Is Bob Dylan the Greatest American, Artistic Genius of the 20th Century ?

[San Souci]

Probably the best song writer ever,

Could be-- Best Male-- Female? Joni Mitchell

 

[Blaster]

Joni Mitchell is better than Dylan.

 

[San Souci]

Joni Mitchell is better than Dylan.

Like 'em Both.

 

[protectionist]

Joni Mitchell is better than Dylan.

You're a Dylan hater. Got it.

 

[Blaster]

You're a Dylan hater. Got it.

I don't hate him, I just think he is overrated.

 

[BackAgain]

I'm less familiar with Dylan's more recent songs than those from the 60s & 70s. What later songs were political?

I believe it might be simpler to ask which ones weren’t?

His song about the boxer, Ruben Hurricane Carter was out earlier than I remembered. Mid 70’s. Then there was “union sundown” in the early 80’s.

“Workingman Blues #2” album was in 2006.

His album “Tempest” from 2012 included songs like Early Roman Kings.

It would be better to ask my son. I have a lot of respect for Dylan, but I’m not a particular fan of the way he thought and thinks politically, in many ways.

 

[protectionist]

I believe it might be simpler to ask which ones weren’t?

His song about the boxer, Ruben Hurricane Carter was out earlier than I remembered. Mid 70’s. Then there was “union sundown” in the early 80’s.

“Workingman Blues #2” album was in 2006.

His album “Tempest” from 2012 included songs like Early Roman Kings.

It would be better to ask my son. I have a lot of respect for Dylan, but I’m not a particular fan of the way he thought and thinks politically, in many ways.

The way he thought politically was for social justice., and I am a fan of that. Like the various social justces we are now getting with Donald Trump having been elected, after the 4 miserable years of 2021-2024.

Thanks for the tips on the songs. I'll check them out.

 

[protectionist]

I don't hate him, I just think he is overrated.

I can't think of anyone who that could apply to less. Most people who tell me that, havent heard many Bob Dylan songs.
There's some very good ones in the OP right here. If anyone has never heard them, I recommend that they do.

 

[Mr Natural]

One of the greatest, but not the greatest.

 

[Mack The Finger]

Dylan's whiney vocals are annoying. He sucks.

You're a smack !

 

[Mack The Finger]

Was there ever a worse song than Quinn the Eskimo?
Absolutely not.

Not if you knew the story behind it !

 

[Mack The Finger]

I liked some of Bruce's early songs but , and I think Dylan went the same, after a certain time he lost the mojo. Such is life.

Greg

As much as it pains me...I have to agree with you.

 

[protectionist]

I don't hate him, I just think he is overrated.

Yeah ? So which of these do you like or dislike and why ? (with specific references to the words)

• Blowin in the Wind
• Chimes of Freedom
• Hard Rain's Gonna Fall
• It's All Right Ma
• Mr. Tambourine Man
• Gotta Serve Somebody
• Lay Down Your Weary Tune
• Masters of War
• Only a Pawn in Their Game
• Percy's Song
• Queen Jane Approximately
• Slow Train

 

[August West]

Not if you knew the story behind it !

Does it matter if the song is unlistenable?

 

[Blaster]

Yeah ? So which of these do you like or dislike and why ? (with specific references to the words)

• Blowin in the Wind
• Chimes of Freedom
• Hard Rain's Gonna Fall
• It's All Right Ma
• Mr. Tambourine Man
• Gotta Serve Somebody
• Lay Down Your Weary Tune
• Masters of War
• Only a Pawn in Their Game
• Percy's Song
• Queen Jane Approximately
• Slow Train

I never said he wasn't a good song writer.

 

[Blaster]

The way he thought politically was for social justice., and I am a fan of that. Like the various social justces we are now getting with Donald Trump having been elected, after the 4 miserable years of 2021-2024.

Thanks for the tips on the songs. I'll check them out.

I'm no fan of political messages in music.

 

[rightwinger]

I never said he wasn't a good song writer.

The thing with Dylan is…..Is he entertaining?
Ďo you say …..Nobody could have sung that song like that

 

[CrusaderFrank]

 

[OODA_Loop]

 

[Blaster]

Neil Diamond is a great song writer and singer. I would rate him higher than Bob Dylan.