Review of Bob Dylan's "Saved" album (1980)

[@noahsmith1726]

Watching these all in order, favorite series on KZbin. Thanks for doing them.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks, Noah.

[@kurt8matthew]

WOW you nailed the review, I too LOVE this Album, you could have gone on for another 20 minutes I still would've watched! You did a GREAT job, I look forward to "Shot Of Love".

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks, Kurt. Yes it boggles my mind as to why this album is almost constantly brushed off as a weak or insignificant album. The OPPOSITE is true. Thanks again.

[@CalicoSilver]

Just a heads up: I have never deemed Shot of Love to be as good as Saved.....but I still rank it as one of my top 5 favorite albums of 1981.

[@austinkearney9965]

Saved is in my top 5 dylan albums. I love how many tracks start slow and then build with energy. Also, the title track always makes me dance.

[@CalicoSilver]

So true, Austin! Such a soulful, powerful album that gets so little appreciation, even from Dylan fans. It remains a mystery to me.....

[@tomtrapmore3993]

Completely agree this album is very underrated, a lot of dylan fans seem to dismiss the religious albums. I really don’t understand why it’s such a soulful well written album. I put this quite high in my top dylan albums. Even if you don’t have any religious beliefs just listen to the passion dylan puts into these songs and enjoy the great lyrics. All your dylan reviews are great 👍

[@CalicoSilver]

So true, Tom!! The passion and sincerity just oozes from this album, and the soul in the music and performances.....I am so happy to hear from folks who appreciate this album as much as I do - for many years I hardly ever ran into fans like you. Thanks. Jeff

[@MaryRoot-dd8xx]

What Can I Do For You, yes the harmonica is beyond beautiful on this

[@Daint_Savid]

This album has touched me, huge Bob Dylan fan. Currently listening to his entire discography and I still keep playing this album every day 2 weeks after I've discovered it.

[@CalicoSilver]

A passionate and powerful album of thankfulness and humbleness. A very very rare thing in this world. I absolutely love this album too, Patrick. Thanks for commenting. Jeff

[@TomCwimpRock]

Wow! great review, you really do a nice job on these.. I stayed away from this album for about ten years after it came out, in large part because the reviews of it at the time were so scathing. Most reviewers, when they review Bob Dylan records, focus almost exclusively on the lyrics - in this video, I really appreciated the way that you emphasized the musical excellence of the songs and performances, in addition to the words. I was really glad that you pointed out Bob’s harmonica solo at the end of “What Can I Do For You”, which I’ve always considered to be a highlight.. I’ve always loved the way the album begins with the brief interpretation of “Satisfied Mind” - (a favorite country/gospel song of mine, particularly the hit version by Porter Wagoner), segueing into “Saved” - I could really see Elvis doing this, if he were alive in 1980, but Dylan and company do It really well. I don’t think that I like this album as much as the other two of from the.christian trilogy, but it’s much better than its reputation.. Take care..’

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks for the kind words, Thomas. Haha, I used to watch the Porter Wagoner Show on TV with my dad back in the day. And the Arthur Smith show, Johnny Cash show, Glen Campbell show, Hee Haw (haha!), all those great country music shows of the time. I'm quite sure watching those shows informed my interest in music that has a country-roots component. Yeah, you make a good point, Thomas, regarding the Elvis thing - Dylan DID seem to be very influenced by Elvis at this time (and other times), and yes I can definitely see Elvis doing the SatisfiedMind-Saved segueway thing live. Good call. Thanks again for your kind and interesting comments.

[@mpmternst]

I love this album. Thank you so much for your thoughtful and thorough review. As I wrote on the other channel, Saving Grace is my favorite song on the album. It's interesting to me that it is your least favorite. I suppose that is some kind of evidence that ALL of the songs are great here. I've heard Pressing On covered by several gospel groups.

[@CalicoSilver]

Yeah, sorry about that. I love "Saving Grace" also, don't get me wrong.....but when I say it is my "least favorite" on the album, it just means that I can't seem to recall what it sounds like until I hear it - it is not as instantly memorable to my ears as the rest of the album. But it is still a fantastic song among fantastic songs on a fantastic album. Thanks for your comment!

[@bradleyhohner8775]

I'm enjoying your insightful review before I even hear this album for the first time. I love Bob Dylan and I love the Lord, so I'm really looking forward to this. Thanks for the great appetizer.

[@CalicoSilver]

Oh yeah, you're gonna love this album. It is full of passionate GRATITUDE. If you like soulful gospel music, it doesn't get much better than this, IMO.

[@johnheaton5667]

So happy to see this review.....thank you!!

