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This cd took several listenings before getting use to. Matter of fact, I almost gave up on it. But, I'm glad I didn't. It's a good follow up to his last release, "Time Out of Mind", which remains my favorite of the two. Yes, Bob's voice sounds weathered, however,it still fits well with the music - it just does! I bought this cd used and it was not accompanied with lyrics. I'm assuming it wasn't offered with a new cd, as well. I wish it was. Reason being, I've sometimes found it difficult to understand what he's singing. Lets face it, when Dylan is singing, you want to know what the heck he's saying because no one says it better! All in all, it's well worth the purchase - even without the lyrics !
I titled this review: The Rootsy Bob Dylan. Perhaps that was a bit of an exaggeration. Roughly half of these songs are closely related to Blues or Folk music, but they happen to be the most powerful, effective songs on the album, so I tend to think of LOVE AND THEFT as a Bob Dylan Roots Rock record. Bob goes in for a bit of schmaltz here, which is not really a good fit for his ahem voice, but you have to admire his chutzpah. OK, maybe they're not actually schmaltzy songs- let's call them Jazzy Pop songs (they hearken back to 20's-30's style Pop songs), and let's say they are of a fairly high quality. Either way, they are not the kind of songs I expect or hope to hear from Bob Dylan... And get this- somehow Bob manages to make them work ! As for the Rootsier, Bluesier, Heavier, and more Rockin' songs: they are very strong, verging on greatness. Some might even be considered classic. The band is killer- one of Bob's best. And that is saying something. Check out Bob's inimitable vocals on this recording. His voice is raspy, sometimes hoarse, and would you believe more appealing than ever ? Amazing. His phrasing and timing help drive the meaning of the lyrics home. Even when he is putting us on, Bob sings with such conviction that we believe everything he tells us. His keen intelligence informs everything he does, from his choice of musicians, his songwriting and arrangements to the album's production. To top it all off there are some excellent grooves on this album. Highly recommended, and very cool. ; )Read full review
The voice took some getting used to, but once past that, this is another great Dylan album, full of spontaneity and feeling, and the usual great lyrics. There's good variety too; some real lively rockers, to more mellow ballad-types. It would not be much of a stretch to rank this album with the very best of Dylan, almost on a par with "Blood On The Tracks."
Yep, even though Dylan sounds like he's at least a hundred years old on this album, he speaks in a haunting, loving, hopeful yet weary voice across a weary and always mystifying American landscape. "High Water" and "Po' Boy" are my favorite tracks, but every song on this album has its spooky charm. I never considered Dylan anything like a crooner, but on Love & Theft he almost does it...
Still all in all a good out hey it's Dylan
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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