Bob Dylan review

The good news? It's Bob Dylan's first ever album! The bad news? Only 2 of the songs on here were originally written by him and debuts, even by great artists, rarely seem to be remembered as one of their better albums.
Tracks:

1. You're No Good: 7/10 a good folk song if far from spectacular. It's lifted by Bob Dylan's energy and a well played instrumental which, although slightly overdone, gives the song an edge.

2. Talkin' New York: 7/10 the guitar music and Bob Dylan's vocals which are more spoken than sung don't gel, but this is an early hint of Dylan's talents as a songwriter, and it's a good piece of storytelling.

3. In My Time of Dyin': 8/10 it may not be nearly as epic as Led Zeppelin's version, but this has attitude and musical dazzle to spare.

4. Man of Constant Sorrow: 8/10 this consists of 4 interesting verses and though their not up to Bob Dylan's writing standard, he wrings as much emotion as possible out of each of them.

5. Fixin' To Die: 6/10 energetically played but fairly dull overall, especially with its lyrics.

6. Pretty Peggy-O: 5/10 Bob Dylan can light up any song, but he can't mask the fact that this song is like setting out for a journey only to end up back where you started since it literally doesn't go anywhere at all!

7. Highway 51: 6/10 Highway 51 isn't as compelling as Highway 61, but it's still an intriguing highway.

8. Gospel Plow: 6/10 once again I'm not entirely sure what this one is trying to say. It's a bit rushed but it manages to hold your attention and keep you at least moderately engaged.

9. Baby, Let Me Follow You Down: 7/10 it's fairly simple, but it's entertaining to listen to and benefits from Dylan's vocal strength once again.

10. House of the Rising Sun: 8/10 while not the most well known version of the song, it's a very good cover of a song which perfectly suits Dylan, and the track oozes with depth and flair.

11. Freight Train Blues: 5/10 some of the depth here is muted and though it's well played, it lacks punch. Also, whenever 'Blues' is sung it sounds like someone yelling out after being kicked in the groin.

12. Song to Woody: 7/10 the other song on the album that Bob Dylan wrote, not all of the lyrics work but the song is strangely moving, well played and hints at the brilliant song-writing he would later do.

13. See That My Grave is Kept Clean: 7/10 a bit too repetitive but it works as an album closer and it's another song that connects emotionally.

Best song: Housing of the Rising Sun
Worst song: Pretty Peggy-O

Summary: Bob Dylan enhances the entire album, which is appropriate since the album is called Bob Dylan. His vocals and his instrumentals propel this, which is just another cover filled early album from a great artist. Some of it is forgettable and it's mainly a collection of sometimes overly vague hints about the heights Bob Dylan would be achieving very shortly. It cowers in the shadow of Highway 61 Revisited, but it's not too bad. It's a well played album but it's a bit lifeless at times and doesn't benefit from Dylan's song writing like his later albums would.

Final rating: 7/10