It’s not a Dylan classic alright, but it’s worth several whiskey-soaked visits. Released in 2009, Together Through Life, the 33rd studio album from Mr Bob Dylan once again displays his love for quintessential American music and his poetic prowess.

Musically, it has the same flavour as recent material (Modern Times, Time Out Of Mind), that of urban American blues. And his voice, gruffer than ever, adding the right character to the lyrics. Add some great guitar fills by Mike Campbell (of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) and soulful accordion sighs of David Hidalgo (Los Lobos) and this LP certainly has a very long needle value.

Poetically, the album is wry, caustic, rich, and wickedly full of love. My favourites are, the sentimental ‘Life is Hard’ (Side A, Track 2), the conversational, ‘Forgetful Heart’ (Side B, Track 2), the violin laced (remindful of the 'Desire' days), 'This Dream Of You’ (Side C, Track 2) and the satirical final track, ‘It’s All Good’ (Side D, Track 2). What adds to the charm is the fact that all the tracks, except one, are written along with Grateful Dead’s lyricist, Robert Hunter.

Consider these lines from ‘Forgetful Heart’ conveying that feeling of the ultimate defeat.

“All night long I lay awake and listen to the sound of pain

The door has closed through ever more

If indeed there ever was a door”

Or, feel the pain in the beautifully sung ‘Life Is Hard’. 

"The sun is sinking low

I guess it's time to go

I feel a chilly breeze

In place of memories

My dreams are locked and barred

Admitting life is hard

Without you near me”

And throughout, Dylan’s production under the name Jack Frost (cute, isn’t it?) remains top-notch, the sound is warm and in tune with the mood of the material here. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 125,000 copies in the first week of its release.

Just a month back, the man scripted another twist in his tale by doing an album consisting Sinatra covers (who’d have guessed) but that is a story for another review.

Label: Columbia

Year: 2009

Duration: 45:33

Rating: 3.5/5

Reviewed by Meraj Hasan

Meraj Hasan is a Mumbai based communication professional (and an amateur poet/musician) with a passion for listening to music the vinyl way. His 25 year old Technics turntable along with a humble collection of LPs across genres like Classic rock, Classical, Blues and Jazz (amongst others) are his prized possessions.

He can be reached at +91 9833410791 or email: meraj.hasan@gmail.com .