard to argue ablout Blonde on Blonde. My first Dylan concert was at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood in 1991 or 2. Blown away that I got Just Like a Woman AND Absolutely Sweet Marie AND I was 8 rows from him. John Wesley Harding is my second. My friends thought I was nuts listening to Dylan when they all loved Quiet Riot. But most of them saw the light, lol. Nice Ranking!!
I don't do New Year's resolutions, but I have decided to listen to a different Bob Dylan album every day, give or take, this year to really get to grips with him. I have always admired his music but not always liked it. In fact, I have always used Bob Dylan as an example of the difference between liking somebody and recognizing their greatness. I started randomly with 'Rough and Rowdy Ways' and 'Love and Theft' - about a 30% hit rate of interesting songs to phone-it-in songs on those two, I reckon. Now I am in the Nashville period. Did 'Blonde on Blonde' yesterday. The musicianship on that is stunning. There are a couple of phone-it-in twelve bar blues songs, but the rest are wonderful. I am now listening to 'John Wesley Harding,' which is more subdued but charming. I was really surprised, though, by how short 'All Along the Watchtower' is. I have always loved 'Blood on the Tracks' and have also always really liked 'Desire' too. Ditto 'Street Legal' - 'Senor' is a match for 'Knocking on Heaven's Door,' in my opinion. I'll take your advice on what to listen to next after Nashville hits the rearview mirror. Dylan fans seem to really like 'Modern Times,' which I remember as execrable, unless I am confusing it with something else. At some point, I fear I will be tearing my hair out and skipping tracks after about thirty seconds, but for the moment I am loving the journey.
I’m 22 years old. Absolutely love the 60’s and early 70’s music. Hate the 80’s lol. The byrds are one of my favourite bands. Love bob dylan also. Great review bud
Thanks for sharing! Really enjoyed your thoughts despite how silly it is to try and rank Dylan records. I have to agree with Blonde no Blonde at #1. Sad eyed lady of the lowlands is hard to top
That was a great review. I should be more familiar with these records. Have a few and a couple of my local record store bins are stacked with some of these titles. I did forecast the Blonde on Blonde Lol. Thank You
nice review norman ,, but its soooo difficult to pick just 15 ,, must admit not over keen on new morning ,,and i am struggling a bit with rough and rowdy ,, i would slip together through life and tempest in there instead ,, blood on the tracks would have to be my no 1 ,, as its easily my most played dylan album by some distance ,, personal preference :)))
Another Side of Bob Dylan is one of my favorites. This album came out in 1964 and includes Chimes of Freedom, My Back Pages, and It Ain't Me Babe. Nobody was putting out songs like these in '64. But they would soon be covering them. In my top 5.
The only one I feel you overlooked was Time Out Of Mind. I'd put that above anything he has come out with since.
I'll second this. cuz Feel My Love, Not Dark Yet, and that moment when he's listening to Neil Young and gotta turn up the sound (Highlands) ... otherwise this list is on point (imho, ymmv)
I agree
My favorite Bob album , and I have them all
I started listening in '75 as a high school junior, and have listened to everything released and not released ever since, and I agree that TIME OUT OF MIND is the best album he has ever done.
I agree, it would be number 2 for me behind Blood on the tracks, but that's one of the great things about Dylan, there can be many different opinions, but they are all valid.
I did the same with Slow Train Coming and I agree with a lot of what you said. Dylan’s music is such fine wine. A lot of it gets better with age!
Visions of Johanna is possibly the best Dylan song ever.
I would have included Street Legal. It's a bit over-produced but all of the songs are so strong and with such great lyrics. This is one of the great overlooked Dylan albums.
Street Legal easily top 10 for me, too. But Highway 61 has been my favorite since it came out and nothing has changed that in nearly 60 years.
@@avlisk Highway 61 Revisited is probably my favourite overall Dylan album, too.
Trouble is, he's done so many great ones!
I also think Street Legal is underrated. "Journey Through White Heat" is an astonishing accomplishment. VOJ, It's all Right Ma, Desolation Row three greatest songs in any order. As good as Blood on the Tracks is, no one song is as great as those 3.
How incredibly grateful and humbled I am to be ALIVE while Bob Dylan is creating new music and still performing live in concert. Many, many, many years from now generations will look back at this moment in time and wish they had the same privilege as we music fans and lovers do.......great video Maslov !!
I really enjoyed the ranking list of Dylan. I’d love to see more of these from your collection! Very informative.
