Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid – Original Soundtrack Recording cover

Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid – Original Soundtrack Recording

Bob Dylan · 1973

35 min · 10 tracks · blues · folk rock · jazz

A haunting blend of atmospheric instrumentals and poignant storytelling, underscored by Dylan's signature lyrical depth.

Why this album works

Best for
haunting instrumental storytelling evocative themes of nostalgia atmospheric soundscape for contemplation
Context
By 1973, Bob Dylan had transitioned from his iconic folk roots into a more experimental phase, marked by the release of 'Planet Waves' the previous year. 'Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid' served as his first original soundtrack album, showcasing his ability to intertwine music with cinematic narrative. This project followed the commercially successful 'Dylan' and solidified his reputation as a versatile artist in film scoring.
If you like
blues, folk rock, jazz

Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid – Original Soundtrack Recording is an album by Bob Dylan, released in 1973. A haunting blend of atmospheric instrumentals and poignant storytelling, underscored by Dylan's signature lyrical depth. 'Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid' is notable for featuring 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door,' which became a defining song in Dylan's catalog and has been covered by numerous artists. The album received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to blending score with lyrical content and has since influenced the soundtracks of subsequent films, reinforcing Dylan's impact on both music and cinema. 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 Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid – Original Soundtrack Recording sound like?

A haunting blend of atmospheric instrumentals and poignant storytelling, underscored by Dylan's signature lyrical depth. Rooted in blues and folk rock.

What makes Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid – Original Soundtrack Recording by Bob Dylan notable?

'Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid' is notable for featuring 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door,' which became a defining song in Dylan's catalog and has been covered by numerous artists. The album received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to blending score with lyrical content and has since influenced the soundtracks of subsequent films, reinforcing Dylan's impact on both music and cinema. By 1973, Bob Dylan had transitioned from his iconic folk roots into a more experimental phase, marked by the release of 'Planet Waves' the previous year. 'Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid' served as his first original soundtrack album, showcasing his ability to intertwine music with cinematic narrative. This project followed the commercially successful 'Dylan' and solidified his reputation as a versatile artist in film scoring.

Who is Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid – Original Soundtrack Recording for?

Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid – Original Soundtrack Recording works well if you're into haunting instrumental storytelling, evocative themes of nostalgia and atmospheric soundscape for contemplation.

How many songs are on Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid – Original Soundtrack Recording?

Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid – Original Soundtrack Recording has 10 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Tracklist

10 tracks·35:23

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Main Title Theme (Billy) Standout 6:06
  • 2 Cantina Theme (Workin' for the Law) Standout 2:56
  • 3 Billy 1 3:55
  • 4 Bunkhouse Theme 2:15
  • 5 River Theme 1:28
  • 6 Turkey Chase 3:34
  • 7 Knockin' on Heaven's Door Standout 2:32
  • 8 Final Theme 5:23
  • 9 Billy 4 5:03
  • 10 Billy 7 2:07

Release Date

July 16, 1973

Genre

blues, folk rock, jazz

More albums in blues

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

35 min 23 sec