Slow Train Coming: The Start of the Christian Trilogy | Discovering Bob Dylan, Ep. 20

It's the beginning of Bob Dylan's controversial Christian period. Slow Train Coming is the first of three records known as The Christian Trilogy. In 1979, Dylan becomes a fundamentalist Christian, hires Jerry Wexler and Mark Knopfler and doesn't miss a beat. Critics didn't seem to mind Bob's conversion and the people ate it up, giving him another platinum record for his troubles.
So far so good for the Christian Bob Dylan.
But is this the end of the line for Bob Dylan? Will he keep chugging on into the 80s or will his new found religion derail his career?
More importantly, did Joe like this album? Does Dylan? How about the Canadian Studmuffin Larry Graves? Jason Reis? Ryan Kramzer?
All will be revealed.

[@MikeVernonProd]

I am very much looking forward to your video on Saved. That album means a lot to me as it helped me to discover my faith in God. I listened to it at a time in life where I needed to hear what Bob was singing. It is my favourite of the Born Again trilogy. From a musical standpoint I really love the live in the studio sound of Saved and I think out of all three albums it captures some of Bob’s most passionate vocal performances. I honestly don’t know why the album is disliked as much as it is because it has so many beautiful songs, most especially ‘Covenant Woman’ ‘What Can I Do For You’ and ‘Pressing On’.

[@Burtshulman]

I remember when this one came out. I was shocked and as disgusted as anyone about the conversion. Felt betrayed -- all the things Bob fans have felt over and over: when he stopped writing "message" songs (transition to Another Side), when he went electric, when he stopped doing concerts, when he put out Self Portrait, when he did his Elvis-y Street Legal tour, when he started deliberately doing his greatest songs in unrecognizable ways during concerts, and yeah when he got saved. I loved his work so much -- relied on it so much -- and it seemed to me he'd lost his way, capitulated to all the things he'd once deconstructed. I was 22, lost myself, and it depressed, angered and even frightened me. And, as with all the other "betrayals," I was wrong. Thing is, Bob doesn't do half-way. When he felt the power of Jesus, he went all-in. And so it is with every phase he's gone through -- so if you love what he just did, you really get thrown when he starts doing something wildly unexpected. From this perspective, looking back at his mindblowing 60-year path as an artist, nearly everything he's done he's done with passion and conviction. There's brilliance all the way through, but more than that, there's hunger and flatout guts. He's always growing in some direction that isn't always clear to us -- or him, I suspect.

[@TastesLikeMusic]

I can see why people would hate him though, right? Almost every single thing he ever did could have been better if he wasn’t so obtuse about it. - Joe

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thank you Joe and Dylan for the kind words. ❤ Yes, this is one of my all time favorite albums. I have played it 100's of times. I am not religious at all but spiritual for sure, so this album has helped me through the years. I won't give away Joe's opinion but overall I was happy with the reviews. I agree that Mark Knofler's guitar work is top notch, and Bob's vocals are also.

[@dylanseveymusic]

Much love, Larry!

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Big fan of your channel, Larry! Keep Rocking!! ✌️♥️🍏

[@canadianstudmuffin]

@@rodneygriffin7666 Thank you!

[@edwardmeradith2419]

Larry! You’re a Master of high quality entertainment and I love it that you’re acknowledged here - I’d just listened to your favorite DI discs and share your love and taste to a remarkable degree. Love you Larry!

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

Thank you very much! ​@@edwardmeradith2419

[@SamNitzberg]

You guys have no idea how upsetting this album was when it came out. For almost 20 years he'd been searching for answers, and we were along for the ride, and this was his answer??? Jesus?? And preachy, to boot. What was more upsetting was that it was his best-sounding record ever, up to that point.

[@edwardmeradith2419]

I remember that the preachy aspect was truly disappointing- for a man who could embrace and express such a free spirit- ‘yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free’ to become so certain and so small? Goodbye nuance, hello ‘either/or’ it WAS rough but …ultimately kind of beautiful, because he kept on going. He got thru it; he must have needed it at the time. And by the time of the Infidels sessions he’d integrated some of the Christian rhetoric back into a tapestry that was more inviting imho 🤔😘

[@MarkusKamau]

The faithful followed Dylan through his growth and conversions. His emergence as a Guthrie jukebox and folk troubadour. When he told us to reject war, embrace change. The mercury electric sound and amphetamine-fueled hedonism, the in-your-face sneering attitude of his rockstardom. When he rejected the Voice of the Generation mantle. The stripped down hiding out in upstate woods with The Band and his family. When he rejected overblown production and got back to Americana basics. The Nashville embrace of Johnny Cash and pedal steel guitar. The lyrical capture of a collapsing marriage, cocaine-fueled 70's tours and face make-up. We loved him up to that point because of the revolutionary changes and we even were willing to listen to the religiosity and slick gospel of Slow Train Coming. It wasn't the album that we pushed back against. It was the evangelical absolutism of his conversion. How could this man -- whose life lessons were about rejection of ALL authority -- be telling us that Jesus had come to him and that now the only answer for us poor rock fans was to go to church and kneel down? It was too much. Given the choice between emerging Christian shlock-rock and the passageways that punk opened up, I did not buy Dylan's new sincerity and hoped that he would come around. He would, eventually. Enjoy Saved.

