Before the Flood cover

Before the Flood

Bob Dylan · 1974

92 min · 21 tracks · blues · folk rock · jazz

A vibrant mix of rock, folk, and gospel that captures Dylan's poetic storytelling and emotional depth.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • poignant storytelling through lyrics
  • reflective moments in quiet solitude
  • sing-along classics with friends
  • captivating narratives and imagery
  • varied pacing across the album

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek consistent high-energy beats

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on June 20, 1974, 'Before the Flood' marked Bob Dylan's first live album, capturing performances from his tour with The Band. At this point in his career, Dylan was experiencing a resurgence after several years of commercial struggle, including the release of the critically acclaimed 'Blood on the Tracks' just months prior.
Stylistic neighbors
Leonard Cohen· Neil Young· Johnny Cash

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine) 4:18
  • 2 Lay Lady Lay 3:14
  • 3 Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 3:28
  • 4 Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door 3:52
  • 5 It Ain’t Me, Babe 3:40
  • 6 Ballad of a Thin Man 3:41
  • 7 Up on Cripple Creek 5:26
  • 8 I Shall Be Released 3:50
  • 9 Endless Highway 5:10
  • 10 The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down 4:24
  • 11 Stage Fright 4:46

Disc 2

  • 1 Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right 4:37
  • 2 Just Like a Woman 5:06
  • 3 It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding) 5:48
  • 4 The Shape I’m In 4:01
  • 5 When You Awake 3:13
  • 6 The Weight 4:47
  • 7 All Along the Watchtower 3:07
  • 8 Highway 61 Revisited 4:27
  • 9 Like a Rolling Stone 7:09
  • 10 Blowin’ in the Wind 4:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata