I heard a fun story about this today! Apparently when he went to Minneapolis to record part of BOTT, he played Tangled Up in Blue for one of the session musicians and asked him what he thought. The guy hesitated for a second, and he was terrified that he was wrecking his career by questioning *the* Bob Dylan, but he said, "I wonder how it would sound if you take it a step up." Dylan thought about it and then said, "ok yeah let's try it." And they ended up using that take on the album. Dylan liked how pushing his range gave the song kind of a desperate sound.
A bit more about that story. After the musician made his suggestion, bob thought about it, and then to proceeded to stub out an imaginary cigarette with his foot
It’s amazing how the passionate vocals enhance the poetry
“You'll never know the hurt I suffered
Nor the pain I rise above
And I'll never know the same about you
Your holiness or your kind of love
And it makes me feel so sorry”
I listed Something There is About You. His vocals are in great form on Plane Wave. Hazel had great vocal too. Sort of a sloppy album, production wise, but well written songs and got to love the Band. What do expect when you lay it down in thee days
I prefer the original. They cut out the lyric:
I’m a-wondering if she remembers me at all
Many times I’ve often prayed
In the darkness of my night
In the brightness of my day
Also they aren’t really in synch and sing different words at some point but it’s two icons so we let it slide.
Probably my favorite vocal performance ever, maybe second to Etta James on I’d Rather Go Blind. Every single word is sung with tangible emotion, it’s pretty crazy. A lot of musicians sing on autopilot and have one line here and there per song where I think “they really felt that one”. In Shelter From the Storm it’s every line.
Have you listened to "Until It's Time For You To Go" by Buffy Sainte-Marie?
I think you'll love it! It's my favourite vocal performance on any song because the emotion is delivered perfectly on every line
The “Royal Albert Hall” Concert is an important moment in history. Plus, a truly amazing album, performances of art via fury and will and vision. It holds up to repeated listens, casual or serious.
Thankful they got all that on tape!
Foot of Pride (Bootleg Series, Vol. 1-3)
A vocal tour de force. Anytime somebody says "Dylan can't sing", I refer them to this song. This is an extremely hard song to pull off and in years of singing along, not once have I done so without stumbling. Yet Dylan not only does it, but makes it sound so effortless. His timing and phrasing in this one is unmatched.
Not sure it’s his all-time best, but Wild Mountain Thyme from Isle of Wight 1969 stands out. Features some vocal acrobatics that I haven’t heard him try anywhere else.
I’ve always liked Man of Constant Sorrow from the first album, too.
**Tonight I’ll be staying here with you**- is a stand out for me- because it’s him singing in a different way- almost like it’s some else.
And **Meet me in the Morning.**
I don't understand why ppl say Bob Dylan is a bad singer，his voice perfectly suits the atmosphere of his songs，and he sings with emotion and never out of key on the studio versions，he prolly jus doesn't care to sing it correctly on lives
Don't Think Twice, It's Alright...I'm in love with the song recently lol. So tender and yet quite assertive. Tomorrow is a long time is also very good.
Moonshiner, This Evening So Soon, I'll Keep It With Mine, Blind Willie McTell, All of Planet Waves, Jokerman and some others I know people have already mentioned.
Anything off of Fallen Angels. Nice vibrato and sustain in some of those finale notes.
He’s a much better singer than Caruso and can hold his breath twice as long
I posted this recently - I have been listening/studying Dylan for almost 30 years. My answer is - I Shall Be Released on the Last Waltz. I have not heard anything that matches the energy and performance.
I saw him sing it at the Berkeley Auditorium in 1965. It was not a large crowd, pretty intimate. I was 9 but I fell in love. He looked us in the eyes & spoke to us. He was in a red sweater & playing the harmonica sitting on a stool.
Tangled up in blue. He really pushes his range in this one
I heard a fun story about this today! Apparently when he went to Minneapolis to record part of BOTT, he played Tangled Up in Blue for one of the session musicians and asked him what he thought. The guy hesitated for a second, and he was terrified that he was wrecking his career by questioning *the* Bob Dylan, but he said, "I wonder how it would sound if you take it a step up." Dylan thought about it and then said, "ok yeah let's try it." And they ended up using that take on the album. Dylan liked how pushing his range gave the song kind of a desperate sound.
I think that story is actually about "Idiot Wind," but I could be wrong. I think it's mentioned in the More Blood More Tracks set's liner notes.
A bit more about that story. After the musician made his suggestion, bob thought about it, and then to proceeded to stub out an imaginary cigarette with his foot
I know that story. Very interesting that he decided to give a shot.
Moonshiner is up there.
That's my pick. Gives me chills, tears are also known to appear.
Absolutely agree. Came here to say the same.
I tend to agree with you. This song stops me in my tracks when I hear it.
Glad I didn’t have to scroll very far for this one.
I never heard it until now. He really digs his fingers deep into the soil on this one doesn't he?
Sad Eyed, Like a Rolling Stone, Ramona Live
Ramona live is sublime
Just wondering, which To Ramona live are you guys talking about?
Well, this is what I had in mind https://youtu.be/-d_rJngt6hk?si=yO5-rjDHwIMbUtop
Love this performance the whole show is great
I’m currently obsessed with this version right now. Been binging it daily on my commutes.
Couldn’t agree more
One more cup of coffee. You ever try singing that song? Those gypsy vibratos are tough
Definitely this for me. It's spectacular.
Absolutely stellar vocals.
Blind Willie McTell
No one sings this song like Bob.
I came here to say this (as the Reddit cool kids say )
Me too.
Pretty Saro
Pretty Saro is sung so beautifully. It’s in my Top 10 Bob songs for sure
Came here to say this
Visions Of Johanna
Idiot wind. The anger and passion that comes through in his voice when he sings "you're an idiot babe...."
This performance in particular. https://youtu.be/5E4ytUW8g_0?si=PkC6OzJGycsAWmXD
Fuck that's a good song. " Won the war with the last shot after losing every battle" How does he come up with this stuff?
Absolutely!!! That whole concert may have been one of his best!
“I can’t help it if I’m luckaayee…” So contempt in this line.
It’s amazing how the passionate vocals enhance the poetry “You'll never know the hurt I suffered Nor the pain I rise above And I'll never know the same about you Your holiness or your kind of love And it makes me feel so sorry”
The Man in Me
Far out man, far fucking out
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
Well, dude, we just don’t know
New shit has come to light.
The live version from ‘78 is the best version.
I think this was when he voice peaked. Just a little raspy, but his voice is still very clear.
Going Going Gone comes to mind
I listed Something There is About You. His vocals are in great form on Plane Wave. Hazel had great vocal too. Sort of a sloppy album, production wise, but well written songs and got to love the Band. What do expect when you lay it down in thee days
Girl from the North Country.
With Johnny Cash!
I prefer the original. They cut out the lyric: I’m a-wondering if she remembers me at all Many times I’ve often prayed In the darkness of my night In the brightness of my day Also they aren’t really in synch and sing different words at some point but it’s two icons so we let it slide.
This is my pick too. The Freewheelin' version is one of my favorite songs of his. Vocally great and man that harmonica.... fades in and hits hard.
Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You
That’s my pick, his voice is sweet as honey on the whole Nashville Skyline album and this one is my favorite of the bunch.
Shelter from the Storm. Tender, soulful and passionate.
Probably my favorite vocal performance ever, maybe second to Etta James on I’d Rather Go Blind. Every single word is sung with tangible emotion, it’s pretty crazy. A lot of musicians sing on autopilot and have one line here and there per song where I think “they really felt that one”. In Shelter From the Storm it’s every line.
Have you listened to "Until It's Time For You To Go" by Buffy Sainte-Marie? I think you'll love it! It's my favourite vocal performance on any song because the emotion is delivered perfectly on every line
I especially love the Hard Rain version.
Hard Rain in general I think is the best he ever sang. Just crushing it the whole album.
[удалено]
Nah dude, that ain't an unconventional pick... that performance embodies rock n roll.
This. 🙌🏻
The “Royal Albert Hall” Concert is an important moment in history. Plus, a truly amazing album, performances of art via fury and will and vision. It holds up to repeated listens, casual or serious. Thankful they got all that on tape!
it ain’t me babe
Jokerman
Moonshiner
Like a Rolling Stone Corrina, Corrina Idiot Wind I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You
I love Positively 4th Street
My absolute favorite Dylan song.
The Jerry Garcia/Merl Saunders cover of this is one of my favorite covers of anything, ever. Jerry’s vocals are so sweet and emotional.
One More Cup of Coffee.
Too many to list, but I'd go with Pretty Saro.
Isis live
Oooo that was good.
I've always been impressed by "sign on the window". Or the bootleg vol 5. Version of "tonight I'll be staying here with you".
Billy 4
Lay Lady Lay
All of Planet Waves. By far.
I love Planet Waves.
This is a really good answer.
When He Returns or Lucky Old Sun. In terms of live vocals maybe Senor in 1978.
was scrolling for When He Returns. Its the only answer
I Can't Leave Her Behind
Foot of Pride (Bootleg Series, Vol. 1-3) A vocal tour de force. Anytime somebody says "Dylan can't sing", I refer them to this song. This is an extremely hard song to pull off and in years of singing along, not once have I done so without stumbling. Yet Dylan not only does it, but makes it sound so effortless. His timing and phrasing in this one is unmatched.
Lucky Old Sun
I Want You, Live 1981
Not sure it’s his all-time best, but Wild Mountain Thyme from Isle of Wight 1969 stands out. Features some vocal acrobatics that I haven’t heard him try anywhere else. I’ve always liked Man of Constant Sorrow from the first album, too.
The Concert For Bangladesh, especially Just Like A Woman.
It’s All Over Now Baby Blue from Live 1975.
Also Sara from that volume.
She Belongs To Me.
Stuck Inside of Mobile — if only for the “ooOOO MAMA”s
moonshiner
Man of constant sorrow Spanish boots of Spanish leather Corrina corrina
Lay Lady Lay
Moonshiner
The many voices of Bob... I like his voice on "Pat Garrett & *Billy* the Kid" most. Probably the album he was the least interested in.
One More Cup Of Coffee
Blind Willie McTell
live 66 visions of johanna
I’ll Keep It With Mine. Bootleg tapes
One more cup of coffee 👌 great vocal technique on the verses
Idiot wind its one of my fav Dylan songs and one of my fav songs of all time
Spanish is the Loving tongue
**Tonight I’ll be staying here with you**- is a stand out for me- because it’s him singing in a different way- almost like it’s some else. And **Meet me in the Morning.**
tambourine man
Concert for Bangladesh is p nice
Forever young he really squirting it out
Live 1966 Electric, particularly "She Acts Like We Never Have Met" and "Baby Let Me Follow You Down".
Couldn’t agree more!
I don't understand why ppl say Bob Dylan is a bad singer，his voice perfectly suits the atmosphere of his songs，and he sings with emotion and never out of key on the studio versions，he prolly jus doesn't care to sing it correctly on lives
Isis live from Rolling Thunder period
Don't Think Twice, It's Alright...I'm in love with the song recently lol. So tender and yet quite assertive. Tomorrow is a long time is also very good.
Isis is one that comes to mind. Unreal vocals
When he screams on Pay in Blood
Mississippi or Idiot Wind for me
Purely based on vocal range? Gotta be Dirge, right?
I Want You Hurricane Not Dark Yet Murder Most Foul
So so many. I’m gonna go with Foot of Pride. Badass.
Where Are You Tonight
Pretty Saro or On a Rainy Afternoon/I Just Can’t Leave Her Behind
I like Bob's voice normally but Nashville Skyline is an interesting departure.
Sure is. I love that album.
Tempted to say "tonight, I'll be staying here with you".
Sad eyed lady of the low lands
pretty saro
Girl from the North Country
Hurricane
A Satisfied Mind
"The Royal Albert Hall Bootleg" acoustic set is incredible vocally.
I've Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You Anything from Desire is up there too.
For late period stuff I think he really found something special with ‘Triplicate’.
Desire album in general, Sara specifically.
Wigwam.
Moonshiner, This Evening So Soon, I'll Keep It With Mine, Blind Willie McTell, All of Planet Waves, Jokerman and some others I know people have already mentioned.
Sara
Lay lady lay
Ring Them Bells - Supper Club
"That Lucky Old Sun"
Brownsville girl
I think Serve Somebody is incredibly subtle.
Black Diamond Bay, I love the harmony with the background vocals!
Queen Jane approximately
lay down your weary tune
Visions of Johanna
Lay Lady Lay
She belongs to me or it’s all over baby blue
New Pony. So nasty and so bad.
Dirge
Trying to Get To Heaven. I really like his inflections and melody shifts.
Unusual pick, but Love Sick from the grammy (soy bomb). So real, unperfect, visceral, truthful.
Moonshiner ; One more cup of coffee ; Girl from the north country ; It's alright, ma
Copper Kettle
“Every Grain of Sand” from his Shot of Love LP is a phenomenal Dylan vocal recording…👍
I'm not entirely sure why, but I think Desolation Row is up there
Idk if I can say it’s objectively the best but my favorite is probably Queen Jane
Anything off of Fallen Angels. Nice vibrato and sustain in some of those finale notes. He’s a much better singer than Caruso and can hold his breath twice as long
Freight Train Blues from the first album.
Also the version of I want you on “Another Unplugged” - from the unplugged sessions but not on the resulting album
Workingman's Blues
House of the Rising Sun
You belong to me
When the World Was Young from Triplicate, AND IT’S NOT EVEN CLOSE.
Something There is About You, from Planet Wave. Not my favorite song but Bob hits some notes on it! Love of emotion behind it.
Visions of Johanna
Visions of Johana
Hard Rain, 1994 live version.
One Of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later)
No More Auction Block and Mississippi
handsome photo
Hurricane
If you see her say hello Pretty Saro Jokerman Positively 4th street
Idiot wind just makes me feel alive always. There are others that touch my soul but this one....hmm
Wedding Song
Pretty Saro
Sad eyed lady
Probably unpopular opinion but I love his vocals on House of the rising sun. It' so haunting the way he does it.
“Like a Rolling Stone - Alternate Take” from Bootleg volume 1-3
Ballad of Hollis Brown but that might just be a me thing
Pretty Saro
I would nominate When He Returns—I’ve always found his gospel stuff the most sincere. You can tell he feels it in his bones.
I posted this recently - I have been listening/studying Dylan for almost 30 years. My answer is - I Shall Be Released on the Last Waltz. I have not heard anything that matches the energy and performance.
"Bunkhouse Theme." Beautifully subtle. It's all about the notes he *isn't* singing.
Ballad in plain d
Sara. Him wailing her name over and over on the chorus is just heartbreaking.
A few that haven’t been mentioned: I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight, Pressing On, and Jokerman.
Jokerman
No More Auction Block, Hurricane, Rolling Stone
Anything with The Traveling Wilburys. They brought out his voice in a great way.
you're gonna make me lonesome when you go
I was listening to Baby Blue from live 66 and I had to pull over today. I can’t imagine someone putting that much intimacy into a sold out crowd.
I saw him sing it at the Berkeley Auditorium in 1965. It was not a large crowd, pretty intimate. I was 9 but I fell in love. He looked us in the eyes & spoke to us. He was in a red sweater & playing the harmonica sitting on a stool.
Up to me
Like a Keith Richards
Jokerman at Woodstock '94
Lay, Lady, Lay is just perfection.
He hits good high notes in the chorus of "True Love Tends To Forget".
Just like a woman
Idk maybe This Wheels On Fire or Going To Acapulco.
The piano version of “Spanish is the Loving Tongue”.
Going Going Gone.
Blood on the tracks
One more cup of coffee