[@MikeVernonProd]

I think Slow Train Coming is an amazing album. It isn’t my personal favourite but I find it to me one of his most easily accessible and one that I easily recommend to friends who are unfamiliar with his music For my money, it is his most well produced album, period. Side one is about a perfect a side of vinyl in Bob’s entire catalogue. I love all four songs. It’s crazy to me that ‘Precious Angel’ is over six minutes long when it feels like that song just breezes by. Incredible lyrics, heartfelt vocals, and a soaring performance from Mark Knopfler on guitar. I agree with Joe it is my favourite, followed closely by Slow Train, the title track. You wanna talk about protest songs? Slow Train might be Bob’s very best, and it’s even better live when Jim Keltner cranks up the tempo and turns it into a full out rocker. Joe simply MUST check out the 1981 live performance of Slow Train from the Trouble No More bootleg series! I agree that Side two is definitely weaker, but I still enjoy it a lot, especially “When You Gonna Wake Up” where Bob trashes both Karl Marx and Henry Kissinger! Of course “When He Returns” is such a moving finale, I can’t think of a better way to end the album and it’s definitely a highlight of the entire Born Again period. I have to give Slow Train Coming 4 and 1/2 stars, the highs are some of the greatest in Bob’s entire catalogue. Only held back by a few weaker tracks on side two.

[@davidgagen9856]

Great sounding album, dylan in fine voice, great production, amazing lyrics in some of the songs, bit preachy but hey gospel music has a long tradition. Live shows of many of these songs are amongst the best he ever did. 4 stars just.

[@GlenRunciter-vq8de]

I think the Bootleg Series volume on this period helped put this period in a better light, and leaving out his in concert “sermons” was a wise decision

[@user-hr4lq8ue8j]

Joe my brother, my unmet brother, Dylan motivated me to share this hope this message of Redemption, Forgiveness and Salvation. I wish there were a more direct personal way to text but this will be fine. I’ve tried all the fashionable approaches, Vanity, Materialism, Pretense, even faux Sophistication they all left me desperately wanting. If a child particularly an infant is subjected to the worst situations in their critical maturation then if they’re lucky they spend the rest of their life in therapy trying to mend the terrible experiences yet here I AM! I didn’t know you were Married with Children sure your union is quite different than the 90’s Sit Com😂 You see Joe when you LIVE your FAITH your ultimate Shepherd Father & Son are guiding directing each step. One’s Faith Hope must be STRONG and through this mysterious and divine journey the hard questions in Life are found actually solved. The Beatles told us long ago “ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE” for the nature of Love is divine and wise. As sophisticated styled as Cake is they’re definitely wrong we are NOT ALL ALONE! You see Joe we are ALL BOTHERS & SISTERS you can believe in the Teachings of Christ or Anthropologists who tell us the first woman on the Earth was from Northern Africa and we all came from her so we truly are Brothers & Sisters and when we learn that priceless lesson we will get back at the Garden You so smart my Man, talented with your complete understanding of Pop music and Pop culture and your a musician an accomplished one no doubt but even more critical I’m sure your a loving wonderful Father and Husband. Something about your specific character make up, I saw it All Along and became somewhat enamored of you. Bob Dylan and Jesus Christ would want me to spread the beautiful message of Hope Love & Charity so here it is my Man with the best intentions for the Brother one day I hope to meet, I Love you my Man but there is One who is Divine All knowing All seeing Jesus Christ and HE LOVES YOU!! This World with All its troubles Wars Pain Sadness and yes Hope & Love, this World is only a Dress Rehearsal for your Divine Immortal Soul my Man, my prayer for you and ALL is to find Love the Miracle of Forgiveness Redemption and Salvation it’s the most precious beautiful story I know! Take care my Brother

[@captainsatellite2112]

I saw a show on this tour shortly after the album was released. Thought it was great and have seen Dylan several times since then, including last year. Love Serve Somebody and Every Grain of Sand.

[@7msch]

Great episode! Widely agree with Dylan this time, except I even like Man Gave Names😅 Looking forward to the 80s!

[@Svein-Frode]

While I'm not a fan of the religious theme of the album, I think it's great musically and among Dylan's best. In fact, I love all of the Christian Trilogy" albums.

