Rough and Rowdy Ways (2020)
1. I Contain Multitudes
2. False Prophet
3. My Own Version of You
4. I've Mde Up My Mind to Give Myself to You
5. Black Rider
6. Goodbye Jimmy Reed
7. Mother of Muses
8. Crossing the Rubicon
9. Key West (Philospher Pirate)
10. Murder Most Fowl
Bob Dylan’s latest release may be perplexing to some. At first glance, the cover—a nostalgic snapshot of the 1950s, a jukebox casting its glow on a group of carefree dancers—seems like an odd choice to represent the introspective journey within. But perhaps there’s a message buried within the image: an album about those very "kids" who once danced the night away, now grown into their seventies, reflecting on the passing of time.
Like much of Dylan’s career, this is a lyrical album, though that’s hardly surprising. For over six decades, the master has delivered poetic verses set to music, and here, he once again places words at the forefront. Imagine the timeless anthems Blowin' in the Wind or The Times They Are A-Changin' without the weight of their profound lyrics—would they have had the same impact? The answer is clear: Dylan’s power lies in his words.
This release finds Dylan, nearing the end of his eighth decade, reflecting on the passage of life, with its joys, regrets, and inevitable end. It’s not an album for background noise. The sparse instrumentation often fades into the background, allowing Dylan’s voice to command attention. But occasionally, even the music, though delicate, can feel crude. Tracks like Crossing the Rubicon and My Own Version of You exemplify this rawness, their musical elements more abrasive than the lyrics themselves.
However, it’s the final track—Murder Most Foul—that stands apart. At 17 minutes long, it’s a sweeping reflection on the assassination of JFK, shrouded in layers of historical mystery and speculation. The song’s haunting atmosphere mirrors Don McLean’s American Pie but lacks the catchy refrain that might have made it a sing-along favorite. Instead, it’s a melancholy meditation on that fateful day in Dallas, one that lingers long after the last note fades.
As Dylan ages, the question arises: does his live performance still captivate? Perhaps not in the traditional sense. The man who once electrified arenas now prefers to weave tales of beauty and reflection, his music a vehicle for storytelling. And on this album, his stories shine—proof that even in his advanced years, Dylan remains a master at conveying the complexities of life through song.
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