Album Of The Day: Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs Of Bob Dylan by Various Artists

The Gospel Songs Of Bob Dylan album - On a kinda yellow and green marble background, printed in rough block letters is the album title in a large font taking up most of the top half, with the subtitle below it. Below it in a yellowish grey is 'Performed By' followed by the artists featured. There's a mustard brown border around the thing and some fancy edging.

From 1979-1981, folk-rock and cultural icon Bob Dylan released three albums of "Christian" music, rock music with a Jesus-filled message. Released 23 years ago this past week, this is a special event album where a who's who of Black Gospel artists cover some of these Dylan songs in their own, truly Gospel style. Dottie Peoples covers probably his most well-known song from this era, "I Believe In You". I love The Fairfield Four's version of "Are You Ready" with the excellent harmonies and the Chicago Mass Choir's rousing choral version of "Pressing On". And Bob Dylan himself joins Mavis Staples at the end of the album for "Gonna Change My Way Of Thinking", including a bunch of silly banter. When I listen to Bob Dylan's recordings of these songs, they're just rock, but here, they are transformed into beautiful Gospel tunes thanks to these arrangements and the excellent performers who clearly love the source material. No matter if you've listened to Dylan's originals or not, you should listen to this album and be blessed.

Release Year: 2003
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Categories: 
Album Of The Day
Music

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