Before the Flood
Bob Dylan · 1974
92 min · 21 tracks · blues · folk rock · jazz
A vibrant mix of rock, folk, and gospel that captures Dylan's poetic storytelling and emotional depth.
Why listen to this
- Best for
- poignant storytelling through lyrics reflective moments in quiet solitude sing-along classics with friends
- Context
- Released on June 20, 1974, 'Before the Flood' marked Bob Dylan's first live album, capturing performances from his tour with The Band. At this point in his career, Dylan was experiencing a resurgence after several years of commercial struggle, including the release of the critically acclaimed 'Blood on the Tracks' just months prior.
- If you like
- blues, folk rock, jazz
Before the Flood is an album by Bob Dylan, released in 1974. A vibrant mix of rock, folk, and gospel that captures Dylan's poetic storytelling and emotional depth. 'Before the Flood' is notable for its extensive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts and solidifying Dylan's legacy as a live performer. The album features some of his most celebrated tracks and showcases the collaborative synergy between Dylan and The Band during their iconic performances. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
New to Bob Dylan? Read our guide on where to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Before the Flood sound like?
A vibrant mix of rock, folk, and gospel that captures Dylan's poetic storytelling and emotional depth. Rooted in blues and folk rock.
What makes Before the Flood by Bob Dylan notable?
'Before the Flood' is notable for its extensive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts and solidifying Dylan's legacy as a live performer. The album features some of his most celebrated tracks and showcases the collaborative synergy between Dylan and The Band during their iconic performances. Released on June 20, 1974, 'Before the Flood' marked Bob Dylan's first live album, capturing performances from his tour with The Band. At this point in his career, Dylan was experiencing a resurgence after several years of commercial struggle, including the release of the critically acclaimed 'Blood on the Tracks' just months prior.
Who is Before the Flood for?
Before the Flood works well if you're into poignant storytelling through lyrics, reflective moments in quiet solitude and sing-along classics with friends.
How many songs are on Before the Flood?
Before the Flood has 21 tracks, running approximately 92 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine) 4:18
- 2 Lay Lady Lay Standout 3:14
- 3 Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 3:28
- 4 Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door Standout 3:52
- 5 It Ain’t Me, Babe 3:40
- 6 Ballad of a Thin Man 3:41
- 7 Up on Cripple Creek 5:26
- 8 I Shall Be Released 3:50
- 9 Endless Highway 5:10
- 10 The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down 4:24
- 11 Stage Fright 4:46
Disc 2
- 1 Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right 4:37
- 2 Just Like a Woman 5:06
- 3 It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding) 5:48
- 4 The Shape I’m In 4:01
- 5 When You Awake 3:13
- 6 The Weight Standout 4:47
- 7 All Along the Watchtower 3:07
- 8 Highway 61 Revisited 4:27
- 9 Like a Rolling Stone 7:09
- 10 Blowin’ in the Wind 4:30
Learn More
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.