Blood on the Tracks Review: Heartbreak in Perfect Detail
9.5/10 — Bob Dylan - Blood on the Tracks (1975)
Pros
- 'Tangled Up in Blue'
- Powerful emotional honesty
- Warm acoustic sound
Cons
- Raw vocals
- Long songs
Blood on the Tracks was recorded as Dylan’s marriage was breaking down, though he always denied it was autobiographical. It was partly re-recorded in Minneapolis, and the New York sessions were later released.
What works
‘Tangled Up in Blue’ shifts time and perspective brilliantly, ‘Simple Twist of Fate’ and ‘Shelter from the Storm’ ache with feeling, and ‘Idiot Wind’ is blisteringly bitter. The acoustic-led arrangements are warm and intimate.
Where it falters
Dylan’s voice is raw, and a couple of the long songs ask for patience.
Verdict
A deeply human record from a master songwriter.
