Bob Dylan, explored
‹ Going Electric
Cover of Blonde on Blonde

1966 · a landmark

Blonde on Blonde

Going Electric · 1965–1966

Listen to the album

Why it matters

Cut largely in Nashville with session players and Al Kooper and Robbie Robertson, it was one of rock's first double albums. Its loose, shimmering sound and mix of love songs, blues and long reveries capped his electric period.

Sessions began in New York with members of the Hawks, the group later known as the Band, but progress was slow. Early in 1966 producer Bob Johnston moved the work to Nashville, where seasoned players such as Charlie McCoy, Kenny Buttrey and Hargus Robbins joined Al Kooper and Robbie Robertson. The Nashville musicians often waited for hours while Dylan finished writing, then caught songs in a few takes, giving the record its relaxed, late-night glow. The sound is thinner and more delicate than the album before, built on organ, piano and lightly chiming guitars, and the songs range from brass-band larks to tender ballads and long, dreamy meditations, one of them filling an entire side. Released in mid-1966, it was quickly recognized as a high point of the decade. Weeks later his motorcycle accident ended the frantic electric period it crowned.

Track list · 14 songs

  1. 1Rainy Day Women #12 & 35
  2. 2Pledging My Time
  3. 3Visions of Johanna
  4. 4One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later)
  5. 5I Want You
  6. 6Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again
  7. 7Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat
  8. 8Just Like a Woman
  9. 9Most Likely You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine
  10. 10Temporary Like Achilles
  11. 11Absolutely Sweet Marie
  12. 124th Time Around
  13. 13Obviously Five Believers
  14. 14Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands

Where its songs lead

Just Like a Woman · Covered byJust Like a WomanNina Simone · 1971Nina Simone gave the song a slow, searching reading on Here Comes the Sun.Just Like a Woman · Covered byJust Like a WomanManfred Mann · 1966Manfred Mann turned the song into a UK chart hit in 1966.4th Time Around · AnswersNorwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)The Beatles · 1965Listeners have long heard the song as Dylan's reply to the Beatles' Norwegian Wood, whose tune and story it echoes.Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands · Covered bySad-Eyed Lady of the LowlandsJoan Baez · 1968Joan Baez gave the long song a place on her all-Dylan double album.Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again · Same theme asJust Like Tom Thumb’s Blues1965Both strand a narrator in a strange town far from home.Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands · Same theme asSara1976A decade later, Sara recalls writing Sad-Eyed Lady for her at the Chelsea Hotel.

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