[@StevenMichals0812]

I was 19 in 79, and I remember listening to this album, thinking through it and listening to it over and over again. It was such a shock to hear this kind of thing from anyone, especially from Dylan. I was never religious, but I always felt like I was searching for the answers to religious questions, and this album helped me find a few answers.

[@Vanessa.P]

I did expect that Joe might like this one a little bit more but at the same time I felt like just about anything could happen. Next episode should be interesting! I like Slow Train Coming a lot and it's one that has really grown on me over time. I'm not really religious but like you guys said I am not offended by religious lyrics, I look at music with Christian (or religious) themes like I would any other music. I just really like the songs on this album and I enjoy Mark Knopfler's contributions. I hope people stay tuned throughout the 80s, definitely a lot of fun discussions coming up, I think!

[@terrybnad2959]

Another fascinating episode, my comments are a bit late but for what it's worth Dylan's reputation bombed here in the UK with the release of the "Gospel Trilogy". SLC was WTF and critically and commercially it only got worse. While not remotely religious myself, I do have a lot of respect for the sheer conviction behind these albums, and as a fan, it is one of the most gob-smacking but intriguing chapters in Dylan's career. His stance on STC is uncompromising and stern, a bit like The Times They Are A-Changin' and 40+ years on, it's an album that fascinates and even excites, without being wholly relatable to non-believers like me 😂. Looking forward to Saved already 🙏 😂

[@GarthMcCook]

Really enjoying the series. I'm a big Dylan fan, have been flabbergasted a few times by Joe's reactions, but he was pretty much spot on with this one. There are 3 or 4 really good songs, particularly Precious Angel, I Believe In You and even more so, When He Returns, which is one of his best songs and vocal performance. As an album, nowhere near as good as Street Legal and the end of the 70's going into the very patchy 1980's, where there was some incredible highs but also some deadly lows.

[@jamesegan2742]

Was really looking forward to this episode! I think this is a very strong album, and what makes it so, IMO, is the conviction behind Dylan’s songs, singing and overall performance…he really believes in what he is doing, what he is offering, what his passion is. This whole series has been revelatory for me (a huge Dylan fan), in that what distinguishes one album from another in his catalogue is Bob’s conviction/belief/passion in a specific album. When he is passionate, it really comes through, and it does in this one. The later 80 albums where more contractual obligation albums, or so it seemed…but here he believes, no pun intended, and that fact, more than Knopfler or the producers, make STC great. Some of the performances, especially When He Returns, I Believe in You, and the title track…fantastic. Loved and respected the album from the get go…and respected his bravery and personal commitment that stands behind this album. Great discussion and interaction as always. Thx guys. Cheers, JPE

[@179rich]

Hey James! Glad you enjoy the album. Hope to see you at the next Zoom meeting!

[@dylanseveymusic]

Always appreciate your responses, James!

[@jamesegan2742]

@@179rich thank you Rich! Cheers and connect soon! JPE

[@mejbarron]

I love you two guys. Joe smiles much more and shows more confidence on the last 2 albums. I learn so much from Dylan's wide and deep knowledge of Bob. My three favorite songs from Slow train - Gotta Serve Somebody The best version for me will always be: "Bob Dylan - Gotta Serve Somebody" 372K views 6 years ago Keltner, Clydie and everybody. Not even medication can make Bob float away for long. I have never experience another case of Bob blowing a lyric. - Precious Angel - Man Gave Names to all the Animals Bob explores all things human; men, women, boys and girls. This song always brings back the joy on the face of my grandson dancing and shaking his booty. It Bob's children's song the same way that Under the Red Sky is his fairy tale.

[@floydshambles]

ain't got no religion, but i love this album.

[@ImNobody487]

"""Slow Train Coming" was among the first five or six Bob Dylan albums I've ever heard." Same. Although that's because it, "Highway 61 Revisited", "Desire" and "Street Legal" were the ones dad had on vinyl. Although he had every non-covers or Xmas album he made *Time Out Of Mind* onward on CD. Shame he didn't make it to hear *Rough and Rowdy Ways* as he would've loved it.

[@davidellis5141]

This is a very fine album & is one of his most underrated. The first time I saw him live was at The Fabulous Forum in Inglewood California touring in support of this & it was great !

[@kusamarampling]

Its interesting to listen to John Lennon's response to this album. He recored a crude, rough song called 'You Gotta Serve Yourself". Well worth a listen

[@jasonardler8373]

I was 10 y.o when this album came out. It was my introduction to Dylan and the reason I’m a fan today. It’s a long way from his best, but it has enough good songs to remain a sentimental favourite.

