Essential Bob Dylan: Introducing Round 2, Summarizing Round 1

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If Sony record executives asked me to put together a list of 21 essential Bob Dylan songs, the list I'd provide them would be the one below. These songs, taken in chronological order, offer the best representation of Bob Dylan's career. I've reviewed each one of these songs, which you'll be able to find by clicking on the "Bob Dylan"label on the bottom of this post.

However, a quick scan of my essential list reveals some gaping holes: where is Hurricane? Like a Rolling Stone? How about the show mule ride through the mountains by way of Boston Highlands? Like Mohammed Ali probably said at some point, it's time for round 2!


1. One too Many Mornings                                          
2. Girl From the North Country
3. It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
4. Just Like Tom Thumb Blues
5. Visions of Johanna
6. I Threw it All Away
7. If Not For You
8. Simple Twist of Fate
9. Abandoned Love
10. Slow Train
11. What Can I do for You?
12. Caribbean Wind
13. Blind Willie McTell
14. Sweetheart Like You
15. Tight Connection to my Heart
16. Tangled Up in Blue (Real Live)
17. Most of the Time (acoustic)
18. Not Dark Yet
19. Things Have Changed
20. Mississippi
21. Pay in Blood

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