Self Portrait cover

Released 56 years ago this June

Self Portrait

Bob Dylan · 1970

74 min · 24 tracks · blues · folk rock · jazz

An eclectic collection of covers and originals that melds folk, country, and blues with a reflective, laid-back vibe.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • laid-back afternoon listening
  • reflective moments of solitude
  • easygoing sing-alongs with friends
  • short tracks for casual enjoyment
  • eclectic mix for diverse moods

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking high-energy excitement
  • wanting cohesive album narratives

Where this album fits

Themes
post-fame introspection· American road trip· laid-back reflections
Career context
Released in 1970, 'Self Portrait' marked Bob Dylan's first album after the ambitious double LP 'Blonde on Blonde' and his return from a brief hiatus. At this point, he was navigating the complexities of fame and public expectation while exploring a more casual, introspective style.
Stylistic neighbors
Leonard Cohen· Neil Young· Johnny Cash
Sounds like this from elsewhere
After the Gold Rush by Neil Young — Shares a similar reflective vibe with introspective lyrics and a blend of folk and country influences.
Music from Big Pink by The Band — Merges Americana roots with a laid-back, communal atmosphere and rich storytelling.
Late for the Sky by Jackson Browne — Explores themes of introspection and vulnerability with a melodic, soft rock sound.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 All the Tired Horses 3:12
  • 2 Alberta #1 2:57
  • 3 I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know 2:22
  • 4 Days of 49 5:27
  • 5 Early Mornin' Rain 3:34
  • 6 In Search of Little Sadie 2:27
  • 7 Let It Be Me 3:00
  • 8 Little Sadie 2:00
  • 9 Woogie Boogie 2:06
  • 10 Belle Isle 2:30
  • 11 Living the Blues 2:42
  • 12 Like a Rolling Stone (live) 5:18
  • 13 Copper Kettle 3:34
  • 14 Gotta Travel On 3:08
  • 15 Blue Moon 2:29
  • 16 The Boxer 2:48
  • 17 The Mighty Quinn (Quinn the Eskimo) (live) 2:48
  • 18 Take Me as I Am (or Let Me Go) 3:03
  • 19 Take a Message to Mary 2:46
  • 20 It Hurts Me Too 3:15
  • 21 Minstrel Boy (live) 3:32
  • 22 She Belongs to Me (live) 2:43
  • 23 Wigwam 3:09
  • 24 Alberta #2 3:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata