8 stunning Bob Dylan covers from the 21st century

Previously discussed, there were numerous tribute albums dedicated to Bob Dylan before the year 2000. However, as the new millennium began, artists showed an increased enthusiasm in honoring him. In 2000, with Dylan turning 60, even his hometown joined the tribute bandwagon.

15 local Minnesota bands covered Dylan’s songs in the album titled “Duluth Does Dylan.” Various albums and events in Duluth still celebrate their well-known hometown hero, Bob Dylan. Similarly, other places also paid tribute to their famous native son, demonstrating a widespread appreciation for his music.

Various artists have recreated Bob Dylan’s entire albums and concert sets. Notably, renowned musicians have dedicated full performances to playing their preferred Dylan tunes. The Grateful Dead, who toured extensively with Dylan in the 1980s (I had the chance to see them perform together in Washington, DC in 1986, it was a scorching hot night and Bob wore all black leather), even released numerous collections of their Dylan covers, such as Postcards of the Hanging (2002) and Gracia Plays Dylan (2005).

Bob Dylan covers from the 21st century are some of the best

Various artists have taken on covering gospel tunes, punk tracks, jazz pieces, blues numbers, and more – there’s something for every musical preference out there! I recently came across a tally that suggests Bob Dylan has penned over 600 songs. Many of these compositions have been recorded by multiple artists, with some songs being re-recorded as many as dozens of times.

In the initial segment of this two-part discussion, I made it clear that the eight songs I’m about to mention aren’t meant to be some sort of “best” list. The field is simply too vast for such a title, and despite my admiration for Bob Dylan and my eagerness to discover his new works, it’s likely that I’ve only scratched the surface of what’s out there.

Here are eight unique and distinctive interpretations of Bob Dylan’s songs, all of which were produced during the new millennium. Given that Bob Dylan hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down since 2000, it’s no surprise that the tributes and covers continue to pour in.

In chronological order…

“Gotta Serve Somebody” by Etta James (2000)

To begin, I understand that scholars typically consider the year 2000 as the final year of the 20th century. However, I prefer to view years starting with a “2” as belonging to the current century. In my opinion, the 2000s are part of this century.

In the initial segment of this series, I playfully implied that it wouldn’t be difficult to compile a truly impressive top ten list, strictly consisting of covers, for the song hailing from Dylan’s 1979 album, “Slow Train Coming.” This was his first release following his highly publicized transformation into Christianity.

Etta James embarked on her recording journey in the 1950s as a young teenager. Known R&B figure Johnny Otis played a significant role in launching her to stardom before she turned 20. This song reflects Dylan’s idea that everyone, regardless of their position, encounters acceptance of forces beyond themselves. James, with her rollercoaster life and career, might have made a perfect match for this singer-song pairing due to the struggles she faced.

This tune belonged to her “Matriarch of the Blues” collection, an album enriched by rock legends such as John Fogerty, Otis Redding, and the Rolling Stones. Featuring top-tier musicians like Mike Finnigan on the Hammond Organ and Jimmy Zavala on saxophone, it’s a grand, assertive, and brassy rendition that harmoniously complements James’ vocal prowess.

“Pressing On” by the Chicago Mass Choir (2003)

A fantastic rendition of the song “Gotta Serve Somebody” by gospel artist Shirley Caesar can be found on the album “Gotta Serve Somebody – The Gospel Songs of Bob Dylan“, a 2003 compilation that gathers eleven tracks from the albums “Slow Train Coming” and its sequel “Saved“. These tracks are beautifully sung by an array of talented artists, such as Aaron Neville, Mavis Staples, and Bob Dylan himself.

One standout track from the album is the powerful rendition of “Pressing On” by the Chicago Mass Choir, originally found in Saved. Initially, it features a soft piano melody and a single voice. However, as the song progresses, the choir joins in harmoniously, creating an effect that suggests a multitude of voices praising redemption. The track gradually escalates, incorporating organ music and increasingly complex backup vocals.

Regardless of what else is added to the blend, singer Regina McCrary consistently rises above everything. Known as part of the renowned gospel group, the McCrary Sisters, and a former background vocalist for Dylan in the early ’80s, McCrary has proven expertise with this type of music. The outcome is truly magnificent.

“Sweetheart Like You” by Guy Davis (2007)

Dylan performed the poignantly beautiful, worn-out love song “Sweetheart Like You” on his 1983 album titled “Infidels“. Chrissie Hynde contributed an admirable cover to her own tribute album dedicated to Dylan called “Standing in the Doorway“. However, Davis’ rendition is hard to top. With a chorus that resonates with the line “What’s a sweetheart like you wasting time in a place like this”, it demands a touch of soulful blues.

Davis, an exceptional blues guitarist, truly embodies the genre with his performance. He starts off by paying homage to Bob Dylan’s iconic instrument, the harmonica, before launching into his gravelly, weathered baritone voice for a captivating rendition. Davis, who is the son of actors Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, included this song on his 2007 album titled “Guy Davis On Air“. The track was so well-received that he decided to name his next album in 2009 after it.

“If Not For You” by Ze Ramahlo (2008)

Dylan penned the cheerful love ballad “If Not For You” for his wife Sara Lownds, which appeared on his 1970 album New Morning. Many of his songs were inspired by Sara, such as “Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands,” written during their early love days, and “Sara,” recorded for the emotionally charged album Blood on the Tracks, a decade later, when their relationship was teetering. This particular song lies in the middle and embodies only sweetness and optimism.

