Bringing It All Back to Bob

When it comes to folk music, I am usually not the biggest fan.  I'm not quite sure as to why, but it could be because of the sleepy sounding acoustic guitar or the usually rough vocals.  I feel the same way about Bob Dylan; his voice is uhhh less than desirable but I will admit that he is probably one of the best songwriters of all time.  His fifth album Bringing It All Back Home, is no exception to this rule.  Although the vocals aren't the best, this album pushed the "rules" of folk music.  Not only did it incorporate an electric guitar in songs like "Subterranean Homesick Blues," and "Outlaw Blues," it also kept true to its folk roots with softer acoustic guitar and deep, insightful, and very imaginative lyrics.

Album cover

The first song on the album, "Subterranean Homesick Blues," definitely isn't what I would think of when I think of a Bob Dylan song.  A bluesy feel is created by the use of the harmonica and the along with a slight Chuck Berry like into with the electric guitar.  Also the song doesn't have an actual chorus, something that wasn't exactly popular during that time, creating a style and structure that would, far into the future, lead to the beginning of hip-hop.  Another interesting thing about this song is that in 1987, The Red Hot Chili Peppers covered the song.  Their recording well actually sounds like...early hip-hop...how interesting. 

Even with all of his new found change, Dylan still stays true to his folky self with songs like "Tambourine Man," and "Gates of Eden."  Both of these songs using the acoustic guitar as the predominant instrument with just spectacular lyrics that contain meanings and symbolism's that are way above me.  (P.S. the lyrics are in the description if anyone wants to or is willing to check)

Even though Dylan doesn't have the prettiest voice in the world...by any means, this does not take away from his remarkable talent that is his masterful and eye-opening lyrics and ability to write his own music.

-Brooks Gonzales