Bob Dylan – Triplicate (2017) Album Review
Released in March 2017, Triplicate is Bob Dylan’s ambitious third album in his Great American Songbook project, following Shadows in the Night (2012) and Fallen Angels (2016). This triple album showcases Dylan’s deep engagement with classic American standards, featuring 30 songs spread across three discs. With its rich arrangements, intimate performances, and reflective tone, Triplicate highlights Dylan’s late-career versatility and interpretive mastery.
Produced by Dylan under his long-time pseudonym Jack Frost, Triplicate embraces understated orchestral arrangements with piano, strings, horns, and gentle percussion. The production emphasizes warmth, clarity, and emotional nuance, creating a contemplative, late-night atmosphere that perfectly complements Dylan’s gravelly, expressive voice. The minimalistic approach ensures that the vocals and lyrics remain at the forefront, while the orchestration adds depth and texture.
Fun Facts and Trivia
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Triplicate is a three-disc album featuring 30 classic American standards, making it Dylan’s most expansive exploration of the songbook to date.
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The album continues the intimate, nocturnal style established in Shadows in the Night and Fallen Angels, with lush but understated orchestration.
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Dylan produced the album under his pseudonym Jack Frost, maintaining complete artistic control over all aspects of the recording.
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Many of the songs chosen for Triplicate are from the 1930s and 1940s, reflecting Dylan’s deep reverence for historical American music.
Did You Know?
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Dylan’s phrasing and tonal choices on Triplicate often highlight lyrical subtleties overlooked in original recordings.
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The album received critical acclaim for demonstrating that Dylan’s interpretive talents remain sharp decades into his career.
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Triplicate solidified the trilogy as a comprehensive and definitive late-career exploration of the Great American Songbook.
Album Credits
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Artist: Bob Dylan
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Producer: Bob Dylan (as Jack Frost)
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Label: Columbia Records
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Release Date: March 31, 2017
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Recording Locations: Groove Masters Studio, Santa Monica, California
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Musical Personnel: Bob Dylan – vocals; session musicians on piano, guitar, bass, drums, and orchestral instruments
Triplicate stands as the crowning achievement of Bob Dylan’s standards trilogy. Its expansive scope, intimate production, and nuanced vocal interpretations make it a masterclass in late-career artistry. By bridging American musical history with his unique perspective, Dylan reaffirms his status as one of the most versatile and enduring artists in modern music.