I think Street Legal is an amazing album. Definitely in my top 15, probably in my top 10.
for sure and ever since it came out and I tell my opinion to people they either get snooty or else they have never heard of it, lol...Señor, No Time to Think, Where are you Tonight? Is your Love in Vain? Changing of the Guard, all super songs, I think ....and I like Baby Please Stop Crying and No Time to Think as well
Over-produced but such a great album!
I agree. Street Legal is missing is the ranking, but it was one of the best Dylan records
@@beneditoventuroso Baby Stop Crying
Sam Peckinpah directed Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid, not Robert Altman
I love Dylan since nearly 50 years - my all time favorite is still "Desire", followed by "Freewheelin'". I also think that "Street Legal" is underrated (I really love "Senòr")
Greetings from Bharat (India). I tremendously admire Bob Dylan, although It took me over 10 - 15 years to come around to appreciate his music & voice. Ironically, it was through the music of Mark Knopfler that I was introduced to Dylan. Anyone associated with Mark must be REALLY good. Right?
I didn't like him in the beginning. I was like, why is he not singing like Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Elton John, Springsteen or Louis Armstrong. Then I listened to Mark Knopfler & Tom Petty whose voice have the shades of Dylan. And then I got to listen to " Like a Rolling Stone " & everything changed. :) Thanks for your wonderful videos. They are very insightful, especially for people like myself from other side of the globe who do not understand American pop culture much.
Thank you for watching and commenting ✌🏻
So nice to read your comment and realise that Indian people hear Bob Dylan and enjoy.
I have been a follower of Bob Dylan since around 1965..thanks to him I learned to play guitar and even today I am part of a trio that covers Bob's songs..esp John Wesley Harding album.
Can you write some more comments please?
Well said! I would also put Dylan at a close second to The Beatles in my list of favorite artists. The more I've explored his work, the deeper and deeper it gets. I was listening to Tell Tale Signs yesterday and had one of those moments where it all felt so rich, so powerful, so real, such great grooves with the band, that I felt I could be satisfied if it was the only record on my shelf. And so much of his work can evoke that same response. What an artist.
I put Dylan, Van Morrison and the Rolling Stones ahead of the Beatles but that's probably because my loves are folk, folk/rock & Blues or blues/rock.
Desire is Bob's best album. "Black Diamond Bay" is such a great track. A treasure.
Romance in Durango would be my personal fav.track .. but I feel the complete first side Is perfect in its entirety.... so ya great song I agree. So many great albums tho tough choices
Isis.
Every one has a opinion, as someone who thought I had head all of his best albums was happy to discover it afew years ago. Afew great songs on there, but what really made it for me was the violin and the drum sound. The playing and the fills, crispy!
Great list. My number 1 is and will always be Highway 61 Revisited, but as you say, ranking is totally subjective and there are so many great Dylan albums. Love & Theft would probably be in my top 10, as would Another Side. But Highway 61 seems to represent so much of what has always drawn me to him. I remember first playing a copy of the album in my bedroom, aged about 12 in the early 80s, and I knew that was it for me. The lyrics, the voice, the band, the attitude; everything. By the way, the artwork on Blood On The Tracks is not Bob's; both are lithographs by David Oppenheim.
Rick Nelson was a huge Dylan fan and covered several of his songs. Rick's version of "She belongs to me" is one of the best covers ever! Dylan paid tribute to Rick (after his death) by doing "Poor Little Fool" live. Great artists - so much wonderful music.
Desire my number one then blood on the tracks and third blonde on blonde.can't believe it only made number 9 on your favourites.have the UK reissue and no problems with the sound on that,clear as a bell.great video mazzi
Fair enough, but your one major omission for me is 'The Basement Tapes'. An extraordinary piece of work, also probably his funniest ever, and one that I think really doesn't get the appreciation it so richly deserves.
I love the basement tapes. Just didn’t feel to fit in my list of regular studio albums. But I made the rules so I could have.
It got the appreciation it deserved in 1975, Steve. It was number one on both the Pazz and Jop Poll and Christgau's List beating out Blood on the Tracks.
@@dannymoulton4829They released the complete tapes a few years ago. I bought it even though I had already downloaded one of the famous bootlegs of it. Who knew that dicking around in the basement could lead to some great music.
Great choices! My most listened to Dylan albums now (changes a lot) are: Love and Theft, Oh Mercy, Time Out of Mind, Shadows in the Night and Bootleg vol 1.
Glad to see John Wesley Harding recognized; it is an incredible album.
