The Essential Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan · 2000
155 min · 36 tracks · blues · folk rock · jazz
A sweeping anthology of poignant lyrics and diverse musical styles that capture the essence of Bob Dylan's impact.
Why listen to this
- Best for
- reflective moments during commutes sing-along classics with friends poignant storytelling in lyrics
- Context
- Released in 2000, 'The Essential Bob Dylan' serves as a comprehensive overview of Dylan's career up to that point, highlighting his evolution from folk troubadour to rock icon. This compilation came shortly after the release of 'Time Out of Mind' (1997), which marked a critical resurgence for him. The album consolidates Dylan's most significant works, reflecting on nearly four decades of groundbreaking music.
- If you like
- blues, folk rock, jazz
The Essential Bob Dylan is an album by Bob Dylan, released in 2000. A sweeping anthology of poignant lyrics and diverse musical styles that capture the essence of Bob Dylan's impact. This compilation not only achieved commercial success, reaching certified multi-platinum status, but it also solidified Dylan's reputation as one of the most influential songwriters in American music history. It has been hailed by critics and fans alike as an essential entry point for new listeners and was included in various 'best of' lists, underlining its cultural significance. 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 The Essential Bob Dylan sound like?
A sweeping anthology of poignant lyrics and diverse musical styles that capture the essence of Bob Dylan's impact. Rooted in blues and folk rock.
What makes The Essential Bob Dylan by Bob Dylan notable?
This compilation not only achieved commercial success, reaching certified multi-platinum status, but it also solidified Dylan's reputation as one of the most influential songwriters in American music history. It has been hailed by critics and fans alike as an essential entry point for new listeners and was included in various 'best of' lists, underlining its cultural significance. Released in 2000, 'The Essential Bob Dylan' serves as a comprehensive overview of Dylan's career up to that point, highlighting his evolution from folk troubadour to rock icon. This compilation came shortly after the release of 'Time Out of Mind' (1997), which marked a critical resurgence for him. The album consolidates Dylan's most significant works, reflecting on nearly four decades of groundbreaking music.
Who is The Essential Bob Dylan for?
The Essential Bob Dylan works well if you're into reflective moments during commutes, sing-along classics with friends and poignant storytelling in lyrics.
How many songs are on The Essential Bob Dylan?
The Essential Bob Dylan has 36 tracks, running approximately 155 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Blowin' in the Wind 2:49
- 2 Don't Think Twice, It's All Right 3:39
- 3 The Times They Are A-Changin' Standout 3:14
- 4 It Ain't Me, Babe 3:34
- 5 Maggie's Farm 3:53
- 6 It's All Over Now, Baby Blue 4:16
- 7 Mr. Tambourine Man 5:29
- 8 Subterranean Homesick Blues 2:19
- 9 Like a Rolling Stone Standout 6:09
- 10 Positively 4th Street 3:55
- 11 Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window? 3:34
- 12 I Want You 3:06
- 13 Just Like a Woman 4:52
- 14 Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 4:36
- 15 All Along the Watchtower 2:34
- 16 Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) 2:20
- 17 I'll Be Your Baby Tonight 2:41
- 18 Lay Lady Lay 3:18
- 19 If Not for You 2:41
- 20 I Shall Be Released 3:04
- 21 You Ain't Goin' Nowhere 2:46
- 22 Knockin' on Heaven's Door 2:32
Disc 2
- 1 Forever Young 4:59
- 2 Tangled Up in Blue Standout 5:43
- 3 Shelter From the Storm 5:02
- 4 Hurricane 8:33
- 5 Changing of the Guards 6:38
- 6 Gotta Serve Somebody 5:25
- 7 Blind Willie McTell 5:52
- 8 Jokerman 6:15
- 9 Tight Connection to My Heart (Has Anybody Seen My Love?) 5:25
- 10 Silvio 3:07
- 11 Everything Is Broken 3:13
- 12 Dignity (alternate version) 5:37
- 13 Not Dark Yet 6:30
- 14 Things Have Changed 5:10
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