The Times They Are A-changin'
Bob Dylan
Columbia Records, 1964
REVIEW BY: Christopher Thelen
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 10/26/1999
By the time that Bob Dylan recorded The Times They Are A-Changin' in 1964, the young folksingerwas quickly becoming the spokesperson for protest songs -- whetherhe planned this or not. Songs like "Blowin' In The Wind," thanks inno small part to a cover version by Peter, Paul & Mary, helpedthrow Dylan into the spotlight like never before. In a way, itseems like Dylan's third album was an answer to the demand for moresongs in the proest vein, as it is Dylan's most outspoken album tothat point.
Unfortunately, when compared to his two previous albums, it is astep down as well - albeit a minor one. The musicianship on The Times They Are A-Changin' is superb, showing aremarkable amount of growth in Dylan's playing over two years. Butit also doesn't always feel like a natural progression for Dylan interms of songwriting.
To be sure, the title track is a masterpiece that still isrightfully held up as one of Dylan's best songs. More cohesive thanthe original version of "Blowin' In The Wind," Dylan comes fullcircle as a performer on this one, his vocals ringing out like alighthouse bell over the seas. Likewise, "The Lonesome Death OfHattie Carroll" dares to examine the way the scales of justicedon't always tip evenly - especially when you know someone who canpull the strings. It's not always the easiest story to follow, butit is a powerful one that should leave you feeling angry at theend.
One thing which struck me on The Times They Are A-Changin' was the inclusion of "With GodOn Our Side," a song which seems to wear out its welcome by abouttwo verses. While many people made a big deal about Dylan's"born-again" period from 1979 to 1981, Dylan seems to have afascination with religion even back in 1964, and it's interestingto hear how he ties beliefs in God with how He supposedly sideswith certain causes and makes it all just.
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