56: BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME | BOB DYLAN
It is hard to believe that they were often booed during this period, especially the European leg of the tour, with ‘The Band’. How dare he use electric instruments! After years passed giving perspective I bet those that were booing felt like gooses when they realized that this period is widely considered his best,
Bob Dylan’s Bringing It All Back Home is a landmark album in the history of rock music. It was released in 1965 and marked a significant shift in Dylan’s musical style and lyrical content. The album is divided into two sides: the first one features electric songs backed by a rock band, while the second one consists of acoustic songs that are more folk-oriented. The album showcases Dylan’s versatility, creativity, and innovation as a songwriter and performer.
The album’s electric side was influenced by the British Invasion bands, such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, who were popular at the time. Dylan wanted to experiment with different sounds and genres, such as blues, rock, and funk. He also wanted to express his personal views and experiences, rather than the political and social issues that characterized his previous albums. The songs on this side are more surreal, humorous, and rebellious, reflecting Dylan’s attitude and personality. Some of the highlights of this side are “Subterranean Homesick Blues”, “Maggie’s Farm”, “Love Minus Zero/No Limit”, and “Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream”.
The album’s acoustic side was inspired by the traditional folk music that Dylan grew up listening to, as well as the poetry of writers such as Arthur Rimbaud and William Blake. Dylan wanted to explore deeper and darker themes, such as mortality, spirituality, and alienation. The songs on this side are more complex, poetic, and philosophical, reflecting Dylan’s vision and wisdom. Some of the highlights of this side are “Mr. Tambourine Man”, “Gates of Eden”, “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)”, and “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue”.
Bringing It All Back Home was a critical and commercial success, reaching number six on the US Billboard 200 chart and number one on the UK Albums Chart. It also spawned three hit singles: “Subterranean Homesick Blues”, “Maggie’s Farm”, and “Gates of Eden”. The album received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, who praised its musical diversity, lyrical originality, and artistic impact. The album has been included in several lists of the best albums of all time by publications such as Rolling Stone 1, NME 2, and Pitchfork 3. The album has also been reissued several times, with bonus tracks and remixes.
Bringing It All Back Home is a masterpiece of rock music that showcases Bob Dylan’s genius and influence. It is an album that changed the course of music history, while also reflecting the spirit and culture of its time. It is an album that still sounds fresh and relevant today, 58 years after its release.