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Bob Dylan: "Johnny Cash's voice was so big, it made the world grow small... When I first heard 'I Walk the Line' so many years earlier, it sounded like a voice calling out 'What are you doing there, boy?' I was trying to keep my eyes wide opened, too." Read more musical excerpts from Chronicles, Vol. 1 on our Music You Should Hear page.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
55 of 59 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It's baffling that any critic can call 1983's "Infidels" a return to "secular recording" for Bob Dylan. After three straight Christian albums, the record was certainly more broad in its horizons, at least when compared to its predecessor, the rollicking "Shot of Love" or the second Born-Again album "Saved," but its attitude is still as straightforward and uncompromising as Dylan's first Christian release, "Slow Train Coming."
He may look ticked on the album cover, but in truth, Bob Dylan sounds musically and lyrically comfortable all throughout the wittingly titled "Infidels", and artistically he is still as free as he sounded on his Born-Again albums. But his lyricism here is much more deliciously complex than on the three predecessors; a glance at 'Don't Fall Apart On Me Tonight' may suggest that its a cliched song about sex, but it's not, it's much deeper and much more creative than that. 'Jokerman' boasts a slight reggae influence and Dylan's alluring attempt to try and reveal false prophets, as he does elsewhere when he clearly states that sometimes Satan disguises himself as a 'Man of Peace.' The driving 'Neighborhood Bully' reminds one of the rocking "Shot of Love," but with a much more complex political message, unlike the straightforward social statements of 'License To Kill' and 'Union Sundown.' And like 'Don't Fall Apart On Me Tonight,' the second track 'Sweetheart Like You' may have a cliched title, but the content within is bursting with originality and mystery, much like 'I and I.'
Ironically titled, this album is a must-have in Dylan's cannon and arguably the last great album he made for years, as critics claim he went into an up-and-down spin throughout the rest of the 80s. The different spiritual elements that make up "Infidels" (Christianity and Judaism among them) would put many other artists in a creative pretzel-twist, but here Bob Dylan handles them all with integrity and delivers one of his most effective albums.
He may look ticked on the album cover, but in truth, Bob Dylan sounds musically and lyrically comfortable all throughout the wittingly titled "Infidels", and artistically he is still as free as he sounded on his Born-Again albums. But his lyricism here is much more deliciously complex than on the three predecessors; a glance at 'Don't Fall Apart On Me Tonight' may suggest that its a cliched song about sex, but it's not, it's much deeper and much more creative than that. 'Jokerman' boasts a slight reggae influence and Dylan's alluring attempt to try and reveal false prophets, as he does elsewhere when he clearly states that sometimes Satan disguises himself as a 'Man of Peace.' The driving 'Neighborhood Bully' reminds one of the rocking "Shot of Love," but with a much more complex political message, unlike the straightforward social statements of 'License To Kill' and 'Union Sundown.' And like 'Don't Fall Apart On Me Tonight,' the second track 'Sweetheart Like You' may have a cliched title, but the content within is bursting with originality and mystery, much like 'I and I.'
Ironically titled, this album is a must-have in Dylan's cannon and arguably the last great album he made for years, as critics claim he went into an up-and-down spin throughout the rest of the 80s. The different spiritual elements that make up "Infidels" (Christianity and Judaism among them) would put many other artists in a creative pretzel-twist, but here Bob Dylan handles them all with integrity and delivers one of his most effective albums.
29 of 29 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
In my opinion THE definitive '80s album for Dylan (or any artist for that matter)
November 16, 2011
By Johnny Boy
Format:Audio CD
I am a Dylan fanatic, as I have said many times. I'm not bragging by any stretch, but I own literally just about every piece of music the man has put out. Bootlegs, complete live concerts, rare soundtrack songs, outtakes, acetates, you name it. If it's Dylan, odds are I have it. So this review is coming from a true Dylanologist here.
The album that made me a Dylan fan was 'Infidels.' While this was not the first Dylan album I bought (that honor goes to 1970's 'Self Portrait,' which I bought more than a few years ago), it was certainly the most important Dylan record I ever bought. Instantly, the songs resonated with me. It was almost a revelation. Having heard all of Dylan's records, the one I come back to most is probably 'Infidels.'
