#97 on Rolling Stone's 500 Best Albums Of All Time
Bob Dylan is often cited as one of the greatest folk musicians of our time.
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan was his second album, and the album that really defined the type of musician Bob was. It had five timeless classics (I'll get to them later), a good amount of politically charged commentaries, and an outflowing of emotion in just about every song. This album brought Dylan into the mainstream, and secured his place as a songwriter.
The album is mostly Bob playing his acoustic and singing, with bits of harmonica-playing. Many people dismiss Dylan because of his infamously gravelly voice, though it's arguably his best talent; it allows him to sing with emotion and an overall "experienced" feel, as if Dylan has experienced all the things he sings about. I'll take it song-by-song:
1. Blowin' In The Wind - A Dylan classic. This is a timeless piece of music - it still holds up today, even with the political underlinings. This really showcases how Dylan can be so simple but so undeniably effective, in his songwriting and musical arrangements. 5/5
2. Girl From The North Country - This is another classic, and my favorite track on the entire album. To me, this feels like Dylan's most heart-wrenchingly beautiful song. His singing and his playing are so emotional throughout, and he writes true poetry. 5/5
3. Masters Of War - This song is ferocious. I personally dislike it, but that's clearly what Dylan intended: unfeeling, unbridled hatred. It feels sort of hypocritical, since it's about hating the "masters of war" for murdering others, and it comes down to Dylan wishing they were all dead. I really don't like it much; the message of the whole thing feels sketchy. 3/5
4. Down The Highway - The truth is that this album has what some might call "filler tracks" on it. This is one of those, but it's a good one. It's a very bluesy song, inspired by various blues artists. Not bad, but not excessively good. 4/5
5. Bob Dylan's Blues - This song was another blues song, but Dylan says it was composed spontaneously. He simply started with an idea and expanded upon it throughout the song. It's another filler track, but once again, not bad. 4/5
6. A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall - Another classic. It uses the same musical formula "Blowin' In the Wind" does, It's emotional, simple, beautiful, and timeless. 5/5
7. Don't Think Twice, It's Alright - An upbeat track. It feels like more filler, as in it doesn't make a huge emotional statement like other songs here, but once again, it's consistent and not really bad at all. 4/5
8. Bob Dylan's Dream - This is one of those humorous political commentaries Dylan makes. It's sort of a comedy piece and story in one. The odd thing is that it feels funny, and yet seems provocative and poetic at the same time. Still not anything fantastic. 4/5
9. Oxford Town - It's a story piece, and a strange one at that. Bob said himself that "it's a banjo piece I play on guitar". It ends up coming out as a very strange peice of filler for the record. I tend to undermine it. 3/5
10. Talkin' World War III Blues - This is another improvised commentary, but it's "talking blues", so it's sort of spoken word with music. This is also another song that is funny-yet-provocative, and an overall winner on the record. 4/5
11. Corrina, Corrina - A classic folk song, retooled by Dylan. I don't appreciate it much, since it just becomes sort of background music after a while because it's so laid back. Good filler, though (if there is such a thing). 3/5
12. Honey, Just Allow Me One More Chance - This is a very goofy country/blues song. I personally find it quite funny, though some may think it's a little too lighthearted. I'd say it's another decent filler track. 4/5
13. I Shall Be Free - Another improvised social commentary. Once again, Dylan's full of wit and humor here, and he still remains provocative. Back when this was released, these tracks were probably the stand-outs, but not so much anymore. 4/5
Overall, the whole album tends to flow together and become one big sort of folk piece. It makes a good entire listen, but some tracks just don't stand up individually. I'd give it a 4/5, because of its overall consistency.
