Top tracks — play these first
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The Times They Are A‐Changin’ Start here — As the title track, it powerfully calls for societal change and unity among various demographics, establishing itself as an anthem for a generation seeking reform.
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Only a Pawn in Their Game — This track critiques systemic racism through the story of Medgar Evers' assassination, highlighting Dylan's ability to address social issues through compelling narratives.
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The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll — Through its detailed storytelling, this song exposes racial injustice and the disparity in legal consequences faced by white perpetrators versus black victims.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Dylan's poignant lyricism and raw delivery create a powerful commentary on social change, making this album both distinctive and impactful.
What we noticed
- Each track features Dylan's voice accompanied primarily by acoustic guitar, creating a stark and intimate atmosphere.
- The album's title track is structured as a call to action, with verses that build urgency through repetition and direct address.
- Several songs employ narrative storytelling, using vivid imagery and character perspectives to convey social issues.
- The pacing varies, with some tracks maintaining a steady tempo while others slow down to emphasize lyrical content.
- 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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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Defined its genre or moment. 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
- urgent lyrical storytelling
- reflective moments of solitude
- poignant narratives on change
- thought-provoking acoustic ballads
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer short, catchy songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Dylan's cultural impact and established him as a key voice in folk music.
- Themes
- social upheaval· racial injustice· 1960s protest culture
- Moods
- Melancholy· Introspective
- Career context
- Released on January 13, 1964, The Times They Are a-Changin' was Bob Dylan's third studio album, following his breakthrough record, The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan. At this point in his career, Dylan had already established himself as a voice for social change, and this album further cemented his role as a leading figure in the folk music revival.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leonard Cohen· Neil Young· Johnny Cash
Tracklist
- 1 The Times They Are A‐Changin’ Start here 3:15
- 2 Ballad of Hollis Brown 5:05
- 3 With God on Our Side 7:08
- 4 One Too Many Mornings 2:39
- 5 North Country Blues 4:34
- 6 Only a Pawn in Their Game 3:32
- 7 Boots of Spanish Leather 4:39
- 8 When the Ship Comes In 3:18
- 9 The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll 5:47
- 10 Restless Farewell 5:33
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
I Ain't Marching Anymore
Phil Ochs
Shares urgent protest themes and raw folk sound, reflecting on war and social issues of the 60s.
Joan Baez in Concert, Part 2
Joan Baez
Features poignant folk melodies and a focus on social justice, echoing the spirit of change in the 1960s.
Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.
Simon & Garfunkel
Combines introspective lyrics with a folk sensibility, addressing societal issues prevalent in the same era.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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