The year is 1983. Dylan is coming off of his Christian period, which turned off many critics and rock fans alike. 'Slow Train Coming,' 'Saved' and 'Shot of Love,' his two Christian albums released in 1979, 1980 and 1981, respectively, were not warmly received (although 'Slow Train Coming' sold well and did garner a hit single in 'Gotta Serve Somebody,' as well as some critical praise). It was obvious: by this time, Dylan needed a great record, and he needed one pronto.
So he assembled what was perhaps his finest band. Hiring reggae legends Sly Dunbar & Robbie Shakespeare to play drums and bass respectively, Mick Taylor (of The Rolling Stones) in a dual guitar role with Mark Knopfler (of Dire Straits, who had also worked with Dylan in 1979 on 'Slow Train Coming') plus fellow Dire Straits keyboardist Alan Clark, Dylan had assembled what could only be called a "dream band."
And while the musicians seem like a random assortment, they amazingly blend incredibly well together as a unit. Knopfler and Taylor were meant for each other. Their opposite stylings of the guitar combine together to form a unique sound. This is the way a lead guitar duo is supposed to sound. Sly & Robbie both provide a remarkable reggae-esque backbeat, and Clark's keyboards add a solid soundscape for the musicians.
Now, what about the songs you may ask? Well, this was some of Dylan's best writing in years. 'Jokerman' could have easily appeared on one of his '60s records, and it is amazingly still relevant today. 'License to Kill' remains one of Dylan's great post-'60s protest songs, and 'I and I' shows off Dylan's interest in reggae, as well as how great Sly & Robbie are as a rhythm section. While I do prefer Dylan & The Grateful Dead's version of 'Man of Peace' that they performed on tour in 1987 (a rehearsal version of this track can be found on the Grateful Dead disc 'Postcards of the Hanging - The Grateful Dead Perform the Songs of Bob Dylan'), the version found here is remarkable.
Dylan is also known to close records with a ballad (namely 'Tonight I'll Be Staying Here with You,' 'Every Grain of Sand,' and 'I'll Be Your Baby Tonight'), and he continues the tradition here. 'Don't Fall Apart on Me Tonight' contains some of Dylan's best lyrics that he wrote in the 1980s, and his harmonica playing here is especially stellar and emotional. THIS is how a record should close.
While there are many great outtakes from 'Infidels' that could have easily made the cut ('Blind Willie McTell,' 'Foot of Pride,' 'Clean Cut Kid,' and 'Death is Not the End,' namely -- the latter two showed up in slightly altered versions on later albums), 'Infidels' is about as good an album as Dylan's ever made. The musicianship is top-notch, Dylan is in fine vocal form, and his songwriting here is just remarkable.
Along with 'Oh Mercy,' 'Infidels' represents Dylan's best work of the 1980s. And if you liked 'Infidels,' check out 'Real Live' while you are at it. 'Real Live' captures a few shows from the European leg of the tour promoting this album. The band on that record is tight as well, featuring Taylor, Ian McLagan (of The Small Faces/Faces) on keyboards, Colin Allen on drums (of the band Focus), as well as featuring Carlos Santana as a guest guitarist on some tracks. Check that disc out as well if you liked this one and have some cash to spare. It's a fine live album.
Overall, I cannot recommend 'Infidels' enough. BY FAR one of Dylan's best records.
HIGHLY, HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
The album that made me a Dylan fan was 'Infidels.' While this was not the first Dylan album I bought (that honor goes to 1970's 'Self Portrait,' which I bought more than a few years ago), it was certainly the most important Dylan record I ever bought. Instantly, the songs resonated with me. It was almost a revelation. Having heard all of Dylan's records, the one I come back to most is probably 'Infidels.'
The year is 1983. Dylan is coming off of his Christian period, which turned off many critics and rock fans alike. 'Slow Train Coming,' 'Saved' and 'Shot of Love,' his two Christian albums released in 1979, 1980 and 1981, respectively, were not warmly received (although 'Slow Train Coming' sold well and did garner a hit single in 'Gotta Serve Somebody,' as well as some critical praise). It was obvious: by this time, Dylan needed a great record, and he needed one pronto.
