Masterpieces
Bob Dylan · 1978
143 min · 35 tracks · blues · folk rock · jazz
A reflective collection of Dylan's poignant lyrics and diverse musical styles, showcasing his enduring influence on American music.
Why this album works
- Best for
- reflective moments of introspection late-night storytelling sessions poignant lyrics for deep thinking
- Context
- Released in 1978, 'Masterpieces' is a compilation album that came during a period of relative quiet in Bob Dylan's career, following the commercial decline after his early '70s peak. By this time, Dylan had transitioned from being a folk icon to exploring various genres, though he was still grappling with the public's fluctuating reception of his work.
- If you like
- blues, folk rock, jazz
Masterpieces is an album by Bob Dylan, released in 1978. A reflective collection of Dylan's poignant lyrics and diverse musical styles, showcasing his enduring influence on American music. The album highlights some of Dylan's most revered compositions and serves as an accessible introduction to his extensive catalog. It has been noted for its critical reception, often cited as a testament to Dylan's lyrical prowess and influence across multiple musical movements, helping to solidify his status as a seminal figure in contemporary music. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
New to Bob Dylan? Read our guide on where to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Masterpieces sound like?
A reflective collection of Dylan's poignant lyrics and diverse musical styles, showcasing his enduring influence on American music. Rooted in blues and folk rock.
What makes Masterpieces by Bob Dylan notable?
The album highlights some of Dylan's most revered compositions and serves as an accessible introduction to his extensive catalog. It has been noted for its critical reception, often cited as a testament to Dylan's lyrical prowess and influence across multiple musical movements, helping to solidify his status as a seminal figure in contemporary music. Released in 1978, 'Masterpieces' is a compilation album that came during a period of relative quiet in Bob Dylan's career, following the commercial decline after his early '70s peak. By this time, Dylan had transitioned from being a folk icon to exploring various genres, though he was still grappling with the public's fluctuating reception of his work.
Who is Masterpieces for?
Masterpieces works well if you're into reflective moments of introspection, late-night storytelling sessions and poignant lyrics for deep thinking.
How many songs are on Masterpieces?
Masterpieces has 35 tracks, running approximately 143 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Knockin' on Heaven's Door Standout 2:29
- 2 Mr. Tambourine Man 5:30
- 3 Just Like a Woman 4:58
- 4 I Shall Be Released 3:07
- 5 Tears of Rage 4:16
- 6 All Along the Watchtower Standout 2:35
- 7 One More Cup of Coffee (Valley Below) 3:45
- 8 Like a Rolling Stone Standout 5:18
- 9 Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) 2:50
- 10 Tomorrow Is a Long Time 3:04
- 11 Lay Lady Lay 5:01
- 12 Mixed Up Confusion 2:29
- 13 Positively 4th Street 3:57
- 14 Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window? 3:35
- 15 Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues (live) 5:41
- 16 Spanish Is the Loving Tongue 3:33
- 17 George Jackson (big band version) 4:20
- 18 Rita May 2:44
- 19 Blowin' in the Wind 2:46
Disc 2
- 1 A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall 6:54
- 2 The Times They Are A-Changin' 2:16
- 3 Masters of War 5:34
- 4 Hurricane 8:37
- 5 Maggie's Farm 5:28
- 6 Subterranean Homesick Blues 2:19
- 7 Ballad of a Thin Man 5:57
- 8 Mozambique 2:55
- 9 This Wheel's on Fire 3:52
- 10 Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 4:36
- 11 Don't Think Twice, It's All Right 3:40
- 12 It Ain't Me, Babe 3:36
- 13 I'll Be Your Baby Tonight 2:39
- 14 If Not for You 2:44
- 15 If You See Her, Say Hello 4:49
- 16 Sara 5:30
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