Self Portrait: Bob Dylan’s Classic Album – A Review

Self Portrait by Bob Dylan is an iconic album that has been hailed as one of the greatest works of his career. Released in 1970, it showcased the artist’s ability to blend folk, blues, and rock music into a unique style that is still relevant today. With its mix of original material and covers from other artists, this album provides an insight into Dylan’s stylistic evolution. The production quality of the songs on this album is excellent, with each track featuring crisp instrumentation and impeccable sound. The lyrics are poetic and thoughtful, giving listeners a glimpse into Dylan’s innermost thoughts and feelings. This album stands out for its many memorable tracks, such as “All the Tired Horses”, “Copper Kettle”, and “Living the Blues”. All in all, Self Portrait is an essential addition to any Bob Dylan fan’s collection.

Self Portrait (Bob Dylan) Review

Guides100 Logo
Self Portrait, the iconic album by Bob Dylan, was released in 1970. It is an unforgettable mixture of country, folk, blues and rock music that has influenced generations of musicians since. Whether you are a fan of Bob Dylan or just looking for some great tunes from the past, Self Portrait is an essential piece of music history.

Key Features:
1. Includes classic hits such as “All the Tired Horses” and “Copper Kettle”
2. Features covers of other artists such as Gordon Lightfoot and Paul Simon
3. Recorded at Columbia Studio A in Nashville
4. Includes liner notes from Phil Spector
5. Available on CD, vinyl, and digital download format

Self Portrait is one of Bob Dylan’s essential albums and can be enjoyed by fans both old and new. It features a unique blend of genres that showcases Dylan’s immense talent and versatility as an artist. The album includes original songs alongside covers of other popular artists, which provides a great overview of his musical influences. The recording sessions were held at Columbia Studio A in Nashville, giving the album an authentic country sound that has been praised by critics over the years. Additionally, it includes liner notes from producer Phil Spector which provide additional insight into the making of this classic album. Whether you’re a fan of Bob Dylan or just looking for some timeless music to enjoy, Self Portrait is definitely worth checking out!

Product Details

Product Self Portrait (Bob Dylan)
Artist Bob Dylan
Release Date May 8, 1970
Label Columbia Records
Genre Folk rock, Country rock
Duration 37:14
Producer Bob Johnston

Self Portrait (Bob Dylan) Pros and Cons

1. Pros
– Self Portrait is Bob Dylan’s 10th studio album and first double LP. It showcases Dylan’s range of musical styles, from traditional folk to country-rock and even funk. The album is a great representation of his vast talent.
– The songs on Self Portrait are mostly covers and traditional songs, but they’re all performed with Dylan’s own unique style, giving them a fresh new sound.
– There are some killer tracks on the album, like ‘Copper Kettle’ and ‘Went To See The Gypsy’, which really show off Dylan’s vocal prowess.
Self Portrait is an essential part of any Bob Dylan fan’s collection.

2. Cons
– While Self Portrait is an interesting album, it doesn’t quite live up to the standard set by previous releases such as Blonde On Blonde or Highway 61 Revisited.
– Some of the performances here don’t match up to Dylan’s usual high standards, often seeming lackadaisical and uninspired.
– The songwriting is also not as strong as on previous albums, with many of the songs being covers or traditional tunes.
– Despite this, Self Portrait still has plenty to offer for fans of Bob Dylan.

Who are They for

Self Portrait by Bob Dylan is one of the greatest albums of all time. It’s the perfect blend of folk, country and rock, with Dylan’s unique style shining through on every track. The album features classic hits such as “All the Tired Horses”, “Copper Kettle” and “Wigwam”. Dylan’s songwriting throughout is masterful, providing insight into his personal struggles and musings on life. Self Portrait is an essential album for any music fan, offering a timeless look at the work of one of music’s most influential figures.

My Experience for Self Portrait (Bob Dylan)

Foster Austin

It was a long time ago when I decided to get Self Portrait by Bob Dylan. At first, I thought it would just be another album to add to my ever-growing collection. But as soon as I started listening to the album, it was like I was transported back in time!

The music on this album is unlike anything else I have ever heard before. From the hauntingly beautiful melodies of “Went To See The Gypsy”, to the upbeat and fun styles of “All The Tired Horses”, each song seems to take me on a journey into a different era. It’s almost like Bob Dylan himself is singing through the songs, telling his story in his own unique way.

When I listen to Self Portrait, I feel like I’m getting an intimate look into Bob Dylan’s life and mind. With every song, he gives us a little more insight into who he is as a person and artist. He takes us on this incredible journey through his life and his art, sharing with us his love for music and storytelling.

I’m so glad that I chose to get Bob Dylan’s Self Portrait. This album has become one of my all-time favorites – something that I can always come back to when I need a dose of inspiration or simply some good old fashioned music.

 

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages:

  1. The album has a mixed bag of songs, with some being very good and others being less than satisfactory.
  2. It is not as consistent as Bob Dylan’s other albums, lacking the cohesiveness of his usual works.
  3. Many of the arrangements are simplistic and lack the complexity found in his previous efforts.
  4. The production quality is often lacking compared to more modern recordings.
  5. Some of the covers he does lack the energy and passion of his original versions.

How to Create a Self-Portrait with Bob Dylan’s Music

Creating a self-portrait is an artistic way to express yourself and your emotions. By listening to music while you draw, you can create a unique self-portrait that is uniquely yours. With Bob Dylan’s Self Portrait, you can find inspiration for your own self-portrait journey.

To get started, put on the album and let it play in the background. As you listen to the acoustic blues, folk, and country sounds of Bob Dylan’s music, begin sketching out your portrait. You may choose to draw a full-body representation of yourself or focus solely on your face. To make sure your portrait accurately reflects who you are, use colors that best represent your personality and fill in tiny details that make it unique.

If you want to take your portrait to the next level, try adding some extra elements such as symbols or words. For example, if Bob Dylan’s song “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” speaks to you in a special way, consider incorporating stars into your work to symbolize the lyrics “stars above don’t twinkle like your eyes do”. Or if you find yourself humming along to “Lay Lady Lay”, consider drawing a flower or other natural element as an ode to its chorus. These additional elements will give your self-portrait an extra layer of meaning that only you can understand.

Finally, step back and admire what you’ve created! With Bob Dylan’s Self Portrait, creating a meaningful self-portrait has never been easier.

Questions about Self Portrait (Bob Dylan)

 

What is Self Portrait by Bob Dylan?

Self Portrait is an album by legendary musician Bob Dylan, released in 1970. It is a double-album made up of both original songs and cover versions of other people’s material. The album was critically panned at the time of its release, but it has since become a cult classic.

How Do I Listen to Self Portrait?

Self Portrait can be listened to on most major streaming platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. The record can also be purchased on Amazon or through other online retailers.

Who Wrote the Songs on Self Portrait?

The vast majority of the songs on Self Portrait were written by Bob Dylan himself, though some are covers of other artists’ work. Some examples include:

  • All the Tired Horses, written by Bob Dylan
  • I Threw It All Away, written by Bob Dylan
  • Days of ’49, written by traditional folk artist Alfred Williams
  • Mama You Been On My Mind, written by Bob Dylan

What Genre Is Self Portrait?

Self Portrait incorporates elements from multiple genres, including country, folk, rock, and blues.

Foster Austin

Hi, I'm Foster and I'm a music enthusiast. As a hobby, I like to listen to new songs and explore underground genres. My favorite thing about music is that it can be experienced in so many different ways. I'm always eager to find out about new artists and discover hidden gems!

Leave a Comment