Pioneer Christian Monthly - September, 1980

Album Review - Saved by Bob Dylan
Roland Van Oostveen

For many years, the only albums of any consequence in the field of Contemporary Christian Rock were being produced by people such as Larry Norman, Barry McGuire, Andrae Crouch and a few others. Now another man has joined this narrow circle.

This man has been portrayed as the conscience of a generation. He expressed the thoughts of the youth of the '60's in a truly unique fashion. Bob Dylan, who voiced the discontent of the age, protested the state of the world and when he tried to find answers to the questions of life, suggested that perhaps they were 'Blowin' in the Wind'.

Little more than a year ago, this same man let the world know that he had found the source of the answers and the source of real life. He celebrated his conversion to Christianity by releasing an album, 'Slow Train Coming'. He states all through the album, in no uncertain terms, what his stand is. 'Gotta Serve Somebody' presents the choices from which man can choose; the devil or the Lord. Bob Dylan has chosen the Lord!

In this, his second album since he made that decision, Dylan continues to stand up to his critics and his former fans who want to hear his old songs and a continuation of his old thoughts. Dylan states that he is 'Saved' and that he just wants to "...thank you, Lord".

While the album is well produced, as was the earlier 'Slow Train', it is not, lyrically, as well put together as the earlier effort. Dylan seems to have a difficult time of breaking away from the self-centered views of his generation. Along with many other contemporary Christian song writers, he is always talking about "what I feel" and "what I think". This is particularly evident in the cuts 'Covenant Woman', 'Saved' and 'Saving Grace'.

Perhaps more emphasis on biblical topics is called for.

Dylan does on occasion steer well away from this preoccupation. One cut that stands out this way is 'In the Garden'. Dylan here deals with the theme of man having heard the Word of God and then not putting those words where they belong - in action.

In one of his more eloquent passages, Dylan harshly criticizes the materialistic ideals that are prevalent in this world, both inside and outside the church. Dylan has found his true treasure. He says....... I lost every dime but I'm richer by far with a satisfied mind". His satisfied mind is secure in his salvation through Christ and now he is "...pressing on to the higher calling of the Lord".

Musically, the album is of very high quality. There is a wide variety of styles ranging from soul to harder rock with a generous portion of folk and blues added. To those who are uninitiated to Bob Dylan and his music, a warning. His voice has certainly not benefited from his conversion. It still sounds like it is grating over an old washboard. The musicianship, though, is as good as and in some cases better than that found on 'secular' albums.

Over all, the album, though not as crisp as 'Slow Train Coming', is still a fine piece of artistry. It speaks out with all the straightforwardness of the old Dylan and does not compromise on its stand just to please the record company as others have done.

Bob Dylan is an artist who has decided to follow Jesus and present the gospel of salvation in the way he knows best. The path he has chosen is more difficult than most with all of the pressures that accompany those in the music industry. As fellow Christians, we should respect this man's stand and support him in it.

In his final cut, Dylan asks, "Are you thinking for yourself or are you following the pack? ... Are you ready for the day of the Lord?".

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