So he assembled what was perhaps his finest band. Hiring reggae legends Sly Dunbar & Robbie Shakespeare to play drums and bass respectively, Mick Taylor (of The Rolling Stones) in a dual guitar role with Mark Knopfler (of Dire Straits, who had also worked with Dylan in 1979 on 'Slow Train Coming') plus fellow Dire Straits keyboardist Alan Clark, Dylan had assembled what could only be called a "dream band."
And while the musicians seem like a random assortment, they amazingly blend incredibly well together as a unit. Knopfler and Taylor were meant for each other. Their opposite stylings of the guitar combine together to form a unique sound. This is the way a lead guitar duo is supposed to sound. Sly & Robbie both provide a remarkable reggae-esque backbeat, and Clark's keyboards add a solid soundscape for the musicians.
Now, what about the songs you may ask? Well, this was some of Dylan's best writing in years. 'Jokerman' could have easily appeared on one of his '60s records, and it is amazingly still relevant today. 'License to Kill' remains one of Dylan's great post-'60s protest songs, and 'I and I' shows off Dylan's interest in reggae, as well as how great Sly & Robbie are as a rhythm section. While I do prefer Dylan & The Grateful Dead's version of 'Man of Peace' that they performed on tour in 1987 (a rehearsal version of this track can be found on the Grateful Dead disc 'Postcards of the Hanging - The Grateful Dead Perform the Songs of Bob Dylan'), the version found here is remarkable.
Dylan is also known to close records with a ballad (namely 'Tonight I'll Be Staying Here with You,' 'Every Grain of Sand,' and 'I'll Be Your Baby Tonight'), and he continues the tradition here. 'Don't Fall Apart on Me Tonight' contains some of Dylan's best lyrics that he wrote in the 1980s, and his harmonica playing here is especially stellar and emotional. THIS is how a record should close.
While there are many great outtakes from 'Infidels' that could have easily made the cut ('Blind Willie McTell,' 'Foot of Pride,' 'Clean Cut Kid,' and 'Death is Not the End,' namely -- the latter two showed up in slightly altered versions on later albums), 'Infidels' is about as good an album as Dylan's ever made. The musicianship is top-notch, Dylan is in fine vocal form, and his songwriting here is just remarkable.
Along with 'Oh Mercy,' 'Infidels' represents Dylan's best work of the 1980s. And if you liked 'Infidels,' check out 'Real Live' while you are at it. 'Real Live' captures a few shows from the European leg of the tour promoting this album. The band on that record is tight as well, featuring Taylor, Ian McLagan (of The Small Faces/Faces) on keyboards, Colin Allen on drums (of the band Focus), as well as featuring Carlos Santana as a guest guitarist on some tracks. Check that disc out as well if you liked this one and have some cash to spare. It's a fine live album.
Overall, I cannot recommend 'Infidels' enough. BY FAR one of Dylan's best records.
HIGHLY, HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
31 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Infidels took me a few listens to fully appreciate, but now I really love it and listen to it often. Of course, it doesn't compare to the heights of Blood on the Tracks or Desire, nor is it as stunning as the subsequent Oh Mercy, but it is a fine album that makes a very enjoyable listen. Right from the opening song, the excellent Jokerman, you realize that this is going to be a bit different from Dylan's usual sound. However, Dylan has reinvented his sound so many times that he really can't be said to have a distinctive sound. With its Caribbean rhythm, Jokerman is a distinctive song in Dylan's oeuvre. I particularly like that little bass thing right before the chorus kicks in. Another thing I like about this album is the "rambling" songwriting style. On songs such as Jokerman, Dylan just seems to ramble on and on about these completely unrelated scenarios and you often have no clue what he's talking about. That's not a criticism though, I find it very interesting. You never know what he's going to talk about next. There is a bit of political content here, yes, but I really don't think of Infidels as a political album. I think it's more cynical than political. I think Dylan is basically saying that the world sucks, and he wishes to wash his hands of it. Whether or not this is from a religious perspective is debatable. There are certainly religious references here, but they're not blatant like on Slow Train Coming and Saved. To be honest, I'm not quite sure what most of these songs are about. A couple are pretty obvious, such as Union Sundown and License to Kill, but I don't have a clue as to what Jokerman or I and I are about. It's okay though, Dylan doesn't often spell out the meaning of his songs. The music is great with Dylan getting support from Dire Strait's Mark Knopfler and former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor. Just like on the earlier Slow Train Coming, Knopfler's guitar is a musical highlight of the album. The rhythm section consisting of Robbie Shakespeare and Sly Dunbar is very tight as well. Excellent bass and drum work.
