Bob Dylan - The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan
Columbia
May 27th, 1963.
Dylan's place in the annals of music history is unprecedented. A certain revolution of up-and-coming singer/songwriters were present in a burgeoning space and time - the early-to-mid 60's. None so more as Bob Dylan. 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan' features a fresh-faced 22-year-old finding his feet.
The second album in an illustrious career, but the first to really feature Dylan's self-written songs - eleven of thirteen being original compositions - sees the pen truly come into view. However, certain naivety is at hand. It comes through in the material - a lot of it seemingly aimless, joke-laden and rather simple. Some decisions and moments pull the listener out of the 'worlds' that are presented. The delivery of some lyrics feel 'off' - mistimed and over-cooked, sometimes under-cooked, on occasion. But not to worry; time would tell that this was the humble beginnings of the 20th Centuries greatest songwriter - the best was certainly yet to come. Brief glimpses of the genius' gaze shine on through like the sun slicing through clouds. Like a vision that is still slightly blurred from view, Dylan's sights haven't yet set - which way is best is still yet to be decided; do i stick to saying something skin-deep or rip the page apart with my words? Leave it tattered with crystal tears and splotches of blue blood - spill your soul into all that requires it; expect nothing in return.
"Blowin’ in the Wind', 'Masters of War', 'A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall', 'Don’t Think Twice, It's Alright: these would be my picks for the out-and-out best tracks on the album. They're fully formed for the most part in comparison to a lot of the albums other pieces. This is, generally, also the consensus for most - they imbue a sense of wise beyond years; man behind held-back tears. The gust of wind that sets the sails forth is strong in this one. The tree of time bears many fruits for some.
The seeds of what would later blossom and bloom.