[@CalicoSilver]

Thank you, John. I am glad you have found my Dylan reviews because I know that you are also a Dylan enthusiast. I started this channel a few years ago for the primary purpose of reviewing all of the Dylan albums, and one of my biggest influences in doing so was you and your channel, which I have enjoyed for years. So thanks to you, John. Cheers. Jeff

[@johnheaton5667]

Gorgeous review of a GREAT album Jeff :- )

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks, John. I watched your recent video about this album also, and enjoyed it. It is nice to see others who recognize just how passionate and soulful this album is. Cheers. Jeff

[@JamesParkour731]

Hi, i'm really enjoying your channel and review series. I'm going to give this one another listen. I remember saying I enjoy it performance and lyrics wise. Musically not as much as 'Slow Train Coming' but I admit I haven't given this album as much attention.

[@CalicoSilver]

I think some people just can't get over the brazen evangelical nature of the lyrics, perhaps, or they just don't care for gospel soul music in general. But I hear mostly a genuine and humble thankfulness in the lyrics.....and regardless of the listener's opinions about the subject matter, the sincerity and passion is potent here. Or, it could just be that the album is just not for everyone, musically. But performance-wise, I cannot fathom any serious criticism there. It astonishes me that this album gets the same rating on rateyourmusic as the 1973 "Dylan" album. Haha!

[@arthurlfox610]

Great commentary. A favorite of mine. Expresses my deep beliefs in such powerful words. And the music takes me there.

[@CalicoSilver]

Indeed, Arthur. Great album, very underappreciated. Jeff

[@Mythologos]

Saved always blew me away, I've always liked it better than Slow Train. I was an atheist for 20 years and I still loved this album. It's just a great record with a beautiful sound and amazing songs.

[@CalicoSilver]

YES!! It is a whole 'nother thing than Slow Train. Much more soulful, passionate, and one of my favorites also. I rarely listen to Slow Train, but listen to Saved quite often. Jeff

[@misterjones2u]

Agreed, I love this album, it is one of his materpeices

[@CalicoSilver]

Indeed, Steve! Thanks. Jeff

[@johnheaton5667]

yes! i know i commented before but yes! great album

[@slumdogjay]

It’s a great album. Very powerful performances. I’m an Atheist and it almost converted me lol 😁. It has the edge on Slow Train for me too because of the rawer production. Love ST too but it does sound more polished. I like raw Bob.

[@CalicoSilver]

I've had my multiple theist and atheist phases too, Jay. Basically I just take things as they come. I figure we'll all find out one day.....or not. Ha! Yeah, Slow Train always sounded too Knopfler-ish and polished for my personal taste, but I do admit it is a great album.....but I prefer this raw one better!

[@svenknutsen8937]

Love this album, always have! "A Satisfied Mind" and "Saved" are Dylan's best album openers ever.

[@CalicoSilver]

Yes sir!! I agree wholeheartedly. Thanks. Jeff

[@johnjumper7066]

Bob Dylan said of all of his many albums Shot of Love was his very best work. His spiritual life was at a high and clarity, his performance and writing were at its best, and he said his band was great.

[@CalicoSilver]

I like your comment about how his spiritual life had clarity at this point, which I think is spot on, yes.

[@institutfurtiefenwahrheit]

I absolutely agree with you! In fact, it's my favourit album at all, it has such an importance and significance to me... I covered Covenant Woman in German language with Dylan's agreement.

[@CalicoSilver]

"What Can I Do For You" brings me to tears every time I hear it. And the other songs are just about as powerful, I agree 100%. Thank you for taking the time to post your comment. Cheers. Jeff

[@institutfurtiefenwahrheit]

@@CalicoSilver Yes, me too! "What Can I Do For You" is my second favourite after Covenant Woman. Best wishes!

[@institutfurtiefenwahrheit]

@@CalicoSilver Post scriptum: I totally agree with you in this point, too: One does not have to be religious (indeed, I am not) to be very deeply touched by this incredible album. I like very much your words and the way you speak about it.

[@hansvanbrackle2040]

I just recently discovered your site and I really enjoy your reviews. I will admit I have never liked "Saved"in the past, but your review prompted me to revisit it recently. OK, it is not as bad as I remember, but still I consider it one of the lesser Dylan albums. Musically it is fine, prime Dylan. But I find the lyrics a bit obtuse (and I am Christian). The arrangements seem a little cluttered and under rehearsed to my ear. But the thing I CANNOT get beyond are the god-awful gospel background vocals on every track!! You have said you have low tolerance for saxophone, well I have low tolerance for gospel background vocals! I am glad I gave this album another chance and I do appreciate it more now, but I can't agree with your glowing assessment. (I do like Shot of Love quite a bit, especially Every Grain of Sand...you got that right!)