To get the complete picture, be sure to pick up The Bootleg Series Volume 1-3 which features several songs that were cut from the album. Those songs are just as good as the ones on the album, if not better. Particularly Blind Willie McTell, which any Dylan fan should hear as it is one of his finest songs. Foot of Pride and Lord Protect My Child are also great songs that were recorded for Infidels but left off. Of course, people will always say that Infidels would have been a much better album with these tracks included, but it's really pointless. Just appreciate the album for what it is, not for what it could have been. The missing tracks are all available now anyway so with the proper technology you could reconstruct the "better" version of the album if you so desire.
Infidels is one of Dylan's best albums of the 1980s. The songs are memorable and the music is great, even though the drums sometimes have that annoying 80s echo that I dislike. The lyrics are potent, the band is great and Bob's singing is quite good, though his lovely '70s voice was gone by this point. I wouldn't recommend it to a beginner, but if you're looking to explore Dylan's later years, Infidels is a great album to check out.
To get the complete picture, be sure to pick up The Bootleg Series Volume 1-3 which features several songs that were cut from the album. Those songs are just as good as the ones on the album, if not better. Particularly Blind Willie McTell, which any Dylan fan should hear as it is one of his finest songs. Foot of Pride and Lord Protect My Child are also great songs that were recorded for Infidels but left off. Of course, people will always say that Infidels would have been a much better album with these tracks included, but it's really pointless. Just appreciate the album for what it is, not for what it could have been. The missing tracks are all available now anyway so with the proper technology you could reconstruct the "better" version of the album if you so desire.
Infidels is one of Dylan's best albums of the 1980s. The songs are memorable and the music is great, even though the drums sometimes have that annoying 80s echo that I dislike. The lyrics are potent, the band is great and Bob's singing is quite good, though his lovely '70s voice was gone by this point. I wouldn't recommend it to a beginner, but if you're looking to explore Dylan's later years, Infidels is a great album to check out.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Infidels is awesome music!
The modern day troubador Dylan once again delivers great gospel and apocalyptic tunes. "Jokerman" is a classic. Make sure you have this in your music library.
Published 12 days ago by Songboy765
4.0 out of 5 stars
good 80's Dylan!
Certainly not his best, but not his worst either. Worth a listen. Highlite of the Cd is Jokerman.Great,powerful song! Dylan was finding his place again. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Gary Walker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still Going Strong
Bob Dylan is the song writer with chameleon DNA. In this enigmatic collection one song stands out in light of his musical/spiritual (? Read more
Published 3 months ago by Gregory K. Tobkes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Infidels Bob Dylan
i had it years ago,this cd sounds just as good if not better.I appreciate it it heightens my perception.thanks,Mark M
Published 4 months ago by mark monkman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great cd from the past
The Jokerman is a great song and the rest of the songs keep the pace or are close in quality.
Published 5 months ago by David
5.0 out of 5 stars
THIS IS A GREAT CD
BEAUTIFUL CD. JOKERMAN MAKES THIS CD. I ALSO LOVE MAN OF PEACE. THE WHOLE THING IS GREAT. I PLAYED THIS OVER AND OVER. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Published 5 months ago by Donamarie Groenhoff
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bob Dylan - What More Needs to be Said(?)
If you are a Dylan fan, this is a must have. I would suggest anyone reviewing this CD...buy it. He is brilliant!
Published 5 months ago by Marcia
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bob Dylan is a genius
He never disappoints-even my 19 year old son approves. I have been listening to Bob for 50 years and first saw him in concert in 1963. This is one of his classics.
Published 5 months ago by Bjorn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Infidels - impression
I like all of hsi music...some a little more out there than others...but all in all...I would buy most of his discs... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Milly
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lost in Translation
Because this CD came out after 3 overtly Christian, bible-thumpin' releases in a row, many former fans avoided "Infidels" with understandable fear, & critics gave it a wary thumbs... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Mactavish
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