Readers Respond: Which are Bob Dylan's best songs?

Responses: 27

By Kim Ruehl, About.com Guide

See More About:

No one can presume what Dylan songs will be the best introduction to his music, there is too much and it is too varied. Music speaks to each heart differently. Fortunately, Dylan has so much to offer. Personally I listen to a song and think," That has got to be my favorite" Then I play a different album and it happens all over again...he's the only artist that I can listen to all his albums in their entirety. Because even when he struggles it's a noble effort.
—mkate2

There are so many to choose from. Ballad in Plain D and Mr. Tambourine Man are personal favorites
—Guest dick531

The poetry and visualization are remarkable. The song itself is difficult to sing but he does so beautifully. Janny
—Guest Jan Hokett

Beautiful symbolic lyrics, the first two verses tell of far reaching visual and non abstract beauty while the third gives advice as he absolutely can tell what he has seen and know as a universal truth
—Guest terry dean

With a catalog as large as Mr. Zimmerman's, it can change from day to day, but "Tombstone Blues" is always one of my faves from my angst ridden teen years. I love the rhyme scheme and the philosophy. I just love how he can rhyme, "Do you know of a hole where I can get sick in?" with, "The sun is not yellow, it's chicken!" But for best album, definitely "Blood on the Tracks." I can listen to that start to finish anytime.
—pebonier

I don't know why, but every time I think of my favorite, this one keeps rising to the top. Who should have to explain why, anyway?
—Guest George

Who could deny the worthiness of: Everything Is Broken Make You Feel My Love Tangled Up In Blue I Want You Tomorrow Is A Long Time All Along The Watchtower You Ain't Going Nowhere My Back Pages Mr. Tambourine Man Simple Twist Of Fate
—Guest Bob Ray

Yes, Kim, you took up a great challenge and you did well! I'll add two faves. First, a song whose lyrics I read as a poem and fell in love with before ever having listened to the song: "Simple Twist of Fate". And "All I Really Want to Do", with its verbal craftsmanship, that deliciously long note on "Do", and simple ideal for human relationships. (Don't we all wish we never did any of those things to the people we love...)
—Guest Kika

Just about every song on "Blood on the Tracks"--"Simple Twist of Fate" along with "Your Gonna Make Me..." are two of my personal favorites. Both are songs to which I can relate. "Nashville Skyline"was also a great album. Like many great artists, what we like best of Bob Dylan's work is so subjective. I think that he is just one hell of a poet.
—saYJAYKAY

My personal favorite Bob Dylan tune is 'Tangled Up in Blue' just because Dylan is such a great story-teller. This song combines a moving and somewhat complicated story with a really catchy tune. Of course, that's what Dylan does best! It's so hard to choose only ten songs though, and yours is a great (and varied) list.
—CarrieGee

Previous16-27 of 27