Tempest is Dylan's best musical album of this century, a vibrant maximising of strict rules and the savaged-leather state of that voice. [Oct 2012, p.84]
Though all are blessed with a wry and dusty charm that's hard to dislike, too many are rolled out in a way that seems more to do with autopilot than passion. Narrow Way and Duquesne Whistle mighty be jaunty toe-tappers but they're also examples of the lightweight fluff that blows around the album.
Dylan has always been hit and miss even within his greatest albums. that may be changing. There are simply no misses in Tempest. It's theDylan has always been hit and miss even within his greatest albums. that may be changing. There are simply no misses in Tempest. It's the best Dylan we have seen in years and quite possible the best album of the year. Stunningly good songs with lyrics so achingly sorrowful that you cannot remain unmoved. Beautiful.…Expand
So here we have it, what could possibly be Bob Dylan's final album. What can be said that hasn't already been said? This is his, in mySo here we have it, what could possibly be Bob Dylan's final album. What can be said that hasn't already been said? This is his, in my personal opinion, his finest album since 1997's Time Out Of Mind. What I may say is that the album does feel more than the sum of its parts. Not all songs are fantastic with the lowest points being Roll On John and Soon After Midnight. While these songs are forgettable, they are by no means bad in any way with Roll On John being a sweet tribute to his old musical colleague John Lennon. Meanwhile highlights include the freewheelin ' style of Duquesne Whistle, the hypnotic Tin Angel and the epic 14 minute and 45 verse long title track. The most interesting aspect of the album is, as always with Bob Dylan, the lyrics. The imagery on this album is among the most vivid of his 50 year career with Tempest (the song) giving such a full picture that it is comparable to watching a film. And in the end of this song, the only one who remains is the watchman, lonely and pondering over events passed. One can only imagine that this is a metaphor for Dylan who stands alone in American music giving us his unique take on the world and still as ever, deep in his thoughts.…Expand
My opinion is that this is the best Bob Dylan album since Time Out of Mind and in some ways I like it even more than that. Grew on me ratherMy opinion is that this is the best Bob Dylan album since Time Out of Mind and in some ways I like it even more than that. Grew on me rather well with the first 7 or 8 listens. Lots of highlights. So many that the album itself is a magnificent highlight and it's the best thing I have heard so far this year, by far. I also think it's one of Dylan's strongest efforts ever that has paid off in big dividends. High praise for great work here.…Collapse
Similar in sound to his last album (less accordion, thankfully), but an upgrade in every way. A highlight of his late-career resurgence thatSimilar in sound to his last album (less accordion, thankfully), but an upgrade in every way. A highlight of his late-career resurgence that mines and mixes English literature, the Great American Songbook, and his own work to great effect.…Expand
The title track is one of the most haunting pieces of music to be written in years. Bob is beyond brilliant. This album is just shy of aThe title track is one of the most haunting pieces of music to be written in years. Bob is beyond brilliant. This album is just shy of a perfect score for me, but I am sure many will consider it to be flawless. "Roll On John" is another personal favorite from the album.…Expand
Unbeliebably the master of song writing is still producing the goods more than half a century after he started out. It's one thing to be stillUnbeliebably the master of song writing is still producing the goods more than half a century after he started out. It's one thing to be still recording at this stage in his career, but to be producing works of such high quality is really incredible. Everything that's needs to be said about Dylan has been said before so won't bang on about his legendary status but his his latest offering, Tempest follows the rich vein of form that saw Dylan produce "Love Theft" and "Modern Times". If you liked those records then your in for a treat. All the songs are between 7 and 9 out of 10 and there is a remarkable consistency throughout the record. Different songs stand out on different listens so it's hard to pick favourites. The title track, detailing the final hours of the Titanic, runs on for the best part of 14 minutes a bit much you may think, but if you know Dylan, you'll know that some of his best work is also is lengthiest. Roll On John closes the record in fitting manner, a tip of the cap to John Lennon. This will delight existing fans and perhaps may attract a few open minded people who've not yet discovered this genius.…Expand
Much acclaimed by the critics and topping the charts all over the world, I was expecting a lot of Bob Dylan's latest work. 'Tempest' has onlyMuch acclaimed by the critics and topping the charts all over the world, I was expecting a lot of Bob Dylan's latest work. 'Tempest' has only got 10 songs, but lasts more than one hour as a whole. The thing he's doing here is versifying, actually. All of this 8 minute songs or so tell a long story, which is underlined with relaxing music. The problem is: the main riff stays the same in virtually all songs and that's bothersome. Musically it's relatively poor but the lyrics are pretty well, "Tin Angel" has the very best, I opine.
All in all, 'Tempest' is average, additionally getting a minus point because of his voice, which got worse and worse over the years.…Expand
Published: September 28, 2012Listen to the best albums released over the past month, including new releases from Grizzly Bear, Bob Dylan, Amanda Palmer, and more.