[@thetrevorosborne]

I agree with you guys I feel that side 2 dips with only WHEN HE RETURNS standing out. Again songs that were recorded at the sessions such as TROUBLE IN MIND (b side of single) and AINT NO MAN RIGHTEOUS (later released on a bootleg series release) could have made it far more consistent album. Overall his most polished slick sounding album but without enough strong material to push it up to the top echelons in his body of work. Im with you Joe its a real dip from Street Legal (1999 remix)

[@michaellord9745]

One of my favorite Bob Dylan albums, and the very first Bob Dylan album I purchased new when I was 18 in 1979. In my Zimmy Top 10 list. Saved was a let down after Slow Train but I think that Shot of Love was a nice bounce back.

[@mejbarron]

Dylan and Joe, hope this speeds your work. Bob Dylan Full Discography (Chronological Order of Release) Kevin Kess 23 / 997

[@gamma5672]

Dylan hates on Man Gave Names to all the Animals but then is also willing to defend If Dogs Run Free? Blasphemy! Aside from that, great video guys and I am also eagerly awaiting to see what Joe thinks of Saved

[@dylanseveymusic]

Not even an argument for me. "If Dogs Run Free" is poetry. Disagreements aside, thanks for watching!

[@hazydavo]

Dylan my man don’t worry about the previous album comments etc…we luv you man!!

[@gregdale1066]

Great observation by Joe: “ a little judgy for someone who just found Jesus “ … let that be a lesson to anyone who has just found anything :)

[@GlenRunciter-vq8de]

Yeah. For a guy who was so skilled with religious imagery in his career, the hectoring lyrics on these albums occasionally veered into parody. He had such a good band to mask some of these issues

[@PabloReyesVelasco]

For very energetic versions of all these songs: Bootleg #13 🔥

[@juppa]

Hell yes! When You Gonna Wake Up for Drammenshallen is incredible! Slow Train from London is amazing as well.

[@michaelfendrich1864]

I converted to Christianity about the same time this album came out so I must admit, I have a soft spot in my heart and mind for this album. I would say to your audience that being a Christian doesn't mean you suck on lemons for the rest of your life but then this is an album review not religious studies. So I actually thought your review was fair and balanced. There are some very good songs on this album, Gotta Serve Somebody, Precious Angel, I Believe In You, the title track and When He Returns, a real stinker, Man Gave Names To All The Animals, excellent production and Knopfler's guitar work is almost perfect. To answer your question Joe, is Dylan the best CCM artist - why yes he is! But I must admit, after this one, Bob proceeded to put me to sleep until Oh Mercy came out. So there you are. Thanks for another good one. Absolutely loving this series. Just a thought. Maybe you two, along with Jason, could do a show or two on gospel and gospel's influence on the spectrum of rock and roll. You would have at least 1 view. One final thought: Truth is an arrow and the gate is narrow that it passes through He unleashed his power at an unknown hour that no one knew How long can I listen to the lies of prejudice How long can I stay drunk on fear out in the wilderness Can I cast it aside, all this loyalty and this pride Will I ever learn that there'll be no peace, that the war won't cease Until he returns

[@3bwana]

Took me years and two different copies to get into ‘Slow Train Coming’. Even my 2nd copy I had in a to sell section for a couple years when I finally decided to pull it out again and give it another spin or two to make a final decision before parting with it again. I’m a full on atheist for life so it may have been the Christian overtones or maybe just the sound of the songs and production itself but what can I say, after all those years of trying and many listens it finally stuck and struck a chord. Went from being a Dylan album that I had an aversion to to becoming a top ten Dylan album for me…it may have taken thirty years and many attempts but it finally took hold with last couple tunes in side b really making the strongest impact in the end for me…it has become an underrated gem in the Dylan oeuvre for me all these years later

[@matm4331]

Good discussion guys...thanks. I never really thought of the album as "preaching". Becoming a new Christian is thrilling and euphoric. I always thought Bob felt that way and wanted everyone to feel what he felt. In the end, the music is solid and Knopfler is a highlight. The Bootleg series from this period has some more prominent Knopler versions of some of these Slow Train songs to scratch Joe's itch...

[@StephenVallely-uw3nh]

Great album. It has to be rated as a 10 for me. He is seen wearing the cross around his neck late into the 1978 tour following the incidient in San Diego. The first song performed live from the album, Do Right To Me Baby (Do Unto Others), was at the last show of the 1978 tour.

[@ericp3933]

Recently listened to this album and it’s great especially Precious Angel

[@user-hr4lq8ue8j]

While only acquainted with BD’s most popular music I have always appreciated his indisputable lyrical genius. While “Serve Somebody” was attacked it’s UNDENIABLE, Best singers in Pop came from Gospel choirs

[@spencerdobkin9479]

He was actually starting to get more religious before this when he went to the Western Wall I think in the early 70s? The next one - Saved is of my favorite Dylan albums. Interested on thoughts from both of you.

