Bob Dylan – Slow Train Coming (1979) Album Review
Released in August 1979, Slow Train Coming marked one of the most dramatic and controversial turning points in Bob Dylan’s career. The album introduced Dylan’s openly Christian phase, surprising fans and critics alike. With its strong religious themes, polished production, and powerful performances, Slow Train Coming represents a bold artistic declaration and a major stylistic shift at the end of the 1970s.
Produced by legendary producer Jerry Wexler for Columbia Records, the album features a slick, high-quality sound that contrasts sharply with the rawness of Dylan’s earlier folk and rock recordings. Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, the sessions included top-tier musicians who contributed to the album’s rich blend of rock, blues, soul, and gospel influences. The result is one of the most sonically refined albums in Dylan’s catalog.
Lyrically, Slow Train Coming is uncompromising. Dylan addresses faith, morality, hypocrisy, and spiritual awakening with conviction and urgency. His songwriting is direct and often confrontational, rejecting ambiguity in favor of clear moral statements. While this approach alienated some longtime fans, it also demonstrated Dylan’s refusal to conform to expectations and his commitment to artistic honesty.
Musically, the album benefits from disciplined arrangements and strong instrumental performances. The grooves are tight, the backing vocals add gospel weight, and the overall production gives the songs a sense of authority and seriousness. Dylan’s vocal delivery is passionate and intense, reflecting the sincerity of his newfound beliefs. Rather than sounding tentative, Slow Train Coming feels purposeful and self-assured.
Despite initial controversy, the album received critical praise for its musicianship and production quality. Over time, it has come to be regarded as one of the strongest entries in Dylan’s so-called “Christian trilogy.” Its influence can be heard in later faith-based rock and Americana music, and it remains an important document of an artist following his convictions regardless of public opinion.
Fun Facts and Trivia
-
Slow Train Coming was recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, famous for its role in classic soul and rock recordings.
-
Guitarist Mark Knopfler contributed lead guitar parts, adding a distinctive and tasteful sound to the album.
-
Producer Jerry Wexler was initially skeptical about the album’s religious themes but was impressed by the strength of the songs.
-
The album won Bob Dylan his first Grammy Award.
Did You Know?
-
Slow Train Coming marked the beginning of Dylan’s Christian era, followed by two more faith-focused albums.
-
The album’s polished production was a deliberate move to ensure the message was delivered with clarity and impact.
-
Dylan refused to perform many of his older songs during this period, focusing almost exclusively on his new material in live shows.
Album Credits
-
Artist: Bob Dylan
-
Producer: Jerry Wexler
-
Label: Columbia Records
-
Release Date: August 20, 1979
-
Recording Location: Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Alabama
-
Musical Personnel: Bob Dylan – vocals, guitar, harmonica; session musicians including electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and backing vocals
Slow Train Coming remains one of Bob Dylan’s most daring and polarizing albums. Its combination of spiritual conviction, high-level musicianship, and polished production makes it a standout in his late-1970s output. Whether embraced or challenged by listeners, the album underscores Dylan’s lifelong commitment to artistic freedom and personal truth.
