(**½) April 28, 2009 33rd Studio Album
Another solid album from Dylan’s latter period, similar in feel to other albums released in the same time frame but with one main difference: the accordion playing by David Hidalgo of Los Lobos. Hidalgo’s presence adds more of a Cajun/Tex-Mex influence to many of the songs, which at their root level are based in Chicago blues. Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter returns to co-write a number of the album’s 10 songs, with “Jolene” (not the Dolly Parton hit) sounding somewhat like the Dead’s Truckin’. Themes on many of the songs are heartbreak and tough times, but “This Dream of You” is a beautiful, heartfelt ballad providing inspiration and redemption. Self-produced and backed by his touring band with guests Mike Campbell from the Heartbreakers and Hidalgo, most of the songs are mid-tempo, and Dylan’s voice is raspy throughout but it fits the tone of the songs. The album was No. 1 on the charts in both the United States and the UK, the first time that happened since 1970’s New Morning.