[@hazydavo]

Best series on YT rn 🤘

[@jtm7336]

I am a Dylan fan because of this album!

[@frangarcia7774]

Looking forward to seeing what Joe thinks of this one

[@suartgilmour4540]

Thanks for the video! Makes me want to revisit STC, as I have always loved the opening 3 tracks, but maybe I don't fully appreciate the rest, particularly the title track and the closer - When He Returns. Even so, it has always been a 4 star album for me due to the strength of the first side, the overall production and guitar playing, and, of course, the lyrics. Stuart

[@scottybelle9]

I've come around on this album over the years. I Believe in You is my favorite track. It might be because of the passion that both of you mention. Gonna Change my Way of Thinking has definitely been improved with later interpretations, including his trememdous duet with Staples on the Gospel songs of Bob Dylan album. When you do Infidels, I think you should do an expanded show with the songs/takes left off the original album. That was a brilliant album that Dylan turned into a mediocre one.

[@Cpayne30]

I just discovered this record - really like it.

[@Yakaru1]

Two reasons why this album probably sold well in Europe (from an Australian-German). 1. They thought it's Dylan, Dylan is cool and liking him also means you're aligned with the good kind of American values. 2. They could listen to the music without bothering about any supposed significance his conversion (as Joe suggested).

[@davidbrett8525]

I am at 4 stars for this one. The only weak song is man gave names to all the animals. Onto the 80s which will be interesting, classic songs on albums that are definitely not classic (Brownsville girl, every gain of sand), albums that could have been classic with better song selection (infidels) and a late decade revival with oh mercy. Looking forward to hearing the discussions

[@djtforever1414]

Back in the pre-youtube '90s i would read about Dylan and this era without access to the album. I think people appreciated getting an album more then.

[@Skroskznik]

I completely agree with Joe preferring side 1 much over side 2

[@davidl570]

Might not be a very popular opinion, but I think this is the best album of his entire career...........................yes, I think it's even better than the great Blood On The Tracks and Desire. After this, it was pretty much hit and miss.

[@ShadowWolf602]

Are you guys going to do a top 70's Dylan songs, like you did for the 60's?

[@TastesLikeMusic]

Next episode. Get your lists ready.

[@Burtshulman]

And I love you guys, even when I disagree with you -- but I almost always find Dylan Sevey incredibly on-target. I see Bob as one of the great master innovators of English, and one of the great master innovator musicians / songwriters (combo of words+music) as well as a magical, unpredictable performer. He ain't perfect, but lay his masterpieces end-to-end and if you love writing and music and art you can only gasp and thank the cosmos that you've been alive while he has.

[@edwardmeradith2419]

I thought the production was much better on Slow Train, and actually pretty awful on Street Legal - and I think the the production (including knopler’s playing) helped make it sell. It is slick, but very clear and accessible.

[@IrishFootyVlogs]

Sinead O’Connors favourite Bob Dylan record. Agree with Mr.Sevey, Slow Train is my favourite song on the album followed by When He Returns Took me a few years as I feared tackling it 😂 As a non-believer in any religion but a huge Dylan fan. Don’t agree with the messages, but love Dylan’s passion here and the album flows well. I think the production of the album is better than Street Legal His live performances around this time were spectacular Dylan has always had interesting guitarists that could be a talking point at some point? Regarding Knopler, you can hear his influence more on Infidels The charm with Dylan is, more or less every album sounds different! Slow Train great production, but I generally prefer a rougher/rawer production it does flows as an album but for me Saved and Shot Of Love have more standout tracks Great series guys, watched all the videos 👊😮

[@user-oq4jx8mc6r]

I absolutely love Dylan’s vocals on this album. I wish he had used this vocal approach on Street Legal. I do think that Joe is correct about the sound. It’s just a little too slick.

[@chrisdelisle3954]

I like this record. I don’t “love it” love it. It’s not a 5-star record like a handful of others. But I think I rank it a little higher because the next 5 or 6 albums are SO NOT what you’re probably looking for. Keep your chin up, Joe. There is light coming out of this tunnel.

[@ihavenoquarrelwithyou3249]

As always a very interesting discussion. In many ways we are getting to the Bob period that is the most interesting. The classic Bob era has been so well trodden that it is harder to hear anything new. This period is a little less discussed, so lots of interesting insights and tangents. The best christian rock album? I would throw Violent Femmes - Hallowed Ground in the mix.

