Track Listing

1. Gotta Serve Somebody
2. Precious Angel
3. I Believe In You
4. Slow Train
5. Gonna Change My Way Of Thinking
6. Do Right To Me Baby (Do Unto Others)
7. When You Gonna Wake Up
8. Man Gave Names To All The Animals
9. When He Returns

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2692 in Music
• Released on: 2004-03-29
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

genius x 2: Dylan and Knopfler
This 1979 mellow but masterful offering from Bob Dylan was recorded in the famous Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama, and has a slightly funky feel to it. It's a work of amazing strength, and I can only conclude that the reason it has been so underrated is because of its Christian theme. The words are powerful, and the melodies bright and beautiful.

Mark Knopfler's unique sound can always be recognized after only a few notes from his guitar, and he graces this recording with his extraordinary musicianship. The former guiding light of Dire Straits, Knopfler is a large part of what makes this recording so special.
Though most of the songs have tough lyrics about making the right choices in life, "Man Gave Names To All the Animals" is a humorous and delightful tune that one keeps humming long after the CD has ended.

Dylan was asked by John Dolen of the Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel in 1995 if he thought there was still a Slow Train Coming, and Dylan said, "When I look ahead now, it's picked up quite a bit of speed. In fact, it's going like a freight train now". Yes, this CD and its message are more relevant than ever, and it deserves its place at the forefront of popular music history with the best of Dylan's other great recordings.

Unique
When Bob Dylan became a Christian, he changed a lot, including his writing, singing and music and musicians and everything. But he did that before and he's done it since. He only did one Slow Train Coming and no one else has done anything else like it. Highlights for me are Slow Train, Gotta Serve Somebody, Gonna Change My Way of Thinking, and Man Gave Names to the Animals. Others have other favorites. The SACD version sounds so good that it's hardly believeable. Knopfler definitely left his fingerprints all over, as did the producer and the other musicians. They're extremely tight and groovy. A perfect blend of rock and soul and funk and gospel. There you have it.

1979 Bob Passes With Merit
This album is accessible musically and contains some of Bob's very best songs. Ignore the carps of the Anti-Jesus brigade (whoever they are!)....just listen to these songs for what they are. A man at a crossroads of his life following a messy and expensive divorce from Sara and finding a New Life in Christianity. Who can have a problem with that? It's ridiculous to even talk about. So what if some of the lyrics are confident and even derogatory to Non Believers? What exactly would you expect?? If others can't share his views or even accept them that is their problem. We all have our views. And what makes ours superior to his? All this talk about Dylan losing his objectivity and open mindedness is plain bullsh*t in my opinion. Would you prefer him to be championing the joys of snorting cocaine or drinking whiskey? Come on! This album is sincere in its delivery and the fact that his views are strong and full of conviction count as a virtue in my opinion. Kind of wish I had that conviction. In something at least. Other than Ringo Starr B Sides.

And so to the album. 'Gotta Serve Somebody' is just great, as is 'Precious Angel'....totally infectious (with tasteful Knopfler guitar)...and the next number 'I Believe In You' ranks alongside 'Every Grain Of Sand' and 'Forever Young' as Great Bob Ballads for different reasons, vulnerability, passion, just greatness. Whatever.

The title track lets the side down somewhat (pun not intended) and 'Gonna Change My Way of Thinking' is a little boring, musically at least. 'Do Right Unto Others' is sublime and 'When You're Gonna Wake Up' is thoroughly uplifting on all levels. Nice horns. 'Man Gave Names To All The Animals' is a children's song and none the worse for that. Hilarious to boot (seemed like there was nothing he couln't pull....aaahhh.....think I call it a bull etc). The closing track the piano based When He Returns is a real tour de force. Incredibly moving even if you are His Lordship Spock from the planet Vulcan. Or whatever it's called.

This album does not contain the mystique of its predecessor 'Street Legal' (1978) but neither does it display the bitter, twisted and confused (albeit brilliant) artist that that album did. Hats off Bob. Thank You for this album.