Bob is a big favorite in our house. And "Desire" is my personal favorite (though it run neck-in-neck with his newish "Time Out of Mind").
There may be a faction who WANT to like Bob, but "can't get past his voice." Well, this may be a good album with which to introduce yourself to Bob. His voice is actually at its best on "Nashville Skyline" (remember "Lay Lady Lay"? He sounds like that on the whole album.) However, the songs on "Desire" are probably more "listener-friendly."
It opens with "Hurricane," the true story recently re-told in the Denzel Washington film. As you probably know, Bob, through this song, was very instrumental in getting another trial for Ruben "Hurricane" Carter. But I'll leave that to the movie to tell you.
What really grabs me about this album above all others is its mood. Scarlet Rivera's raggedy, gypsy violin sets the tone here, and the tone is dark, rich, mysterious, "detached." It manages to sound "feminine" without being a "chick" album. It is ethereal and beautiful.
According to several accounts I have read, Dylan's (now former wife) Sara was present at the recording of this album. Their marriage is all but over at this point. Bob sings "Sara," including the line ". . . don't ever leave me; don't ever go." Several Dylan biographies report her staring icily through him as he obviously implores her for another chance. The poetic tribute was unsuccessful. The marriage ended.
It is also interesting that Emmylou Harris, who provides background vocals on a couple of tracks, thought the sessions went so poorly that her career would be forever ruined. She hated the way she sounded. I think her contribution is wonderful. Listen and judge for yourself.
For those who "can't get past the voice," but who respect the fact that, without Bob Dylan, rock lyrics would still sound like, "She loves you yeah yeah yeah," start your journey into Bob Dylan with "Desire." Very palatable for rookies.
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