[@collectrify]

I like this version of Bob, but there is no way this is a better record than the darkly rich Street Legal, and doesn't come anywhere near Blood or Desire. Bob has always been a master of nuance, ambiguity, and subjectivity. You can see what you want to see in most of his songs. Whatever colors you have in your mind, he'll show them to you. With these, he forsakes complexity for stark black-and-whiteness. And while passionate in moments, he is also checked out in a way that will only get worse in the following years. The stumble at 1:30 in I Believe In You (which is still a beautiful song) is emblematic of the tossed-off feel of this record, especially side 2.

[@CoreyLeland]

If that profound Jesus encounter actually happened? I wonder why, years later, he told Ed Bradley on 60 minutes that he was fulfilling his contract with "the Commander" whom he made a bargain with for fame and money? Seems to me, if he had that close of a relationship with Jesus? He wouldn't still feel the need to honor that debt.

[@nicholasrosebush6182]

Man. You guys are gonna struggle through the 80’s until you hit Oh Mercy.

[@laurenyoung9334]

Disagree, I think one of Dylan's comments suggests a soft spot for something prior to that.

[@MikeVernonProd]

@@nicholasrosebush6182 Disagree Saved, Shot of Love, and Infidels are all fantastic records.

[@MartinLindnerDigital]

I just had become a real Dylan aficionado when he went Christian, and back then I had no interest in this at all. I was fully engaged with discovering the 60s back catalogue. I loved gospel from early on, ma father had records of mahalia jackson and sister rosetta tharpe, the real stuff, not self-aggrandizing evangelical born-again jesus-kitsch. 3 years later someone gave me the record, because she didn't like it and I was a fan, so I listened and liked it more than expected. (Saved is really bad.) i love the intensity of his singing I Believe in You, and the double coding of the lyrics. I like You Gotta Serve Somebody, the laconic, slightly aggressive pathos of the preacher, but the grammy live video is much more energetic. I'm not a fan of knopfler's trademark sound all over the record, everything sounds nice, but too tasteful.and clean for me. I really like Dylan's gospel voice. Actually I suspected that he probably had been converted more by the idea of getting a new voice and a new lyrical approach rather than by the Lord himself. The gospel live bootlegs and videos are very powerful, but large parts of Slow Train Coming are lukewarm and artistically not on par with his earlier catalogue.

[@waynekvetkosky2572]

I really enjoyed this album when it was first released; i didn't mind the Christianly trilogy. It certainly was better than other late 70s garbage like the Bee Gees renditions. John Wesley Harding was an epic performance along with All along the watchtower.

[@ykmgeedee]

The consensus is that Police influenced Rush to flirt with reggae, but actually it August 1979's Slow Train Coming that did that trick to Rush's January 1980 Permanent Waves. Amirite?

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

My take on Slow Train is that Side 1 is good (but not great) and Side 2 is a nothingburger. It's a 3 star album in my book.

[@seanjockel43]

When I first heard about this I had no interest in it because I am not religious. It was then pointed out that you can still enjoy good rock music even with a religious theme. Examples Spirit in the sky My sweet lord Presence of the lord. I gave it a listen and was knocked out When you gonna wake up is one of my favorite tracks by Bob. The only sing I didn't like was Man Gave Names To All the Animals. Making rhymes in modern English for an event that supposed l occurred ages ago in another language

[@collinmurr3207]

I was raised very Christian, and even when that was a big part of my life, I still hated almost all Christian music. I've tried with this album a few times, but it's really hard to get into. The groove of Gotta Serve Somebody is great, but the lyrics are rough (particularly that last verse). Precious Angel is absolutely gorgeous and easily the best song on the album. After that, it's all downhill for me. It's preachy and a lot of the arrangements run together, even with Mark Knopfler. I fully agree with Dylan that Man Gave Name to All the Animals is the worst song to date. It's just embarrassingly bad. Thankfully, in spite of the Christian era, we are moving into my favorite niche Dylan era: Early '80s outtakes.

[@IrishFootyVlogs]

Mr. Sevey yeah Dead Man Dead Man is terrible on Shot Of Love, what’s frustrating is, is that it’s a great song ruined by the reggae and production. Live versions are brilliant

[@Firefoxy-rz1nw]

For me, Saved is a pretty great album. It's Shot of Love that's the nadir.

[@MikeVernonProd]

@@Firefoxy-rz1nw and yet Shot of Love has Every Grain of Sand and Heart of Mine on it…

[@Firefoxy-rz1nw]

Fair point

[@PartTimeBuddhist]

"Man Gave Names to All the Animals" > "Like a Rolling Stone." Decide if I'm serious.

[@TastesLikeMusic]

Hopefully you’re not! - Joe

[@waynekvetkosky2572]

Is the outlaw John Wesley Hardin related to the song John Wesley Harding?

[@SpaceCattttt]

I know the answer but I'm not telling you. Use Google you lazy bum.

[@tommay631]

The answer is blowing in the wind.

