The worlds greatest Gospel Rock Tent Meeting Studio albumby JohnQ
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July 14, 2009:
The only compromise here is the changing of the original cover art. This is the second of Dylan's Gospel albums and it has the feel of a powerful tent meeting Gospel Rock celebration. After a deliberately low key opening Dylan kicks it into high gear and brings you along for the ride. If you're not dancing in the isles with this one, you have a serious prejudice against Gospel music. This is hugely fun!
I Also Recommend: Slow Train Coming [Remastered], Shot of Love.
Inspiredby Anonymous
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December 13, 2005:
This album, perhaps more than any other in Dylan's catalog, has divided critics. Even at All Music Guide one reviewer calls it "A vastly underappreciated celebration of the faith", while another one says, "he's turning out routine songs here and the backing follows suit, resulting in his flattest record yet.". WHAT?!? The same critic speculates that, ". . . this is where his religion overshadows his music, turning the album into a sermon." Actually these songs are expressons of love and gratitude, eg. Covenant Woman, and What Can I Do For You?. In Saving Grace, "I've escaped death so many times I know I'm only living by the saving grace that's over me.". The music is complex and beautiful, and the band is tight. This is the same band that played the songs on the prior tour (which I was there for in Toronto): Spooner Oldham, Tim Drummond, Jim Keltner, Fred Tackett, and the backing vocals of Clydie King, Regina Havis, and Mona Lisa Young. In other words - only the best in the business! In the context of what Dylan was trying to achieve here, this is a masterpiece.
This review was written about the CD edition.
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