Great video, great list. Bob Dylan, as important, and influential an artist as there has ever been or will ever be. Incredible how the years go by & he has continued to release great music. Blonde On Blonde would definitely be my # 1 as well, I absolutely love Bringing It All Back Home, that would have to be in my top 3. You had a few in your list that I haven't gotten yet, but intend to, like you said, there are SOOO many Dylan albums. A couple of favorites that wasn't in your list--- definitely The Basement Tapes, &, not sure that it would rank that high but, I always liked Infidels. The box set Biograph is outstanding, dammit I need to get that out again......thanks, Mazzy.....
I love John Wesley Harding but it's hard to penetrate which makes it even more interesting.The mood is so deep and profound that there are times it crosses in to the deeply spiritual and moments where it's beyond words.The harmonica on wicked messenger right at the start carries so much.It's like the calm in the eye of the storm that was 1967.
When I listen to it, so of the guitar is mesmerizing, like "Wicked Messenger." The band is tight as a tick.
Great video. I have been on a Bob Dylan resurgence this past year. So I really appreciate hearing your take on these recordings. One point I will add that I'm sure you would agree is just how successful he has been surrounding himself with great musicians. Its really quite something.
Dear Norman, thank you very much for for your most appreciated and pleasing videos. I am born in 1959 and therefore feeling at home with the music you like and talk about. Greetings from the Black Forest in South-West Germany near the borders to Fance and Switzerland. 😎
Time out of mind, yes, certainly should be there, but a great listing anyway. Thank you! My 1st encounter with Highway 61 Revisited was at 14 years of age, alone in a house where everyone had gone out. I must have played it right through more than 3 times. Impact: immeasurable.
_Time Out of Mind_ is about a #5 for me.
He wrote it on his *3rd North Node Return.* Knowing what this means in astrology and seeing this aspect manifest in just about every song is incredible.
A perfect study of the human condition as decribed by astrology.
I know next to nothing regarding Bob Dylan but to hear you talk about a subject that you so obviously love, is time well spent in my book. And to hear you heap praise to Jimi Hendrix for his "definitive version of "All along the Watchtower" was pure class. A great video Mazzy, always a wonderful watch.
Enjoyed your list. Know it takes awhile to put together a list when an artist has so many to choose from. I have most of the ones from your list but there are a few I definitely need to check out! Thank you Mazzy, take care.
More than anything, kudos are deserved for your ability to compile such a list. I have, on more than one occasion, thought I would “rank” Bob’s albums, according to my preference, of course. However, I was unable to do so as I kept changing my mind. Every single time I put a record on I’d say to myself, “but this one is so good”. I finally gave up. I am
a very enthusiastic Bob fan. No list is ever wrong. His words and music hit us differently at different times. I enjoyed this video very much, Mazzy.
Same here. I've got that boxed set that Mazzy showed and I decided to listen to it from beginning to end during the lockdown last year. I was very familiar with his mid/late 60s albums and some of the others, but not, for example the 3 during his "Christian" period. The more I listened, the more I got confused in trying to think through a "Top 10" list. So, I really glad Maz did it.
1. Bring It All Back Home
2.Highway 61
3. Blonde on Blonde
4. Blood on the Tracks
5. Desire
6. Time out of Mind
7. Street Legal
8. Oh, Mercy
9. Love and Theft
10. Infidels
Highway 61 Revisited is my favorite album, by anybody!
Yes I don't get this at #3! Best Rock and Roll album ever.
@@jackoconnell6268 .. sometimes I’ll say it’s Are You Experienced .. or Beggars Banquet .. it was a great time for music!
Loved this video! Maybe consider the 15 to 25 all-time best covers of Dylan songs by other artists for a future video
Many thanks! So many illuminating insights peaking with Blonde on Blonde (You are so right!), and (IMO) just one oversight in not putting Time Out of Mind at least in the top 10. Anyway, excellent time spent well and looking forward to watching more of your videos!
Great list man! Thank you! Rough and Rawdy, was indeed a very nice surprise, because his previous 2-3 albums, I didn't like. It is a contender, but I will have to give it more spins and time in order to allow it to displace any other top 15 Dylan record. I would only add Street legal on your list, and place higher Oh mercy, with "What was it you wanted" which is one of my fav songs of all time with its sparse timeless sound.Definitely higher than any album that came after. Also John Wesley Harding is a bit higher for me, probably no.2 . Also love slow train. Gotta serve somebody won a Grammy for Dylan! By the way, I would love to see your take on Knopfler and Dire straits records.
Finally! Someone who appreciates John Wesley Harding - his first release after his 'accident'. Thought we lost him.
But is is highly regarded, at least here in the UK, got to #1.
Thank you for the way you touched on Dylan’s religious views. My father who just passed away, was a Southern Baptist minister for over 60 years. I’ve been pleasantly surprised how the vinyl community did the same thing for Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens.
