Wanting to Get Started Listening to Dylan

[nutso42]

For a long time I'd never listened to Bob Dylan. I always heard jokes about the way he sings and such, so I never had interest.

Finally, recently, I heard "Hurricane" and loved it. Shortly afterward I heard "Like a Rolling Stone", and also loved it.

Therefore I ask BEA members: What's the best Bob Dylan album for a newcomer?
I know Highway 61 Revisited is his highest-rated album on the BEA charts, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best album for a first time listener.

Or is it? Sound off below.

[Behrus58]

Yeah Highway 61 Revisited is the highest rated album and this doesn't mean it's the best to start with. But I think it is . Because of the flawless lyrics and how it combines with its music . songs like desolation row are so great that you can connect with it nicely and the lyrics of most of the songs are great .

[useless]

Behrus is sooooo right, you should definitely begin with Highway 61. Surprisingly accessible and... simply irresistible. I know people who can't stand Dylan and dig this album. Really, it's a rare thing to dislike it (not that it's impossible of course).

[Puncture Repair]

I started with Blonde on Blonde - still my favourite. Has the most classics that you hear for the first time and it instantly clicks. It's a little long though, so maybe Highway 61 is the best way to go.

[Jasonconfused]

Interesting, Hurricane is the song that got me interested in Dylan as well. I'd have to agree with anyone saying Highway 61 Revisited is a solid place to start.

Would you look at that. It's my 1000th post. I should do something special for it. I'm going to hijack this thread to reflect on my short time here at BEA.

I've gained so much musical knowledge, it's almost unbelievable. My taste in music has become so much more eclectic and satisfying. I've also taken part in some really interesting conversations with people that love music as much as I do. BEA has become a daily part of my life, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

I've met some really interesting characters here. Some of which intimidate me with their knowledge of music and others which make me chuckle the way I do when I see a baby trying to run when it should first learn to walk (JMan).

So thank you everyone that has made my stay at BEA so great.

Yours Truly,
Jasonconfused
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[Cymro2011]

The first album I heared from him was The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan. Not sure if it's the best one to start with though.

[Guest]

I'd go for one of Highway 61 Revisited, Blonde on Blonde or Blood On The Tracks. Or even a Greatest Hits set. I'm a massive Dylan fan, but I can't remember which album I heard first. He's just always been there.

[Silver]

Literally anything from his mid 60's period is a great place to start, and Blood On The Tracks is also a great listen. I'd say either listen to Highway 61 Revisited or Bringing It All Back Home first though, but that may be because those are also my favorite two Dylan albums.

[MrFrogger]

[AranD]

I haven't yet listened to a Dylan album from start to finish either. But my weird obsession dictates that i always start from the beginning.