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
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When the Ship Comes In Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
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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
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Sweetheart of the Rodeo
The Byrds
Merges folk-rock harmonies with lyrical introspection, reflecting 60s counterculture themes.
Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
Features poetic lyrics and rich harmonies, exploring similar themes of love and society's transitions.
Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
Blends rock with poignant lyrics, capturing the spirit of change in the late 1960s.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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