15. Oh Mercy
14. Love & Theft
13. Slow Train Coming
12. Rough and Rowdy Ways
11. Modern Times
10. Nashville Skyline
9. Desire
8. New Morning
7. Freewheeling
6. John Wesley Harding
5. Bringing it All Back Home
4. Times they are changin'
3. Highway 61 Revisited
2. Blood on the Tracks
1. Blonde on Blonde
15. Self Portrait 14. John Wesley Harding 13. Nashville Skyline12. Times they are Changin' 11. New Morning 10. Highway 61 Revisited 9. Street Legal 8. Slow Train Coming 7. Saved 6. Freewheelin' Bob Dylan 5. Bringing It All Back Home 4. Rough and Rowdy Ways 3. Modern Times 2. Blonde on Blonde 1. Blood on the Tracks ~Marjet
What a great video!! Thank you so much and from a die-hard Dylan fan, this video hits the spot no doubt!
I'm listening to "Street Legal" right now...by far the best Dylan-Album. So many great songs, a perfect band for them, cool backing vocals!
There are great songs on there but about 4 of them could have been written by Meatloaf.
@@dmellis Meatloaf...cool!
I totally agree with you.
Damn Mazzy, you’ve got me trying to choose between Love and Theft & Modern Times. They’re both such perfect records and now I’m battling in my head which I like more.
Beatles are a close second to Dylan. 2022 Dylan still making great music with mind-blowing lyrics. No one compares! He leaves better stuff on the floor than most release !
You can't compare, Beatles wrote different stuff to Dylan and was a folkie when he came out, a continuation, I think the Beatles changed the culture of the western world.Sure a brilliant songwriter, better than anyone around, but the they are totally different acts
Bob Dylan is my favorite.
I really discovered his songs in 1977.
But earlier than that, in grade school in Rootstown, Ohio, our music teacher taught us to sing "Blowin' in the Wind" - and she told us it was written by a guy who was "kind of a hippie"...
Ooh. As fourth graders, were intrigued....
who could argue....what an amazing catalog....the fact that there can even be ones not mentioned is extraordinary by any means.....down in the groove, tempest, time out of mind, world gone wrong, and you mentioned pat garrett....what do you change..what do you choose..what does it matter...all brilliant in their own write....what a great way to spend a half-hour...peace my friend...rocky
I just discovered these videos. I like Mazzy. I’ve watched Miles, Dylan and the end of the Stones (not a fan beyond their late 60s stuff). I listened to In a Silent Way three times yesterday. Thanks for that! Otherwise, ignore the people who complain. Yes, it is just your opinion man. Good enough.
I agreed with every word you said...maybe not the order of albums but pretty close. I share your Dylan passion. Blonde on Blonde is a masterpiece. Sad Eyed Lady was written for wife Sara.
This video was awesome...thanks
(Yes I'm a Dylan fan)
Thanks, Mazzy, really enjoyed this. Apologies for the nerd out, but I can’t see that anyone has yet mentioned this spot of Dylan trivia. The consensus (I think) is that Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands was written for his first wife, Sara Lownds (a name which even sounds a little like the song title). Dylan himself later sang in the song Sara (from Desire), ‘Staying up for days in the Chelsea Hotel, writing Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands for you.’
Very well-reasoned rankings. I largely agree with you, though somehow I'm not quite as high on Blood On the Tracks as most Dylan fans. I wouldn't have put them on the best-of list either, but I really love Street Legal and the 1975 release of The Basement Tapes with The Band. Like you, I'm a huge Beatles fan, and I didn't fully dive into Dylan until the '80s, but in my opinion Dylan stands above the Beatles -- and everybody else.
I’m not a hard core Dylan fan but you got me excited to listen to these albums ...
Kudos for attempting to pick “the best” 15 Bob Dylan - an impossible task - totally appreciate your choices & love your insight - but whose kidding who? there is a glimpse of brilliance on EVERY Bob album with some brilliant from start to finish - you did a great job - (btw my oldest son (24) is named Dylan mainly because Garcia was completely out of the question - his mother “we’re not naming pets”) - I’m a bit of a fanatic & completist. My first concert ever was Dylan @ MSG 9/30/78 - Thanks bother!!! I thoroughly enjoyed your video - although I didn’t completely agree - i can completely relate - in Bob we trust! ✌🏼💙🎼
Pretty hard to argue with #1. There have been times when BIABH has been my favorite, but I always come back to Blonde on Blonde. Love & Theft is such a great album, it's in my top 5 Dylan records.
