Where does one begin when writing of Bob Dylan? What can be said? The man’s a prophet, an icon, and a legend. Upon his 31 studio-recorded release, Modern Times, Dylan shows no signs of wear or repetition. At age 65, he only sees his musical career as in its mid-way stages. Nothing’s perfected but nothing is thought wasteful. It is my honor to explore with you today, Modern Times. Let me preface the review by bragging. I was fortunate enough to see Bob Dylan in concert- just a few weeks ago. Seeing such a dynamic musical figure before you, merely feet away, is enough to be blown away. Dylan came out in tight black pants, a white button-up, collared shirt, a black blazer and of course, a pair of shades. He went straight to his organ and didn’t stop playing for at
least an hour and a half. His hair in its signature tussle, proved that Dylan may have aged, but the symbolism behind him did not. It was as if I had gone back to 1964- Washington D.C. The funny thing is, as I listen to Modern Times, I almost get that very same feeling.
Let’s start at the beginning: the opening track, “Thunder on the Mountain,” is a self-exploration, or maybe explanation, of Dylan’s recent feelings on not just his music but today’s artists. Mentioning his adoration for artists like Alicia Keys only shows that Dylan stays current in content but in musical style will always remain rooted to country-folk. Throughout his career, Dylan has had many different faces to his music, such as creating roles to play and changing his singing voice repeatedly. However, there is a flare to each of his works that cannot be mistaken for anyone other than Bob. Modern Times doesn’t just prove that, it defines it.
“Spirit on the Water” is smooth and cool, maybe with a hint of jazz. “Rollin’ and Tumblin’ is more reminiscent of Highway 61 Revisited, carrying that raw vibe to set Dylan apart from any other 60’s musician. “Someday Baby” could possibly be my favorite song; it’s light and catchy with vocal position at the level of perfection. Other favorites would be “Nettie Moore” and “The Levee’s Gonna Break.” This is the Bob Dylan I know and love.
It seems as though I’ve never been so positive about any one album but Bob Dylan, for nearly the past 45 years, has done no wrong. If you’re a Bob Dylan fan, Modern Times is a little more than just another Dylan album to throw on the pile; it’s validation that he’s not dead, not afraid, and has nothing left to prove; he’s proved it all, 31 times over. Modern Times is just good, old Bob Dylan doing what he loves, for no one but himself.
And that’s how you write a Bob Dylan article.