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks for your comment, Hans. I’ve always loved soulful gospel music with the backing singers, so this record is right down my alley. But we’re all different. Thanks again for taking the time to comment. Cheers. Jeff

[@trannongoble7722]

I am not religious at all, but I really enjoy some of the gospel sounds. Especially the soulful stuff. Not like Contemporary Christian crap, but the old school stuff. Hymns are some of the more complex vocal arrangements and I also enjoy the sort of barber shop quartet gospel stuff as well.

[@CalicoSilver]

Hi Trannon. I hear ya. To my ears, a lot of "contemp christian" music is along the same lines as "smooth jazz".....i.e., it seems to be a watering down (or sugar-coating) of an existing solid genre (jazz, rock, folk, etc.) into something that I can't get into personally. But yeah, I love genuine gospel-soul and hymns (I LOVE hymns) and carols and barber shop and all kinds of traditional music. Thanks for your comment!

[@knotwilg3596]

For a fellow musician it really helps that your reviews talk about chords, keys or aspects of tempo, besides lyrics. You must have created some music yourself. I like this album much more than slow train coming. Not only did that indeed "suffer" from Knopflers distracting distinctive playing (fellow fan of Knopfler's sound!) but it was about the first time Dylan allowed the producer to do a "modern" layered production, rhythm section first, voice nex, then embellishments. Dylan had thrived (like many!) on the live way of recording, where he inspired the musicians with his unorthodox chants, while the musicians kept him rooted. My impression is that on Saved he went back to the live mode, to rehabilitating effect. Slow train coming sounds dull to me, even if beautiful. But the biggest difference is coming from the songs themselves. Lyrically one might be put off by the more straightforward, almost naive devotion, but the compositions are much better. "Solid Rock" is my favorite, with that variation on the Bo Diddley beat, In the Garden and Are you Ready, two other tracks I remember liking and there are more. Good to see there are other people who can appreciate this album and your 360° review was a real treat.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks. Yes, I do enjoy this album much more than Slow Train (which I can barely listen to). And yes I have been a musician (even a full-time performing music for several years in the '90s). I have a playlist on my channel with some of my solo guitar music if you are interested. But you might not like it. Haha!

[@grungil7570]

im just a casual Dylan fan. But i believe Saved is one of his best albums.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thank you for commenting! So glad to hear from people who appreciate this great album. Cheers! Jeff

[@rocky-o]

loved his 'trilogy' and this one i thought was his most confident...anyone who is a dylan fan though has to realize that all of his albums contain biblical references...from freewheelin' to rough and rowdy ways, there isn't one slab of vinyl of his that doesn't refer to something spiritual...jokerman, masters of war, shelter from the storm, etc...it's always been there and always will be...great stuff jeff...peace....rocky

[@CalicoSilver]

Yep, I agree, the best of the "trilogy". And yes, Dylan has had biblical references all the way back to before he even recorded his first album even.

[@adriangazzo4858]

Do you prefer the sound of the remastered version (complete album collection) or the old columbia cd?

[@CalicoSilver]

I hate to admit it, but I honestly can't remember! I know that I LOVE listening to the remastered version and always marvel at its sound, but I honestly don't remember what my first CD of Saved sounded like in comparison. Even though I may have shown what appeared to be the old CD in this video, it was actually a printout of the old cover to show how it differed from the original cover.....I no longer have my old CD. What do you think of the two versions? Which is better sounding?

[@adriangazzo4858]

@@CalicoSilver The old columbia cd sounds great and closer to my 1980 Lp. The complete album collection is compressed (but sounds very good). My favorite analog version is the original lp, and secondly the old columbia cd, wich I have the european version made in Austria with the original cover art. It's a beautiful album from start to finish. Perhaps the perfect ending would have been with the song "Saving Grace". I really like "Are you ready?". I just feel like the album would have had another impact by ending with "Saving Grace"... but that is just my opinion. Greetings from Argentina, Buenos Aires.

[@CalicoSilver]

@@adriangazzo4858 Wow, thanks for your detailed response, Adrian. I am not an audiophile, and by the time I got around to buying Dylan's '80s albums they were all on CD, so I know nothing about the relative quality of vinyl, CD, etc.. But I do enjoy people talking about such things. Thanks! And yes, I think Saving Grace would have been a perfect ending to the album. Are You Ready never seemed like an ending song to me either. Jeff

[@patrickdelaney2299]

Spirit voice of Mussel Shoals

[@11OAK11]

Great album even if you're not a Christian. Great playing...Keltner really stands out.

[@CalicoSilver]

I agree wholeheartedly, Devin. Love Jim Keltner.

