Hollies Sing Dylan cover

Hollies Sing Dylan

The Hollies · 1969

44 min · 14 tracks · rock music

The Hollies infuse Bob Dylan's folk-rock anthems with vibrant harmonies and a distinctly British pop sensibility.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    When the Ship Comes In Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    I Shall Be Released — This track captures the essence of both Dylan's lyrical depth and The Hollies' signature vocal harmonies, transforming a poignant message into an uplifting rendition.
  • →
    Blowin' in the Wind — The Hollies' version brings an infectious energy to this classic protest song, highlighting its timeless relevance while showcasing their ability to revitalize well-known material.
  • →
    Just Like a Woman — Their interpretation of this complex song demonstrates The Hollies' knack for blending emotional storytelling with melodious arrangements, making it a standout on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The Hollies reinterpret Dylan's work with strong harmonies but maintain a conventional structure overall.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks include tempo shifts, such as 'I Shall Be Released', which slows down significantly compared to its original version.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • catchy sing-alongs with friends
  • vibrant harmonies for uplifting moods
  • poetic lyrics for thoughtful listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer immediate gratification tracks
  • seek lengthy, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Marks a transition into a more experimental phase with Dylan's folk-rock.
Themes
1960s counterculture· poetic reinterpretation
Career context
Released in 1969, 'Hollies Sing Dylan' marks The Hollies' transition into a more experimental phase, following their commercial success with singles like 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother'. At this point, they were solidifying their identity beyond early beat music influences, showcasing their ability to reinterpret iconic American songs with their unique sound.
Stylistic neighbors
The Byrds· The Beach Boys· The Zombies

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I Shall Be Released

    The shift from despair to hope as the narrator envisions freedom and redemption.

    This progression mirrors the emotional journey central to the song, emphasizing liberation through rich vocal harmonies that elevate its message.

Tracklist

  • 1 When the Ship Comes In Start here 2:43
  • 2 I'll Be Your Baby Tonight 3:27
  • 3 I Want You 2:13
  • 4 This Wheel's on Fire 2:55
  • 5 I Shall Be Released 3:26
  • 6 Blowin' in the Wind 4:10
  • 7 Quit Your Low Down Ways 2:44
  • 8 Just Like a Woman 4:05
  • 9 The Times They Are A-Changin' 3:17
  • 10 All I Really Want to Do 2:24
  • 11 My Back Pages 2:59
  • 12 Mighty Quinn 2:28
  • 13 Blowin' in the Wind 4:09
  • 14 The Times They Are A-Changin' (live) 3:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata