Bob Dylan's 'Rough and Rowdy Ways' is a masterful culmination of his lifelong dedication to storytelling through music. Released on 19 June 2020 via Columbia, this album is a testament to Dylan's unwavering ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. Spanning over an hour and ten minutes, 'Rough and Rowdy Ways' is a rich tapestry of folk rock, folk, singer-songwriter, roots rock, and country rock, showcasing Dylan's remarkable range and depth as a musician.
The tracklist is a veritable journey through the human experience, with songs like 'I Contain Multitudes', 'My Own Version of You', and 'Mother of Muses' demonstrating Dylan's unique capacity for poetic lyricism and soaring melody. Other standout tracks, such as 'Goodbye Jimmy Reed' and 'Key West (Philosopher Pirate)', showcase his knack for blending the nostalgic with the contemporary, resulting in a sound that is both timeless and utterly modern.
Throughout 'Rough and Rowdy Ways', Dylan's distinctive voice and perspective guide the listener through a world of love, loss, and self-discovery, inviting them to immerse themselves in his singular vision. With its thoughtful pacing and meticulous craftsmanship, this album is a must-listen for fans of Bob Dylan and anyone drawn to the power of storytelling in music.