Thanks, always fun to watch to watch other music lovers rank albums by your favourite artists. And as usual I don't agree. And as usual both are right. That's the beauty of music. My number 1 is Highway 61. My "forgotten" Dylan album is Street Legal, I love that album, the songs, the sound, Dylan's singing, the background vocals, Changing of the Guards, Señor (Tales of Yankee Power) and I'll stop now. Keep up the good work!
I started listening to Bob Dylan when Highway 61 Revisited came out, and then bought all of his earlier releases. I'm still a big fan, and listen to his music regularly.. I agree with you on John Wesley Harden, and I like Highway 61 Revisited the best. Like you said, it's very subjected. I think Bob Dylan was a master in the studio, but I never cared for his live performances. I really enjoy how you bring music from my era back to life.
Just an addition to what you said - Mostly agree. I went to see Bob Dylan just before COVID hit. I am a huge fan of his songwriting. Before I went I was warned by a couple of Dylan fans that his live performances varied a lot. I must have copped him on a bad night. He was truly awful - probably the worst live concert I have seen (and I've seen a few). We were ready for the fact that he didn't interact with the audience - that's par for the course. He played the piano and did adaptations of a lot of his songs - that's OK except his voice was terrible. People walked out - a fair bit of yelling out from the audience. I'm still glad I saw him before I die. An interesting experience.
BTW Mazza - great video.
ooops - Mazzy
@@allanbriggs9007 A friend of mine saw Dylan a year or two ago, and said the concert was terrible.
he has tons of albums and a lot of people say that some of these records are actually pretty bad but i couldn't see someone who commented on these unwanted (?) records, I wish you will make a video about it one day. great video
Mazzy, you and I both hold Dylan in the same regard..Beatles/Dylan..glad to see Rough and Rowdy Ways make your list..what a friggin great record..I play it and then I play it again..and again..Modern Times, Love and Theft👍👍👍can’t argue with your list because I love every record on it..your top two are my choices as well..Geez..next thing you are going to say is Ry Cooder is your favourite guitarist😛😛😛😛Really enjoyed this..thanks Mazzy👍👍❤️❤️🍸🍸glen
I would say you nailed that ranking. I can't think of any changes I would make.
My favourite five would be :
Blood on the Tracks
Desire
Highway 61 Revisited
Blonde on Blonde
Time Out of Mind
Great list...Blood on the Tracks and Blonde on Blonde are 1 and 1A . I like Infidels (Jokerman/Knopfler's great guitar work) and Street Legal is very underrated. Enjoyed this episode!!!
Agree with you completely! You have to kick something off to include his great work in the new millennium. It made me happy to see Oh, Mercy included which includes my favorite song: 'Most of the Time.'
Whew for a minute there I thought I was the only one who would consider Infidels a top ranking album - thanks!
I have listened , rabidly to Dylan for 30 years.
Recently I bought a copy of “Good as I been to you”
Did not even come across in the 90’s.
I love it.
I would advise any Bob Dylan fan to listen intently
I don’t believe the contractual obligation myth
Excellent production and performance.
Not recorded on cassette. Tape, perhaps
Great list! Only thing i woulda definitely put up in there aswell is Planet Waves, such great work also sonically with The Band. Also deserved shoutout for Pat Garret and Billy the Kid.
I love that you had to include OH MERCY! It is probably my favorite Lp of his , right now!
Aloha Mazzy
Awesome ratings of your 15 best Bob Dylan record albums. Enjoy watching all your videos. Looking forward to seeing your next video.
Mahalo Ed
What a wonderful presentation and ranking of all time best recording artist. My no 1. Desire nicely included. Rough and Rowdy also👍 . So very good video. thanks.
Great ranking man. Not only is the Dylan Archive here in my town of Tulsa, but I was born on the day Bob crashes his Triumph Tiger, July 29th, 1966, just 5 weeks after the release of Blonde on Blonde.
Hi Mazzy, I like coming back to your ranking whenever my rankings change, some albums have gone up, some down, not much on the top 3 but quite a lot behind it. Street legal, Nashville skyline, Slow train coming have made it into the top 10, Desire has managed to climb up to 5th place. I've recently bought "world gone wrong" I think it is really good too. I'm with you about "new morning" I love it!
Yeah these ranking can change over time ✌🏼
Oh Mercy is a brilliant album, it’s in my top 10.
1. Blood on the Tracks
2. Highway 61 Revisited
3. Blonde on Blonde
4. Love and Theft
5. Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan
6. Bringing it all back home
7. Basement Tapes
8. John Wesley Harding
9. Desire
10. Time Out of Mind
11. Another Side of Bob Dylan
12. Rough and Rowdy Ways
13. Oh Mercy
14. Nashville Skyline
15. Shot of Love
You tell me what other artist could ever make a masterpiece like Love and Theft and still only have it be his 14th best album! Dude is damn living legend. His failures are better than most songwriters' successes.
