Biograph cover

Biograph

Bob Dylan · 1985

216 min · 53 tracks · blues

A sprawling collection of poignant storytelling woven through folk, rock, and blues influences that showcases Dylan's lyrical genius.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Lay Lady Lay Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Like a Rolling Stone — This track is often hailed as a groundbreaking song that redefined popular music’s narrative style and depth, making it emblematic of Dylan's influence.
  • →
    The Times They Are A‐Changin’ — As an anthem for change, this song captures the spirit of social movements in the 1960s and remains relevant in contemporary discussions about progress.
  • →
    Tangled Up in Blue — This complex narrative structure showcases Dylan's poetic prowess and storytelling ability, epitomizing his unique approach to songwriting.
  • →
    Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this song has transcended generations, becoming a staple across various genres and interpretations.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long-form storytelling through songs
  • nostalgic reflections on life
  • live versions capturing raw energy
  • thoughtful background for conversations
  • catchy sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer concise standalone tracks
  • seek high-energy party vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Comprehensive overview that celebrated Dylan's extensive career and resurgence in popularity.
Themes
civil rights anthems· American storytelling· reflective nostalgia
Career context
When 'Biograph' was released in late 1985, Bob Dylan was enjoying a resurgence in popularity following the success of his 1983 album 'Infidels'. This compilation not only celebrated his extensive catalog but also marked a moment of reflection as he transitioned into the latter part of his career, with new material on the horizon while revisiting his seminal works.
Stylistic neighbors
Leonard Cohen· Neil Young· Johnny Cash
New to Bob Dylan? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Lay Lady Lay Start here 3:17
  • 2 Baby, Let Me Follow You Down 2:34
  • 3 If Not for You 2:42
  • 4 I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight 2:38
  • 5 I’ll Keep It With Mine 3:45
  • 6 The Times They Are A‐Changin’ 3:13
  • 7 Blowin’ in the Wind 2:48
  • 8 Masters of War 4:32
  • 9 The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll 5:46
  • 10 Percy’s Song 7:42
  • 11 Mixed Up Confusion 2:28
  • 12 Tombstone Blues 5:57
  • 13 The Groom’s Still Waiting at the Altar 4:04
  • 14 Most Likely You Go Your Way and I’ll Go Mine (live) 3:29
  • 15 Like a Rolling Stone 6:09
  • 16 Lay Down Your Weary Tune 4:36
  • 17 Subterranean Homesick Blues 2:20
  • 18 I Don’t Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met) (live) 5:18

Disc 2

  • 1 Visions of Johanna (live) 7:33
  • 2 Every Grain of Sand 6:15
  • 3 Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) (alternate version) 2:20
  • 4 Mr. Tambourine Man 5:29
  • 5 Dear Landlord 3:16
  • 6 It Ain’t Me, Babe 3:34
  • 7 You Angel You 2:54
  • 8 Million Dollar Bash 2:33
  • 9 To Ramona 3:54
  • 10 You’re a Big Girl Now (alternate version) 4:23
  • 11 Abandoned Love 4:29
  • 12 Tangled Up in Blue 5:45
  • 13 It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue (live) 5:40
  • 14 Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window? 3:34
  • 15 Positively 4th Street 3:54
  • 16 Isis (live) 5:21
  • 17 Jet Pilot 0:49

Disc 3

  • 1 Caribbean Wind 5:54
  • 2 Up to Me 6:18
  • 3 Baby, I’m in the Mood for You 2:56
  • 4 I Wanna Be Your Lover 3:27
  • 5 I Want You 3:07
  • 6 Heart of Mine (live) 3:43
  • 7 On a Night Like This 2:58
  • 8 Just Like a Woman 4:55
  • 9 Romance in Durango (live) 4:39
  • 10 Señor (Tales of Yankee Power) 5:41
  • 11 Gotta Serve Somebody 5:25
  • 12 I Believe in You 5:10
  • 13 Time Passes Slowly 2:36
  • 14 I Shall Be Released 3:04
  • 15 Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door 2:30
  • 16 All Along the Watchtower (live) 3:04
  • 17 Solid Rock 3:58
  • 18 Forever Young (alternate version) 2:02

What to play next

Empire Burlesque
Listen next

Empire Burlesque

1985

Continues the blend of rock and lyrical storytelling with a fresh production style.
Real Live
Go back to

Real Live

1984

Sets the stage with live performances that showcase Dylan's storytelling prowess.
Full Bob Dylan discography Where to start with Bob Dylan Artists like Bob Dylan
blues folk rock jazz

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

American Recordings

American Recordings

Johnny Cash

Captures reflective storytelling with a stripped-down sound, blending folk and country influences.

Harvest

Harvest

Neil Young

Shares themes of nostalgia and introspection with rich acoustic arrangements and heartfelt lyrics.

Nebraska

Nebraska

Bruce Springsteen

Features raw, narrative-driven songwriting and a lo-fi production that echoes Dylan's reflective style.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata