Bob Dylan – Empire Burlesque (1985) Album Review
Released in June 1985, Empire Burlesque is one of the most controversial and debated albums in Bob Dylan’s vast catalog. Arriving in the midst of the highly stylized and technology-driven 1980s, the album finds Dylan experimenting with contemporary production techniques, including drum machines, synthesizers, and layered studio effects. While divisive upon release, Empire Burlesque offers a revealing snapshot of Dylan grappling with modernity while maintaining his lyrical voice.
Produced by Arthur Baker for Columbia Records, the album features a polished, glossy sound strongly influenced by mid-1980s pop and rock aesthetics. Baker, known for his work in dance and electronic music, brought an unconventional approach to Dylan’s songwriting. The result is an album that feels both ambitious and stylistically conflicted, blending Dylan’s traditional songwriting with modern studio textures that were unfamiliar to many longtime fans.
Lyrically, Empire Burlesque continues themes introduced on Infidels, including political anxiety, social unrest, and moral confusion. Dylan addresses issues such as Cold War tension, media manipulation, and cultural decay, often through abstract or symbolic imagery. While the lyrics remain sharp and provocative, they are sometimes overshadowed by the album’s dense production, which has been both praised for its boldness and criticized for dating the record.
Vocally, Dylan sounds engaged and assertive, delivering performances that convey urgency and intensity. His phrasing cuts through the layered arrangements, reminding listeners of his enduring lyrical authority. Musically, Empire Burlesque incorporates rock, pop, and electronic elements, reflecting Dylan’s attempt to remain relevant in a rapidly changing musical landscape dominated by MTV and new-wave influences.
Upon release, the album received mixed to negative reviews, with criticism largely focused on its production choices. Over time, however, Empire Burlesque has undergone partial critical re-evaluation. Many fans now view it as an interesting, if flawed, experiment that captures Dylan confronting the aesthetic demands of the 1980s head-on. In retrospect, it represents a transitional work that paved the way for later reinventions.
Fun Facts and Trivia
-
Empire Burlesque features contributions from several high-profile musicians, including members of Dire Straits.
-
The album was heavily promoted through music videos, reflecting Dylan’s engagement with the MTV era.
-
Arthur Baker’s production style marked one of the most radical sonic departures in Dylan’s career.
-
Some songs from the album have been reinterpreted in stripped-down live versions that many fans prefer.
Did You Know?
-
Dylan later distanced himself from the album’s heavy use of 1980s production techniques.
-
Several tracks from Empire Burlesque have gained renewed appreciation through bootlegs and alternate mixes.
-
The album is often cited as a case study in how veteran artists navigated the 1980s music industry.
Album Credits
-
Artist: Bob Dylan
-
Producer: Arthur Baker
-
Label: Columbia Records
-
Release Date: June 10, 1985
-
Recording Locations: Power Station, New York City, and additional studios
-
Musical Personnel: Bob Dylan – vocals, guitar, harmonica; session musicians on synthesizers, bass, drums, guitars, and backing vocals
Empire Burlesque remains one of Bob Dylan’s most polarizing albums. Its bold embrace of 1980s production, combined with socially conscious lyrics, makes it a fascinating document of an artist testing his limits. While not universally loved, the album stands as an honest and revealing chapter in Dylan’s ongoing evolution.