Great video. The only change I'd make is to switch "Blood on the Tracks" with "Bringing It All Back Home" with "Blonde on Blonde" as No. 1. To think that he created those 3 albums in one 15-month period is almost beyond belief. I grew up in the 1960s (b. 1954) and my 3 favorites also included Dylan and The Beatles, but my third was The Beach Boys. So, been listening to Dylan since the mid-60s. Thanks again for a great video.
I don't know how I missed this a year ago. Brilliant selection. Yes, I may have re-ordered some of them and it's all subjective. When it came down to the top two, you selected them in the same order as me! BOTT and BOB are both sublime in completely different ways. Heartache, brilliantly articulated and 'that thin wild mercury sound'. Perfect.
#1 Highway 61 Revisited #2 Blonde on Blonde #3 Bringing it all back Home. I bought Highway 61 Revisited in 1965 when I was 12 because of 'Like a Rolling Stone' so I may be a bit biased. I've had many copies of it over the years and finally went back and bought an original mono LP because it sounds the best, thank you Norman.
Great records all 15! And I guess you need a top 30 list to include all favourites. Thanks for mentioning "Any Day Now". I love Joan Baez and that record. I think you mentioned it was a Dylan painting on the cover, but I think it's her sketches on my copy? I can recommend her book "And a voice to sing with". I'm so impressed of this woman.
Got to say, you got it just about right. Blonde on Blonde may be my favorite album by any artist. Have never seen that other back cover of Blood, just the one with the liner notes. Thanks for sharing
Loved this ranking video. Been a Dylan fan since the early 70s, my eldest brother got me into him. Used to have about 30 LPs but like a complete twot got rid of them when CDs became the thing!
I would have Blood on The Tracks at one (don’t think it’s a generational thing - I’m 60) and at one point in my late teens used to play it every night before going to sleep!
New to your channel but will be checking out your other video. Cheers from the UK 🇬🇧
Great ranking Norman. Hard to argue with your picks, although like some others, I’d have to include Time Out Of Mind - ah, but what to omit???
Pouring rain in Sydney as I type this. A perfect afternoon to dip into my Dylan box set - Infidels, Nashville Skyline and Slow Train are today’s picks..
Wow! I never saw that second issue of Blood On The Tracks! A tough task of choosing only 15. I would have slipped Time out of Mind in there - the great My Heart's in the Highlands, his musings on mortality after his near fatal heart trouble. Also the Rolling Thunder Revue - all remakes but to hear him go full Rock, with Mick Ronson on guitar ! He might be the only artist where you could choose 15 and still leave room to consider more. BTW, Sam Peckinpah directed Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, with James Coburn, Kris Kristofferson- his wife Rita Coolidge, Slim Pickens and yes, Bob Dylan.
Great video Mazzy - Time Out Of Mind would have to be in/around the top 5 for me along with Blood On The Tracks, Highway 61, Blonde On Blonde - Rough & Rowdy Ways only improving over time as well and may sneak in ahead of Bringing It All Back Home..
Wonderful list. I’m not big on rankings but this works quite well. Was taken by you side comment on Joan Baez beautiful version of Love Minus Zero / No Limit. That brought to mind another quite precious version from the 1971 Rudy The Fifth album by Rick Nelson. As you know Dylan was a Nelson fan, even paying him tribute doing Rick’s Lonesome Town on tour when Rick died. If you haven’t heard it in awhile, or ever, give it a listen. Rick covered several Dylan songs, all worth hearing but that one creates such a gentle peaceful mood.
Happy to see John Wesley Harding make the cut-that would be in the top 5 for me.
Nice list Mazzy! People need to lighten up with these types of videos. They are subjective and they are your opinion. That's the idea. It gets the blood moving. lol. I really enjoy your insights. I especially like those videos where you reminisce about a specific time and place in your life when discussing the music. Not a bad listing at all. I would have put "Freewheelin'" higher on my list simply because "Hard Rains a-gonna-fall" is the song that got me to love Dylan. As soon as I heard that song, my world changed. I just listened to music in a different way after first hearing that song. Still is my favorite song of his along with "Rolling Stone". Glad you recognized his most recent work but kind of surprised that "Time out of Mind" was not included. Still remember picking up "Love and Theft" when it was released on Sept 11, 2001. I was the only customer in the store. Getting home and just immersing myself in that album got me thru that terrible day and time. Anyway, an enjoyable video Mazzy.
