(**½) Sept. 11. 1990. 27th Studio Album
The vibe coming from Dylan’s first album of the ’90s is that of a children’s record, yet with very adult themes of destruction, dirty politicians, and an assortment of other evils in society. Musically the album is a return to more standard, blues-rock and boogie woogie, with an all-star cast of musicians including Jimmy and Stevie Ray Vaughn, Slash, George Harrison, David Crosby, Bruce Hornsby and Elton John. But really it could have been a group of studio musicians, as none of the guests take the spotlight. My favorite song is the title track, along with the eloquent ballad “Born in Time,” the throwback “T.V. Talking Song” and album closer rocker “Cat’s in the Well,” but there is no single masterpiece here, just 10 solid, if somewhat juvenile-sounding, traditional rock tracks.