Bob Dylan Songs Ranked
Bob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman; May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter, author, and visual artist who has been a major figure in popular culture for more than 50 years. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when songs such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” (1963) and “The Times They Are a-Changin’” (1964) became anthems for civil rights and anti-war movements. His lyrics during this period incorporated a range of political, social, philosophical, and literary influences, defied pop music conventions and appealed to the burgeoning counterculture. Following his self-titled debut album in 1962, which mainly comprised traditional folk songs, Dylan made his breakthrough as a songwriter with the release of The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan the following year. The album featured “Blowin’ in the Wind” and the thematically complex “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall”. For many of these songs, he adapted the tunes and phraseology of older folk songs. He went on to release the politically charged The Times They Are a-Changin’ and the more lyrically abstract and introspective Another Side of Bob Dylan in 1964. In 1965 and 1966, Dylan drew controversy when he adopted electrically amplified rock instrumentation, and in the space of 15 months recorded three of the most important and influential rock albums of the 1960s: Bringing It All Back Home (1965), Highway 61 Revisited (1965) and Blonde on Blonde (1966). Commenting on the six-minute single “Like a Rolling Stone” (1965), Rolling Stone wrote: “No other pop song has so thoroughly challenged and transformed the commercial laws and artistic conventions of its time, for all time. Here are all Bob Dylan’s songs ranked
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20. Lay Lady Lay (Nashville Skyline, 1969)
“Lay Lady Lay” was the first song that made me pay attention to dylan’s music. however I was disappointed when I discovered only 2 more great songs from his so many albums: “knocking on heaven’s door”, “it’s all over now baby blue”. concerning why he is loved that much I think it’s because of lyrics he wrote, rather than the music he composed.”
19. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding) (Bringing It All Back Home, 1965)
“This song has been extremely Important to me, it inspired my poem ‘The social classes’. It explores the way people choose to live their life and his reaction to their choices. He distances himself from those who won’t break away from the machine that is society which tries to confine peoples thoughts and behaviour.”
18. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right (The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, 1963)
“The first time I listened to this song I was watching Mad Men and I immediately loved this song. Beautiful melody, lyrics and message. One of the songs that leaves no question as to whether or not Bob Dylan is the definitive song writer of our time.”
17. Idiot Wind (Blood on the Tracks, 1975)
“This has been my favorite Dylan song since I first heard it. The anger and sorrow are transcendent. Most honest and moving breakup song ever. He even apologized! Some of the finest lyrics were ever written, great music, pure Dylan singing.”
See more: Bob Dylan Albums Ranked
16. Subterranean Homesick Blues (Bringing It All Back Home, 1965)
“It was the BBC Documentary about 7 ages of rock that I heard this song for the first time. I got really caught the time and It remained in my mind and will forever! This song shows the true genius of Bob Dylan.”
15. Blind Willie McTell (The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961–1991, 1991)
“This song really gives me chills because Dylan sings it so well. Great job with this one. Probably the most beautiful and emotionally charged song I’ve ever heard.”
14. Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again (Blonde on Blonde, 1966)
“Great (albeit incomprehensible) lyrics, great instrumentation, and an overall nice groove. In my opinion this is Bob Dylan’s best song, and I always light up whenever it gets to this track on the album.”
13. Shelter from the Storm (Blood on the Tracks 1975)
“This song has come to be my favorite Dylan song of all time (and I am a huge Dylan fan)… due to the fact that the lyrics have so much personal meaning to me. I was in the middle of a tumult in my life, a “storm,” and I met someone, who at the time, “took my crown of thorns.” I love the lyric: “Try imagining a place where it’s always safe and warm.” That is what this girl in my life seem to offer.”
12. Positively 4th Street (Positively 4th Street, 1965)
“This song and Like a rolling Stone are his best. This song really taps into a deep part of my brain.Dylan just sounds so mad and bitter in this song… beautiful”
11. Visions of Johanna (Blonde on Blonde, 1966)
“Haunting imagery, hallucinatory visions. The minimalist backing gives the song a hushed quality that makes it sound even more compelling. Dylan’s free-form consciousness is at full flight here, and the song is a brilliant masterpiece. Very possibly Dylan’s single finest piece of songwriting.”
10. Desolation Row (Highway 61 Revisited, 1965)
“Easily the most haunting thing he’s ever written(It’s alright ma comes close) it’s equally unnerving yet totally peaceful. Having all these existing characters that are familiar while giving them a whole new level of depth & have them all connect to this eternal make believe, yet totally believable place. Desolation row is a character in itself. I could hear this damn thing forever & the words never, ever lose their potency. Dylan was all about lyrics, and these are the most ambitious, odd, beautiful & uniquely put together lyrics he ever put to paper, meaning it’s the most ambitious, odd, beautiful & uniquely put together lyrics anyone has ever put to paper.”
9. A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall (The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, 1963)
“The best, most meaningful lyrics he ever wrote, in my opinion. The picture he paints, through his words, of the post-apocalyptic world is haunting and a warning for the entire humanity of what will come if they don’t eschew the path of violence.”
8. All Along the Watchtower (Electric Ladyland, 1968)
“People underestimate Dylan’s original All Along The Watchtower, because it’s overshadowed by Jimi Hendrix’s (amazing) cover. Great song. Going by lyrics alone, nothing comes close to this masterpiece
7. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Appetite for Destruction, 1987)
“The most beautiful song of Dylan in my opinion. Simple but yet so complex! Sends chills down my spine every time I listen to it. A thing of beauty! This masterpiece has been covered by many but never delivered better than by its creator.”
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6. Hurricane (Desire, 1976)
“Incredible! Dylan tells a whole story regardless of weather the words rhyme or not, and yet somehow they do! The violin and harmonica add individuality like nothing else.”
5. Mr. Tambourine Man (Bringing It All Back Home, 1965)
“Mr. Tambourine Man is the undoubtedly greatest song by Bob Dylan. Not only does it have a perfect harmony but there is something enigmatic about the lyrics. Each and every sentence of this masterpiece could mean a thousand different things. Hardly any other song matches its lyrical diversity. Its meaning changes according to your mood. Listen to it when you are sad or happy or confused or just stoned, you will always discover something new in it. A timeless classic.”
4. Tangled Up in Blue (Blood on the Tracks, 1975)
“Amongst several top notch songs which may easily run up to 100 or so, Tangled Up in Blues defines Bob Dylan’s music for me. The lyrics, his voice and the way the guitars sound simply elevate this song into all time best class.”
3. Blowin’ in the Wind (The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, 1963)
“Unlike most of today’s songs, this song is about important issues with the world. This song is magical and the lyrics captured people’s fears and thoughts in a time filled with war and injustice. Today’s world is still filled with war and injustice and that’s why this song will always remain relevant.”
2. The Times They Are A-Changin’ (The Times They Are A Changin’, 1964)
“This song always leaves me speechless. It is simple, yet powerful, and that is an element that Dylan always incorporates in his music. The message here is very important and has touched the lives of many people. Long live the King! -The real one, not a British man who is born into power..”
1. Like a Rolling Stone (Highway 61 Revisited, 1965)
“This song tops the list of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. And the reason is obvious. This song has definitely changed the world and it just revolutionised the music industry back then. The melody and lyrics are amazing and this masterpiece is unforgettable!”