Murder most foul was definitely very haunting when it came out, still is! Really enjoyed the video my friend!! The stones the dead and Dylan are my top three
1. Highway 61 Revisited
2. Bringing It All Back Home
3. Blood on the Tracks
4. Blonde on Blonde
5. Time Out of Mind
6. The Time They A-Changin'
7. The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
8. Another Side of Bob Dylan
9. John Wesley Harding
10. Desire
11. Oh Mercy
12. Love and Theft
13. Rough and Rowdy Ways
14. Infidels
15. Nashville Skyline
Devoting 11 minutes on Desire to Joey instead of including Abandoned Love is a bit puzzling but hey it is Bob's album!
Broke the tie between Nashville Skyline and New Morning for No. 15 because of I Threw It All Away.
Another compelling post! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and opinions.
Mazzy love your list that Blonde on Blonde is Number 1 is my tops too . I need to give Love & Theft another listen it’s one I heard the least . Time Out of Mind is one I really dug it would make my top 5 easily great stuff Mazzy. Lovellandrew
I have been planning, for a very long time, to give a deep dive into my 60s Dylan box set. Like the Beatles I know his music but don’t really know his music. One of these day. I will agree with your ranking! Well done! What do I really know. Steve
Great video. You just can't go wrong with Dylan.
YES! I've been waiting for a ranking video from you. Love rankings because they makes you think - when doing them yourself - and hearing the ones done by others. And yes, music isn't a sport or a competition, but music is something that happens in the moment when you listen to it. Being alert and reflective can enhance that experience.
Cara, que beleza de ranking, muito próximo do meu ranking pessoal dos álbuns do Bob Dylan. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks Norman for a moving tribute to the singer-songwriter of genius, Bob Dylan in rock and folk music. Liked your choices and reason s for those choices. I think John Wesley Harding (of which you brilliantly describe) is Dylan's no 1
album. This album followed perhaps his most frenetic period of drug-fueled psychedelic rock in Highway '61 and Blonde on Blonde, perhaps his peak rock records. But all great artists have to land back on their feet to restore their spiritual energy, and this he did with JWH, a quiet folk-rock album of inner strength: the perfect summation of his genius. So I place JWH as no.1, Blood on the Tracks as no. 2, Blonde on Blonde as no.3, Highway'61 as no.4.
Was kind of hoping to hear a shout-out to 'Good As I Been to You' , his acoustic album of folk covers. His interpretations, his singing, his guitar playing, just magical. Probably my most-played Dylan record. And I think it is a good idea to balance the whole concept of Dylan the auteur/genius with Dylan the Entertainer, which seems a key element of his self-definition.
I love those two back to back acoustic albums. Bubbling under this list this time ✌🏽
Awesome video.. We share the same top 5, just in a slightly different order. There are so many Dylan albums to collect. I own 13 of the 15 you showed. Need to pick up New Morning and John Wesley Harding. Really enjoyed watching you talk about these amazing albums.
Dylan, along with Allman Brothers my favorite bands/artists all time.
I will hesitate commenting on Norman's list --- except to say, I agree with his #1. My favorite also. Would also have tried to fit in Street Legal and Time Out of Mind. Of course, likely in a Top 20.
Hey Maz,
Another great overview from you dear friend (I’ve been a subscriber since UA-cam first prompted me with your hilarious “Clapton/wanker” textbook quality rant!)…
I’m totally down with at least your top 5, but am a confused “deer in the headlights” with most of the more recent stuff, in spite of the efforts of my nephew to bring me up to speed (being too busy shaking my fist and saying, “You kids…”).
I’m greatly in agreement in regard to the “lost albums” “JWH” and “New Morning,” and I might say “Self Portrait” is also greatly overlooked!
Bob’s incredible sense of humor is so often below the radar of the casual fan, or those of late arrival. Why there should be a house gypsy fortune teller in a “big hotel” in a “little Minnesota town” is of no consequence in the greater “Dylan-verse!” And that leads me to mention his wonderful “Christmas Album,” whereby Mr. Zimmerman leaves “no turn unstoned!”
A quick personal anecdote.
The youngest of five brothers and a total mama’s boy, I had always craved my father’s approval (he being a total Johnny Cash fan!). When Bob brought out “Nashville Skyline,” I ran to the local furniture store and invested my meager lunch money, happy and full of enthusiasm! That evening, with baited breath, I played the opening track with high hopes. My father listened stone faced throughout this historic duet, and as I lifted the stylus from the groove and looked up in most hopeful expectation, he tersely observed, “Johnny Cash is a WAY better singer!”
