Well, it is only fitting that I do an entire track-by-track review of Bob’s latest and 39th album:

I Contain Multitudes:

As you will discover as the record progresses, most of the songs are over five minutes long. The opening track was released as a teaser for the album, which happens with most soon-to-be-released albums. As I said, most of the songs are long, and this was no exception, but keep your attention focused and listen to what is contained in this spoken word track. It may start differently than a typical Dylan album, but it is still worth listening to. It felt like I was listening to the start of the record as dawn broke, and I thought it sounded familiar to the late John Prine’s “All the Best”. Bizarrely, Bob even sounds a bit like John on this one. What will surprise you is that the song pretty much doesn’t reflect the usual Dylan material, but the lyrics inform you that it is indeed the genius of Bob at work.

False Prophet:

Yet another one that Bob used to tease the album release. From the sombre mood of the opener to the more lively following track laced with Bob’s dark humour.

My Own Version of You:

Now, this might go down poorly with the hardcore element of his fan base. Remember what happened when he ditched the acoustic guitar to play more electric originally? He alienated a fan base by doing so but didn’t give a fuck and did what he wanted to do. Of course, he still played a balanced set after all the furore over it, and again we see Bob doing what the fuck he wants to. Why? Because this sounds more like Bob rapping than actually singing or spoken word. I love his wordplay and his delivery on this track. I also like rap, so this track doesn’t make me get all angry at Bob’s attempt to do something creative. Anyway, that’s who he is. He is an innovative artist who gives himself no boundaries in the expressive arts kingdom. His hardcore fans should give it a listen and a chance.

I’ve Made up My Mind to Give Myself to You:

A rare glimpse at the moment with Bob’s songwriting as he focuses on the subject of love. It also reminded me of “Is Your Love in Vain” and the track he wrote for the Home Box Office serial crime drama rated one of the best in the world, the Sopranos. Bob usually struggles to convey his messages with sincerity regarding love songs, but he delivers this song with absolute conviction.

Black Rider:

Well, you will have noticed that most of the album is more spoken word, and this song is no exception. Indeed, if you thought the tracks were delivered in the same vein as the late Leonard Cohen, you will hear something very familiar in the form of Leonard’s “You Want it Darker”. Although about mortality, the topic hits the nail right on the head with how it is portrayed. Nick Cave or John Cooper Clarke, fuck it, even Dave could turn this into a cover that justifies Bob’s work later down the line. Of course, their version won’t beat his, but they could do it at some event in his honour in a couple of years. I mean, like a recognition event for his work. Many of which he has already had.

Goodbye Jimmy Reed:

Now, we are on common ground with Bob’s material. So far, the album has been unique and captured our attention. Not to say anything is wrong with Bob bringing familiarity to the record, but this is a safe option with all that has happened so far.

Mother of Muses:

It feels more like a Christmas song, and who knows, maybe this will be released just in time for this year’s yuletide? There’s also a change in vocal direction as Bob sings on this one, and I describe the delivery as melancholic yet beautiful.

Crossing the Rubicon:

It’s a blues song that captivates you with its slow arrangement. That is the track in an absolute nutshell.

Key West (Philosopher Pirate):

This is one of his very best, alongside all his work, and I am not exaggerating. Definitely the best off the record, but it goes much further than that. This is Bob at his finest. He still has it in him to write timeless classics, even at this late juncture of his career. It is a better version of all his tracks that do not get the recognition they deserve. His vocal delivery and melody are one. Even if this album hasn’t been to your liking so far (Trust me, it’ll grow on you in time.), you have to give this track a listen. Bob has written a classic that will be spoken about long after the current people occupying the planet are dead and gone.

Murder Most Foul:

What’s impressive about the final track is he had the fucking balls to release it as a single! It is only FIVE seconds short of SEVENTEEN minutes! Incredible! It is also his longest-ever song, the first single off the album. The sleeve has a picture of the late John Fitzgerald Kennedy; indeed, that topic is the assassination of the 35th president of the United States. The song itself was an accidental release. It appears as it was uploaded onto Bob’s YouTube account. Imagine Bob has ended an album with two masterpieces that look like they are going down as his timeless classics. No need to imagine anymore because he has finally done it on this Leonard Cohen-esque record. Bob said he did this album for him and him only, but stick with it and keep listening, and I guarantee even the hardcore fans will get it. It’s a shame he was up against Neil Young for the top spot, but Bob thoroughly deserves to sit atop the rest of the competition again.

Song Recommendations: “Key West (Philosopher Pirate)”, “Murder Most Foul”, “My Own Version of You”

9/10