[@shaunmaloney5415]

I wanna let go but I can't let go Amen 🙏 🇬🇧

[@CalicoSilver]

Yes sir!! (I think it is "I won't let go and I can't let go", but the point is still made, either way). Thanks, Shaun! Jeff

[@shaunmaloney5415]

Yeah makes sense Jeff should of looked it up in my Dylan lyric book but still it rocks 🇬🇧

[@thetrevorosborne]

I must admit to not liking it at the time but have come to see its merits appreciating songs like "Pressing On" "Saving Grace" and the title track. The only track im not too keen on is "Solid Rock^ while "What Can I do For You" sounded much better live vocally Its a album that ive grown to like more as ive got older. good review as always jeff

[@CalicoSilver]

I didn't like it as much when I first hear it either, but I always liked it better than Slow Train, and Saved has become one of my favorite '80s Dylan albums over time. Yes, he was great live during this time, I agree. Thanks.

[@maggiebryan2355]

I am not really very religious but love his religious alboums I don't know why they get dismissed

[@CalicoSilver]

I feel the same way, Maggie.

[@RocketKirchner]

Dylan had the song ''Gospel Plow '' on his first record . i talked to friends of mine that were mad at the record SAVED . i said '' Bob has done records with lots of gospel music in it in the past ''. they said '' Yeah well , this time he really means it ''. my response -- since when does heartfelt and sincerity disqualify music ?

[@CalicoSilver]

Right on!! Dylan is one of the most, if not THE most, consistent artists of our lifetime. Yeah, he "contains multitudes" and he's a "man of contradictions" and all that, like we all are, but one consistent thread I've seen in just about his entire output is his reference to spiritual/Biblical topics. Thanks for your comment. Jeff

[@arthurlfox610]

How could you find fault. But there are many that do.

[@evansclan4eva49]

I don’t believe that Dylan has ever again matched the passion he brought to this era of his artistry. The holy trinity are my personal favs. I think Shot of Love is greatly underrated too. Some think that Infidels is also a faith album. That maybe. But, and I know this isn’t a popular view, I think Infidels is slightly overrated. Saved is Dylan’s best 80’s album.

[@CalicoSilver]

I would not argue with you there at all. Saved moves me very very much, and I agree with you that Dylan's passion, humility, thankfulness, and joy just POURS out of that album!! (and yes, Infidels is an album about faith, but about the fragility of faith, and not only spiritual faith but also faith in leaders, mentors, etc., that can easily be challgned or even lost.....hence the title "Infidels"......i.e., the album is about not putting faith in MEN). Thanks for your great comment.

[@davidquinn9476]

An awesome album

[@CalicoSilver]

Indeed it is, and it gets better through the years! Thanks for your comment, David. Cheers. Jeff

[@knockedoutloaded279]

Hi.. Have you heard the remastered version.. Its supposed to sound amazing...

[@CalicoSilver]

Has there been a version that was remastered after the Complete Albums box set was released? I assumed that that was the most recent remaster.....and it does sound fantastic, yes.

[@knockedoutloaded279]

@@CalicoSilver not sure..I will buy the boxset 1 day..I like empire and kol..they were the first Bob albums I heard.liked..do they sound better remastered..I like a lot of songs on them albums..I first saw Bob with tom petty in 1987..have you heard after the Empire bootleg it's great.. or Hearts of fire soundtrack..a long review of hard to handle would be amazing..ps band of the hand is a great song....ps..I have KOL image on a t shirt haha..j i

[@CalicoSilver]

@@knockedoutloaded279 I really like that KOL cover - I'll bet that shirt gets some comments now and then (if you wear it in public). Only a TRUE Dylan fan would wear that shirt! ;-)

[@brandiepowell7774]

The gospel era isn't my favorite Dylan period by any stretch of the imagination, but I do feel that his performances on these albums are his best of the eighties (with certain exceptions). I think a lot of people are bothered by what they see as a dichotomy between the anti-establishment lyrics from his earlier works and the sort of conservative aspects of religion. Frankly, I don't think there is an opposition between these songs and his earlier ideals. People just wanted him to validate their own beliefs, and he wasn't doing this. Anyway, he always had biblical elements in his lyrics. If they didn't realize this, I'm not sure if they had the right to judge his output in the first place. "Don't criticize what you don't understand." lol

[@CalicoSilver]

He always seemed to have a deep faith in God but not so much in institutions run by men, including religious institutions.

[@knockedoutloaded279]

Maybe you could review hearts of fire soundtrack... A forgotten album.. But official..

[@CalicoSilver]

I don't even have that soundtrack, Jason. But eventually I may check it out.