Thanks Mazzy, always love your posts!
Best,
Glenn
“They call me a bummer and a gin-sot too, but what cares I for praise…”
“Days of ‘49”
“He did it in Las Vegas and he can do it here!”
- “Went To See The Gypsy”
A very thoughtful list. I appreciate your views on his catalogue. I’m surprised Time Out of Mind isn’t on there, and Another Side of Bob Dylan.
I loved this men....is a legend and after 40 years change my live...forever Young Bob
His born again period live shows are amazing, I listen to that bootleg series often. “Saved” is an ok album, but I really like “Shot Of Love”, I am glad to see “Rough and Rowdy Ways” get some love. That’s a great album. “New Morning” is in my top 3.
You really like Dylan as Gospel Preacher.
@@MrKelleyzinho it’s uplifting.
Saved is a tragedy of great songs - often done better elsewhere.
I like some of your underdog picks (e.g., New Morning, Nashville Skyline). I could make a case for his much-maligned debut album. Granted, it's not filled with original songs, but I love that 1965-era white boy folk blues a la Dave Van Ronk, Tom Rush, and Koerner, Ray, and Glover. Only real quibble from me is your preference for Times They Are a-Changin' over Another Side. They're both great, but the latter is so much more surreal and hilarious, pointing the way out of the Protest Folk cul-de-sac in which he found himself. I guess Blonde on Blonde is the apex of 60s Dylan, but I like some of the alternative versions of its songs that have come out over the years, e.g., the incredible acoustic version of Visions of Johanna on Biograph.
Hard to argue ablout Blonde on Blonde. My first Dylan concert was at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood in 1991 or 2.
Blown away that I got Just Like a Woman AND Absolutely Sweet Marie AND I was 8 rows from him.
John Wesley Harding is my second.
My friends thought I was nuts listening to Dylan when they all loved Quiet Riot. But most of them saw the light, lol. Nice Ranking!!
I don't do New Year's resolutions, but I have decided to listen to a different Bob Dylan album every day, give or take, this year to really get to grips with him. I have always admired his music but not always liked it. In fact, I have always used Bob Dylan as an example of the difference between liking somebody and recognizing their greatness.
I started randomly with 'Rough and Rowdy Ways' and 'Love and Theft' - about a 30% hit rate of interesting songs to phone-it-in songs on those two, I reckon.
Now I am in the Nashville period. Did 'Blonde on Blonde' yesterday. The musicianship on that is stunning. There are a couple of phone-it-in twelve bar blues songs, but the rest are wonderful. I am now listening to 'John Wesley Harding,' which is more subdued but charming. I was really surprised, though, by how short 'All Along the Watchtower' is.
I have always loved 'Blood on the Tracks' and have also always really liked 'Desire' too. Ditto 'Street Legal' - 'Senor' is a match for 'Knocking on Heaven's Door,' in my opinion.
I'll take your advice on what to listen to next after Nashville hits the rearview mirror. Dylan fans seem to really like 'Modern Times,' which I remember as execrable, unless I am confusing it with something else. At some point, I fear I will be tearing my hair out and skipping tracks after about thirty seconds, but for the moment I am loving the journey.
I’m 22 years old. Absolutely love the 60’s and early 70’s music. Hate the 80’s lol. The byrds are one of my favourite bands. Love bob dylan also. Great review bud
Great video....but I would personally put ''Oh Mercy'' in my top 3. Maybe because it was were my Dylan journey started!
Hey Mazzy , Bob Dylan I need not say more. His name should be The Legend. Thank you for doing this video Dylan is my all time favourite, Cheers Snowy
Thanks for sharing! Really enjoyed your thoughts despite how silly it is to try and rank Dylan records. I have to agree with Blonde no Blonde at #1. Sad eyed lady of the lowlands is hard to top
Dylan is the #1 songwriter of all time. How can anyone seriously disagree with that.
I would suggest Cole Porter for tact honor...or perhaps Stephan Foster
All great songwriters 100%
Paul Simon is number one. How can anyone disagree with that.
There is no such person
He is but I think we can all agree he isn't the greatest singer 😂
That was a great review. I should be more familiar with these records. Have a few and a couple of my local record store bins are stacked with some of these titles. I did forecast the Blonde on Blonde Lol. Thank You
nice review norman ,, but its soooo difficult to pick just 15 ,, must admit not over keen on new morning ,,and i am struggling a bit with rough and rowdy ,, i would slip together through life and tempest in there instead ,, blood on the tracks would have to be my no 1 ,, as its easily my most played dylan album by some distance ,, personal preference :)))