Bob Dylan – World Gone Wrong (1993) Album Review
Released in September 1993, World Gone Wrong is the natural follow-up to Bob Dylan’s acclaimed acoustic return, Good as I Been to You (1992). This second all-acoustic studio album in the early 1990s reinforces Dylan’s reconnection with traditional American folk and blues music, presenting a haunting, stripped-down collection of classic songs interpreted through his mature, intimate style. The album captures a sense of timelessness and emotional gravity, cementing Dylan’s late-career folk renaissance.
Produced by Bob Dylan, World Gone Wrong continues the minimalist approach of its predecessor. The album features only Dylan’s vocals and acoustic guitar, allowing the storytelling and emotional weight of the songs to take center stage. The absence of overdubs or additional instrumentation creates a stark, compelling atmosphere, evoking the intimacy of a private performance or early 20th-century folk recordings.
Fun Facts and Trivia
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World Gone Wrong consists entirely of traditional songs; Dylan wrote none of the material.
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The album’s dark tone contrasts with the relatively lighter sound of Good as I Been to You, reflecting Dylan’s interest in murder ballads and blues storytelling.
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Dylan recorded the album in a single, focused session to capture the raw immediacy of the performances.
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The album helped introduce a new generation of listeners to early American folk and blues traditions.
Did You Know?
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The acoustic, solo format allowed Dylan to experiment with subtle variations in tempo, phrasing, and emphasis on each song.
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Critics have compared Dylan’s delivery on World Gone Wrong to early folk and blues recordings from the 1920s and 1930s.
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The album’s sparse instrumentation and haunting vocal tone influenced subsequent folk revival projects in the 1990s.
Album Credits
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Artist: Bob Dylan
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Producer: Bob Dylan
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Label: Columbia Records
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Release Date: September 28, 1993
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Recording Locations: Clinton Recording Studio, New York City
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Musical Personnel: Bob Dylan – vocals, acoustic guitar
World Gone Wrong is a masterclass in minimalism and storytelling. Its raw, intimate arrangements, haunting vocals, and timeless interpretations of traditional folk and blues songs showcase Bob Dylan’s ability to reinvent himself while honoring the roots of American music. This album solidified Dylan’s early-1990s folk revival and remains a standout in his extensive discography.
