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Murder Most Foul — This nearly seventeen-minute epic encapsulates the essence of the album with its deep historical references and poignant reflections on loss and America’s past.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The song's lengthy narrative and unique structure highlight its distinctiveness in contemporary music.
What we noticed
- The track is over 16 minutes long, featuring a continuous narrative that unfolds without traditional verse-chorus structure.
- Instrumentation is minimal, primarily driven by piano and strings, allowing the lyrics to take center stage throughout the piece.
- The vocal delivery is conversational and reflective, with Dylan's voice weaving through historical references and personal anecdotes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in Dylan's extensive catalog.
- Themes
- American tragedy· historical reflection· cultural disillusionment
- Career context
- Released on March 27, 2020, 'Murder Most Foul' marked Bob Dylan's first original song in eight years, following his acclaimed 'Tempest' (2012). This track showcases a bold return, as it arrives during a period of global uncertainty, reflecting Dylan's continued relevance in contemporary culture.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leonard Cohen· Neil Young· Johnny Cash
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Murder Most Foul 16:54
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Ghost of Tom Joad
Bruce Springsteen
Explores American struggle and disillusionment through narrative-driven songs and haunting melodies.
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Shares a contemplative atmosphere and lyrical depth focused on mortality and cultural reflection.
Ghosteen
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Combines expansive narratives with emotional weight, reflecting on loss and the human condition.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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