For an overview of Dylan's evolution as an artist, try these five albums. All are on Columbia Records.
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1.
"The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" 1963
. Dylan's second album showcases his early blossoming as a songwriter. Highlights include and
2.
"Bringing It All Back Home" 1965
. He was still primarily a folk singer but making his move toward rock. Highlights include and
"Love Minus Zero/No Limit."
3.
"Highway 61 Revisited" 1965
. This is widely hailed as one of the half-dozen most influential rock albums ever made, a collection in which Dylan almost single-handedly turns rock from a forum for youthful rebellion into a genuine art form. Highlights include and
"Desolation Row."
4.
"Time Out of Mind" 1997
. It's hard to leave out a masterpiece such as "Blonde on Blonde" (1966) or a work with the confessional aura of "Blood on the Tracks" (1975), but this Grammy winner is essential because a mature Dylan looks back at some of the same questions he explored as a young man, and the differences are illuminating. Highlights include:
"Not Dark Yet" and
"Highlands."
5.
"Love & Theft" 2001
. This may be the first time since "Highway 61 Revisited" that the music in a Dylan album captures you before the words. It's a warm, witty celebration of rock's pop, country, folk and blues roots. Highlights include:
"Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum" and
"Summer Days."
-- R.H.
