Bob Dylan – Highway 61 Revisited (1965) Album Review
Released in August 1965, Highway 61 Revisited marks Bob Dylan’s bold leap into electric rock, solidifying his status as one of the most influential artists of the 1960s. Following the genre-blending experimentation of Bringing It All Back Home, this sixth studio album features a mix of blues, rock, and folk, with Dylan’s signature poetic lyrics at the forefront. Known for its energetic sound and groundbreaking songwriting, Highway 61 Revisited represents a turning point in modern music history.
Produced by Bob Johnston for Columbia Records, the album showcases Dylan with a full electric band, creating a raw, powerful sound that contrasts with the acoustic folk of his early albums. Lyrically, the record is vivid, surreal, and often satirical, tackling themes of American life, culture, and social commentary. The opening track immediately signals Dylan’s electric transformation and his fearless approach to songwriting.
Tracklist
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Like a Rolling Stone
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Tombstone Blues
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It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry
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From a Buick 6
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Ballad of a Thin Man
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Queen Jane Approximately
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Highway 61 Revisited
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Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues
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Desolation Row
Fun Facts and Trivia
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Like a Rolling Stone is considered one of Dylan’s greatest songs and a defining track of 1960s rock.
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Highway 61 Revisited takes its name from the historic highway that runs from Dylan’s Minnesota home to New Orleans, a symbolic route in American music culture.
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The album blends surreal imagery with social critique, influencing countless rock and folk-rock musicians.
Album Credits
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Artist: Bob Dylan
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Producer: Bob Johnston
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Label: Columbia Records
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Release Date: August 30, 1965
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Recording Location: New York City
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Musical Personnel: Bob Dylan – vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, harmonica; supporting musicians on electric instruments
Highway 61 Revisited is a landmark in Dylan’s career, merging electric rock with his poetic storytelling. It pushed musical boundaries, inspired a generation of artists, and remains a defining record of 1960s American music.
