Is Infidels a good place to start with Bob Dylan?

Yes, Infidels is recommended as a starting point for new Bob Dylan listeners. A bold fusion of rock and reggae rhythms underpins Dylan's sharp, incisive lyrics that challenge the political landscape of the early '80s. By the time of its release in January 1981, Bob Dylan was navigating a complex phase in his career, having recently returned to a more mainstream rock sound after experimenting with gospel music. Infidels marked a significant artistic reinvention for Dylan, coming after his 1979 album Slow Train Coming, which had solidified his return to commercial relevance.

Infidels works well if you're into thought-provoking lyrical depth, reflective moments of clarity and steady pacing with thoughtful lyrics.

How many songs are on Infidels?

Infidels has 8 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Infidels

Bob Dylan · 1981

42 min · 8 tracks · blues

A bold fusion of rock and reggae rhythms underpins Dylan's sharp, incisive lyrics that challenge the political landscape of the early '80s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Jokerman Start here — This opening track blends infectious reggae beats with cryptic lyrics that reflect on identity and hypocrisy, setting a thought-provoking tone for the album.
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Neighborhood Bully — A sharp critique of geopolitical issues, this track employs biting wit to address moral complexities and has been interpreted as a defense of Israel amidst criticism.
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License to Kill — This song captures Dylan's signature storytelling style while addressing themes of power and freedom, showcasing his ability to weave social commentary into engaging narratives.
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I and I — The exploration of personal struggle and resilience against external pressures makes this track a poignant meditation on identity and self-awareness within the context of shifting societal norms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Infidels showcases Dylan's lyrical prowess and unique fusion of rock and reggae, making it a notable entry in his discography.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong reggae-influenced track, setting a rhythmic tone that persists throughout.
Dylan's vocal delivery varies from conversational to urgent, particularly in tracks like 'Neighborhood Bully' and 'License to Kill'.
Several songs feature prominent backing vocals and instrumentation that blend rock with Caribbean influences, creating a distinctive sound.
The lyrical content often addresses political themes directly, with sharp imagery and metaphorical language.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

thought-provoking lyrical depth
reflective moments of clarity
steady pacing with thoughtful lyrics
varied emotional landscapes throughout

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer upbeat party vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a significant artistic return and political commentary in Dylan's career.
Themes: political hypocrisy· Caribbean rhythms· personal reflection
Career context: By the time of its release in January 1981, Bob Dylan was navigating a complex phase in his career, having recently returned to a more mainstream rock sound after experimenting with gospel music. Infidels marked a significant artistic reinvention for Dylan, coming after his 1979 album Slow Train Coming, which had solidified his return to commercial relevance.
Stylistic neighbors: Leonard Cohen· Neil Young· Johnny Cash