[@mejbarron]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wesley_Harding_(disambiguation)

[@AegonCallery-ty6vy]

I tried to love this album many times but cannot. I somewhat like it. But there is no juice in the recording. I dont care about the religious aspect as long as the music is alive. I much prefer Saved, there is something happening there. STC is rather stale. After Street Legal a big come down. Something is not right bordering on depressing..

[@ThePrairieDawgs]

Saved is absolutely his most underrated album. And by the way I am a complete atheist. But Saved has such an incredible Gospel rock edge - his vocals are amazing on Saved. He's got a chilling energy - he means business. Yes it's deeply flawed like many of his records but in my opinion it has more balls than Slow Train. Listen to" A Satisfied Mind" and how it almost segues into the title track - man that is raw. Its got such a great live energy feel. Dont get me wrong, the album has a lit of problems. But it is not the shitshow that people say it is. Slow Train is ultimately the better album just on Side One alone. I think Side 2 let's it down after such a great Side one. But on the other hand, despite its strengths, the production is a little too slick in my opinion. Whe you listen to the first two songs on Saved its more real - you can feel the sweat of a church hall with no air conditioning! Trouble witb Saved is that the songwriting ( although not bad at all) is lacking a little. There is nothing particularly memorable from a songwriting point of view - Slow Train has the edge in that respect but please please please folks stop accepting the narrative- listen to Saved on its on terms. It's definitely more gospel than Slow Train and like i said I'm an atheist but I love gospel music. And I love Arethas gospel albums and I aint comparing by any stretch but I bet she would have dug what Bob was doing. He's got that real pissed-off preacher thing going on, on this album which in some ways is ironically a bit punk! It's subtle but it's absolutely there in places. Anyway I hope Joe listens to Saved with an open mind and witb the freshness and honesty he usually brings. Saved is not one of Dylans great albums by any stretch but its not even close to his worst. And considering how vilified it has been I think it is a strong contender for his most underrated. Yeah it's Christian rock, and it's lacking in the "classic" songwriting department that we've come to expect from most Dylan records but it's a performance album and, as such, its energy and conviction is undeniable. If you're a Dylan fan who has long since panned this album then implore you, listen again with fresh ears. If you hear half of what I hear then hopefully it will bump up a place or two on your list.

[@painless465]

STC has some really good songs( I believe in You and When you gonna wake up probably my two favorite) but it’s WAY to slick and overproduced. By default it’s probably my least favorite of the ‘70s for him outside Self Portrait, Pat Garrett and the shameful Dylan release in ‘73. However, it’s good and my second favorite of the trilogy( the next one is NOT my favorite one, and it is easily the most “ Christian “ of the 3) Dylan, as far as classic rockers struggling in the ‘80s, absolutely true except for one; LOU REED. His best albums were in the ‘80s( Blue Mask, Legendary Hearts, New Sensations and New York are all fire!). Great channel guys, keep it up!

[@xvx5872]

Sorry, this is neither here nor there, he he. But would you agree that the last great album ever made is Absent Lovers? By king crimson. Originally I said that tug of war is the last great album. But I forgot that there's two types of albums.

[@TastesLikeMusic]

Uhmmmmm no?

[@xvx5872]

@@TastesLikeMusic Ok then. By the way , I changed my mind on what the last great album is. Therefore , so far I changed my mind twice. I'll go ahead and say what it is pretty soon. I reckon this time I got it right.

[@robharrison8139]

It saddens me that I'll never know the name of the animal that slithered disappearing by a tree near the lake :(

[@dylanseveymusic]

😂

[@michaellord9745]

An otter, right? Or was it a beaver?

[@matthewashman1406]

Vineyard was not fire and brimstone 😮 by any means. Call it mature hippy😂 Christianity

[@maggiebryan2355]

Bob has always had relgen in his music i am not relgious but some of the songs are great songs

[@maggiebryan2355]

Relgion

[@frangarcia7774]

First!

[@SpaceCattttt]

Some decent tunes on this one.......and some atrocious lyrics. I've got to serve somebody? PFFT!! I'm my own boss, Bob. Just like you.

[@grunntalll]

i dont like it much either, some cool songs. but i much prefer shot of love

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Too slick, Too religious for me. He lost me in this trilogy. He will do better.

[@179rich]

Besides Christmas in the Heart, this is my lowest rated Bob album at 2 stars. I can tolerate religious lyrics to a degree, especially if they are more worshipful or pleading like on Saved. But here, there's a lot of preachy bullshit that really turns me off. Also, I find this to be Bob's worst vocal performance. There are times when he just can't handle the notes ("I Believe in You," "When He Returns" especially). I really dislike the vocals on "Precious Angel" as well. It sounds like self-parody, how he's sneering but the lines are serious. The lyrics are annoying too. He's got a persecution complex on "I Believe in You." "Man Gave Names to All the Animals" is kinda cute, but kinda annoying too. But I will give props to "Slow Train." That one's really groovy with some good guitar muscle. A 5-star song. There's a few other good songs, but overall, I find Slow Train Coming to be insufferable.

