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THE REVIEW
And voilà, Bryan Ferry engages in another of his elegant reinterpretations of the great classics. Not new to Dylan (of whom he professes to be a great fan, while adding that he does not know him personally - a curious remark since it's the same one made by Robyn Hitchcock, who has also authored a pleasant homage to the American minstrel), considering that the unforgettable "Hard Rain" dates back to 1973 and "It's All Over Now Baby Blue" to 2002, now he does things properly and offers a repertoire of Dylan's songs from the '60s, when, as Bryan says, "people were going crazy for Elvis and Frank Sinatra." So after revisiting the world of swing, here’s our artist immersing himself in another monothematic album with "The Times They Are A-Changin'", "Knockin' On Heaven's Door", and "All Along The Watchtower", also because after having treaded the stage in recent years (with the necessary assiduity imposed by making money to deal with the separation from his wife), there wasn't time to write new pieces.
Approaching the reinterpretation, Ferry, as always, shows he loves the material and makes it his own, but this time I'd say with reservations: he puts his voice and face on the cover (one of the ugliest in his and rock's history? Aaaarrgghh!!) and lush but not redundant arrangements, strings, and the usual harmonica which - shall we bet? - he will play live on stage in the upcoming tour. So after an excellent start with "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" and a beautiful "Simple Twist Of Fate", one expects that when the heavy hitters arrive, he will deliver a masterstroke that makes them unforgettable. But no. "The Times They Are A-Changin'" and "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" remain on the same level, and the album slides down to "All Along The Watchtower" without surprises and without jolts. Fair enough, sure, but a little jolt wouldn't have hurt!
In a recent interview with James Joyce published in Repubblica (see links) Ferry stated that he compares Dylan to Picasso "because in his music there isn't a single attitude but a bit of everything for everyone." Appreciating this variety of results from his inspirer, good old Bryan here could perhaps have followed this healthy approach, diversified, and gifted us once again with some masterful interpretations, while instead we're left to be content with his voice - always exceptional on its own - but constrained in the somewhat narrow compass of a - if I may say - mannered reinterpretation. In short, nothing less was possible considering him, but it would have been great to have - from such a coupling, Ferry + Dylan! - a little more! (P.S. The album is good anyway and I'm glad to have it.)
01. Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues
02. Simple Twist Of Fate
03. Make You Feel My Love
04. The Times They Are A-Changin'
05. All I Really Want To Do
06. Knockin' On Heaven's Door
07. Positively 4th Street
08. If Not For You
09. Baby, Let Me Follow You Down
10. Gates Of Eden
11. All Along The Watchtower
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Summary by Bot
Bryan Ferry’s Dylanesque offers polished and lush reinterpretations of Bob Dylan classics from the 1960s. The album starts strong with standout tracks like "Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues" and "Simple Twist Of Fate," but lacks surprising or bold moments on bigger hits. While Ferry’s voice remains exceptional and the arrangements elegant, the album plays it somewhat safe and mannered. It remains a good album, appreciated by fans, but falls short of delivering a truly masterful tribute.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Bryan Ferry
English singer and songwriter, founder and frontman of Roxy Music, and acclaimed solo artist known for suave vocals and sophisticated pop. His solo highlights include Boys and Girls and Bête Noire, alongside interpreter projects like As Time Goes By and Dylanesque.07 Reviews
Other reviews
By primiballi
I consider a cover album an excellent work when it is a “true act of love.”
That clean, warm voice has changed. And it has changed for the better.
