The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (2010 Mono Version)

I have heard, from time to time, other artists complain that Bob Dylan is not wholly original. Moreover, I have read of other artists' criticism of Bob Dylan has stolen other artists' work. I have seen no evidence of that. I do know from my own experience of listening to Bob Dylan's music from 1963 onward that his is an original voice, original in all aspects of the musical tradition, from lyrics to musical sound, whether he was writing in an older tradition or composing in some form wholly new, even with traditional instrumentation. I offer up one song only, as the basis for my contention that his voice is truly original, and wholly his own, and let the critics be damned. That sone is "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall." It is a song more prescient than many of its time, in the premonitory passage of swords in the hands of young children. Rwanda, anyone? Let the critics be damned!

Unlike his first album, on Freewheelin'',Dylan brings forth an album of originals that exemplify his legendary writing prowess. Every track is top rate and the album is both stellar and groundbreaking. Truly a five star release and must own for even the casual listener.

I just got this album last night and after just 4 listens I can already tell this is potentially my favorite album of his! 4 songs REALLY stand out to me...."A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall", "Masters of War", "Girl from the North Country" and "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right." The last 2 in particular are shockingly good songs - so sophisicated, complex and yet somehow so simple and "pretty." Most of the other songs are also very good - "Blowin in the Wind" although overplayed is great. And others like "Bob Dylan's Dream", "Oxford Town", & "I Shall Be Free" are also top-notch. When this came out in 1963, this must have an absolute shock to popular culture. I'm a HUGE Beatles & Stones fan, and I think by 1966 and going foward both bands were becoming much better and more inventive than Dylan. Obviously The White Album, Let it Be, Sgt Peppers, Magicial Mystery Tour, Revolver, Beggar's Banquet, Let it Bleed, & even all the songs recorded during the Aftermath sessions far exceed John Wesley Harding, Nashville Skyline and to me, maybe even Blonde on Blonde. But The Freewheelin' is so many light years ahead of anything either of those bands were doing in '63, '64 and even '65 in some ways. Now it makes sense to me that The Beatles and Stones were so influenced by him and listened to this very album constantly. For me, this and "Bringing it All Back Home" are his best. Something about the sounds on the albums after that sound somehow more dated. Almost like trying to add more instruments and "odd sounds" to some of those songs didn't work quite as well as the early stuff. Now that I have these 2 albums, I'm amazed these aren't considered to be some of the very best albums...ever. I know they typically make a top 200-list or even top 100. But how can these not be in a top 20 or even top 10 list? I'm a huge Nirvana fan, but there's no way you can tell me that Nevermind is better than either of these. Anyway, I'm sure you've figured out by now that I strongly recommend this album to any fan of real, genuine music. Don't be turned off by the words "folk" or "protest"....this is simply incredible music that happens to be one of the most influential of all-time.

This is the sweet spot for many Dylan fans. It is the most wistful, honest, and humble album in his entire oeuvre. Dylan is not trying to channel Guthrie here, nor is he trying to rebel against popular following like he did with nearly every album after "Highway." His ability to make music has evolved into a more personal experience than it was before. The result of this maturation....is Freewheelin'. If are trying to discover Bob Dylan's music, I suggest this album as an entry point. It has all of the qualities that make the man's music great. You will find it easy to listen to and compelling at the same time.

One of the best albums ever made, every song fits in just perfect. One of my favorites.

One of the greatest things ever made.

Bob Dylan is pure genius and this album proves it.

One of the most important albums ever recorded. Dylan's ability to sing of right and wrong using the most well crafted and poetic lyrics is something of legend. Essential.