In simpler terms, Ramahlo was a significant figure in Brazilian music, particularly from the mid-1970s onwards. In 2001, he released an album titled “Ze Ramahlo Canta Raul Seixas,” where he covered songs of the Brazilian rock guitarist, Seixas. Seven years later, he aimed for a broader audience with an entire album dedicated to covers of Bob Dylan’s songs. With the exception of “If Not For You,” all songs were sung in Portuguese. However, “If Not For You” was given a lively rendition with a samba rhythm, a catchy slide guitar, and an accordion that added to the vocals. It stands out as one of the cheeriest Dylan covers ever recorded.

“Maggie’s Farm” by Ben Sidran (2009)

Back in the day, I had the privilege of tickling the ivories for legends like Steve Miller, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones. Over time, my love for rock & roll began to wane, and I found myself gravitating towards jazz. Throughout my career, I’ve released numerous critically acclaimed jazz albums, with a new one dropping last year. In 2009, for what was my 36th solo album, I chose to pay tribute to none other than Bob Dylan. As a gamer, I find joy in the musical journey I’ve embarked on and the diverse sounds I’ve been able to produce over the years.

This album, titled “Dylan Different,” indeed lives up to its name. It features a selection of 12 Dylan songs spanning from the mid-’60s to the late ’80s. Among these, two songs previously discussed in this series (“Highway 61 Revisited” and “Gotta Serve Somebody”) have been given a smooth jazz makeover (and another song will receive the same treatment later).

For me, the standout track is a dreamy, trance-inducing rendition of “Maggie’s Farm” from the innovative 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home. Featuring jazzy brushed drums, a piano that seems to ring continuously, and various horns lazily moving within the composition, Sidran’s spoken vocals transform a rock song into an ideal slow jazz ride.

“The Times They Are a’Changin’” by Flogging Molly (2012)

Previously mentioned, it seems that countless Dylan tribute albums have been released. The one that stands out as the pioneer was unveiled in 2012 – “Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International.” This extraordinary collection gathered musicians from diverse musical backgrounds, resulting in 73 fresh interpretations of timeless classics. Given the abundance of material, it’s inevitable that there will be both excellent and less impressive moments.

From this rich source, I’ve gathered enough high points to compile a whole playlist of songs, but I’m restricting myself to merely two selections. In an album featuring Johnny Cash, Patti Smith, Pete Townsend, Sting, Elvis Costello (and many more), one of the two chosen is the Irish-American punk rock band Flogging Molly.

In a new take on Dylan’s early folk protest classic, Dave King’s raw voice is initially accompanied by just an acoustic guitar and tin whistle. However, things soon get more dynamic as the band kicks into high gear at the end of the first verse, infusing the song with a powerful energy that aligns perfectly with the prediction in the well-known lyrics.

“Ballad of Hollis Brown” by Rise Against (2012)

The punk group Rise Against receives the second spot in the Chimes of Freedom compilation, similar to Flogging Molly’s song “Ballad of Hollis Brown.” Remarkably, both tracks originate from Bob Dylan’s third album, The Times They Are a-Changin’, released in 1964. In contrast to the title track that expressed hopeful defiance, “Hollis Brown” paints a grim, apocalyptic picture.

In a powerful rendition, Rise Against amplifies the song’s intensity fittingly. Tim McIlath passionately vocalizes the sorrow and injustice woven into the heart-wrenching narrative, while the rest of the band provides an energetic backing with verse after forceful delivery. The tempo and volume fluctuate to create a thrilling, roller coaster-like experience where “Seven shots echo like the mighty crash of the sea” is emphasized fully.

“Ballad of a Thin Man” by Cat Power (2023)

1966 saw Bob Dylan performing an iconic show at Manchester’s Free Trade Hall, a performance that has since become legendary. However, there’s a popular misconception that it was held at the Royal Albert Hall. In 1998, Dylan put out bootleg versions of this concert. Fast forward 25 years from that release and 47 years after the original event, Cat Power from Atlanta chose to reenact the concert in 2023.

I titled my live concert recording “A Night at the Royal Albert Hall with Cat Power: A Tribute to Bob Dylan, 1966.” However, unlike Dylan, I was the one who graced the stage of the iconic Royal Albert Hall.

In Manchester, one of the nearly last songs Dylan performed was among his most enigmatic and eerie compositions. The song titled “Ballad of a Thin Man,” from the influential album Highway 61 Revisited, narrates the peculiar encounters of Mr. Jones, a figure who is either fictional or real (Dylan’s intentions have always been unclear). This individual serves as some sort of minor bureaucrat, struggling to comprehend the rapid pace of change happening around him.

In a more personal take, this track resonates with Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin'” but carries a far deeper sense of foreboding. The haunting piano prelude sets the tone, and Power’s jazzy, enigmatic vocals breathe life into the song, ensuring its relevance in 2023, just as it was during the heart of the ’60s.

These Bob Dylan tunes seldom stick to a specific time or location. Instead, they possess an enduring, flexible, and multi-layered quality. It’s quite possible that they will keep sparking fresh and captivating cover versions even after those who initially performed and enjoyed them have become mere reminiscences.

2025-03-29 13:01