[@7msch]

Hi Rich😊I think one of Bob's great achievements is that he shows us time and again that we're all just wearing character masks and there is no szch thing as an essentialist "real identity". That for me is what makes him such an incredible artist, whenever you think you know who this guy Bob Dylan is, he has already moved to another place ("I'm not there, I'm gone"). This is why I could never be bothered or annoyed by his lyrical content, even if he plays a paranoid religious fundamentalist😅. I think he uses this persona to discover new artistic territory here, and he does it very convincingly imo.

[@179rich]

@@7msch Well, that's probably a better way to look at it.

[@AegonCallery-ty6vy]

I agree w everything. No joy ( as on Saved). Too serious and preachy. A real downer album.

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

Yeah, I'm not really a fan of this one, either. I think Side 1 is good (but not great) and Side 2 is straight up forgettable. I'd call it a 3 star album... maybe even a weak 3 stars.

[@1rwjwith]

First to note is that Dylan returned to Judaism by the mid 80’s I don’t know how devout he is but he definitely is Jewish now. I think this is a very good album especially musically. Another note is that the backing band is half of Dire Straits , Pick Withers the original drummer plays throughout and the grooves and tightness of the arrangements are great. The best songs are front loaded , agree with Joe. GOTTA SERVE SOMEBODY, I BELIEVE IN YOU, SLOW TRAIN are excellent, I am not sure if they would make by BOB top 25 or 30 but these sound great still. I guess I would give it a B+ in the Dylan Canon…better than Street Legal. PS: You can’t blame the POLICE for the Reggae attempts in the 80’s! A lot of the British musicians especially were exposed to SKA and Reggae from the early 60’s and probably the first hit REGGAE song from a White Rocker was ERIC CLAPTON with I SHOT THE SHERIFF , I believe that was 1974. The Stones had a couple album track attempts too😁

[@AegonCallery-ty6vy]

I hope you realise that christianity started as a jewish sect..

[@MikeVernonProd]

@@1rwjwith Bob is a Christian. He continues to perform material from these albums to this day. On his current tour, he ends every show with “Every Grain of Sand”

[@landhorses]

I know I'll get hate for this but..........I can't listen to the trilogy - at least the first 2 records - because of the Vineyard Fellowship connection.These records are the conservative fundamentalist intolerant Christianity that the Repugnicans will want to force everyone to live by if Drump wins. There's a difference between an old blues or gospel spiritual record, and this stuff. I can live with Shot of Love and any of is religious songs afterward as being more evenhanded. I rather listen to Down In The Groove on 1000x automatic repeat before Slow Train or Saved.

[@dylanseveymusic]

Would never give you hate for that stance. It's completely understandable. That's why I did my best to address it in the video.

[@TastesLikeMusic]

And I don’t care enough about Bob to be outraged - Joe

[@MikeVernonProd]

@@landhorses This is such a blatantly ahistorical take. Slow Train is just as much a critique of material excesses of capitalism as it is the moral decadence of atheistic socialism. It is neither “republican or “democrat.” It doesn’t even make sense to think of the album in that way!

[@jasongaylor2232]

This is where Dylan lost me and the "Christian Trilogy" really hurt his career. Musically and otherwise.

[@Firefoxy-rz1nw]

I can't imagine why this lost you. It's leagues above most of his 80s output and gospel was the last great genre of Americana left for him to explore at this stage of his career.

[@jasongaylor2232]

@@Firefoxy-rz1nw Simple. I don't like the preachy lyrics and it's not consistent.

[@kenkaplan3654]

"Slightly" less heralded? Is this a joke? I know a lot of people really like this and there are a few interesting songs but if I wanted to hear Christian fundamentalism and obvious binary thinking, I would turn on the 700 club. There is very little of Cohen's late mystical grandeur and depth in this.

[@maddoxbrien5850]

I mean ya, it was pretty obviously a joke dude

[@chillepalmerz]

it was sarcasm yes. It's significantly less heralded than the electric trilogy

[@kenkaplan3654]

@@chillepalmerz Thank you all for the clarification.

[@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin]

P.S. The follow-up "Saved" was a huge disappointment, but I haven't heard it since 1980. 😃

[@MikeVernonProd]

@@LarryGravesCanadianStudmuffin you should check it out again. It’s a fantastic album, especially “Pressing On”!

[@hazydavo]

Dylan my man don’t worry about the previous album comments etc…we luv you man!!