The Bootleg Series Vol. 7: No Direction Home: The Soundtrack cover

Released 21 years ago this August

The Bootleg Series Vol. 7: No Direction Home: The Soundtrack

Bob Dylan · 2005

144 min · 28 tracks · blues · folk rock · jazz

A rich tapestry of folk, blues, and rock, woven from Dylan's formative years and live performances.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • live performances with raw energy
  • intimate home recordings of reflection
  • nostalgic storytelling through varied takes
  • long-form pieces for deep listening
  • historical context enriching the experience

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek polished studio productions

Where this album fits

Themes
American folk revival· social unrest imagery· bohemian storytelling
Career context
Released in 2005, 'The Bootleg Series Vol. 7' captures Bob Dylan during a celebrated revival of interest in his early work. This album follows the acclaimed 'Love and Theft' (2001) and serves as a companion piece to the documentary 'No Direction Home', showcasing Dylan's evolution from folk troubadour to rock icon. It reflects a retrospective embrace of his roots while solidifying his lasting impact on American music.
Stylistic neighbors
Leonard Cohen· Neil Young· Johnny Cash
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Songs of Leonard Cohen by Leonard Cohen — Shares introspective storytelling and a blend of folk and lyrical depth reminiscent of Dylan's early work.
Live at Massey Hall 1971 by Neil Young — Captures a raw, acoustic vibe with personal narratives reflecting social themes similar to Dylan's approach.
Music from Big Pink by The Band — Merges Americana roots with rich storytelling and communal spirit, echoing the same cultural backdrop as Dylan.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 When I Got Troubles 1:30
  • 2 Rambler, Gambler (home recording) 2:27
  • 3 This Land Is Your Land (live) 5:58
  • 4 Song to Woody 2:41
  • 5 Dink’s Song (home recording) 5:02
  • 6 I Was Young When I Left Home (home recording) 5:25
  • 7 Sally Gal (alternate take) 2:38
  • 8 Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right (demo) 3:35
  • 9 Man of Constant Sorrow 3:24
  • 10 Blowin’ in the Wind (live) 4:23
  • 11 Masters of War (live) 4:43
  • 12 A Hard Rain's A‐Gonna Fall (live) 8:22
  • 13 When the Ship Comes In (live) 3:37
  • 14 Mr. Tambourine Man (alternate take) 6:43
  • 15 Chimes of Freedom (live) 8:03
  • 16 It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue (alternate take) 3:33

Disc 2

  • 1 She Belongs to Me (alternate take) 4:10
  • 2 Maggie’s Farm (live) 5:03
  • 3 It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry (alternate take) 3:34
  • 4 Tombstone Blues (alternate take) 3:36
  • 5 Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues (alternate take) 5:44
  • 6 Desolation Row (alternate take) 11:44
  • 7 Highway 61 Revisited (alternate take) 3:39
  • 8 Leopard‐Skin Pill‐Box Hat (alternate take) 6:25
  • 9 Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again (alternate take) 5:44
  • 10 Visions of Johanna (alternate take) 6:38
  • 11 Ballad of a Thin Man (live) 7:45
  • 12 Like a Rolling Stone (live) 8:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata