Top tracks — play these first
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Duquesne Whistle Start here — Opening with a lively rhythm, this track exemplifies Dylan's ability to weave nostalgia with modern sensibilities while maintaining a catchy refrain.
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Pay in Blood — This song features sharp imagery and biting social commentary, reflecting Dylan's characteristic wit and critique of contemporary issues.
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Tempest — The title track is an epic narrative that combines dark storytelling with rich musical textures, showcasing Dylan's mastery of lyricism and composition.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Dylan's Tempest showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks the cohesion of his earlier works.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate traditional blues structures, with prominent guitar riffs and harmonica interludes.
- The final track, 'Roll On John', serves as a reflective conclusion, contrasting with the more intense themes explored earlier.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- haunting narratives of lost time
- reflective storytelling for quiet moments
- long tracks that reward patience
- evocative melodies for deep listening
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, short songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued artistic vitality in Dylan's extensive catalog.
- Themes
- historical narratives· nostalgic reflections· loss and remembrance
- Career context
- Released in 2012, Tempest is Bob Dylan's 35th studio album, following the critically acclaimed Together Through Life. At this stage in his career, Dylan continued to explore themes of mortality and history, showcasing his enduring relevance and artistic vigor well into his sixth decade as a recording artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leonard Cohen· Neil Young· Johnny Cash
Tracklist
- 1 Duquesne Whistle Start here 5:43
- 2 Soon After Midnight 3:27
- 3 Narrow Way 7:28
- 4 Long and Wasted Years 3:46
- 5 Pay in Blood 5:09
- 6 Scarlet Town 7:17
- 7 Early Roman Kings 5:14
- 8 Tin Angel 9:05
- 9 Tempest 13:54
- 10 Roll On John 7:25
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Old Ideas
Leonard Cohen
Explores themes of loss and memory through rich, poetic lyrics and a haunting sonic palette.
Push the Sky Away
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Shares a similar blend of dark storytelling and evocative Americana melodies, reflecting on personal and historical themes.
The Whole Love
Wilco
Combines Americana roots with complex narratives, capturing nostalgia and introspection in its sound.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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