Bob Dylan - Together Through Life (Columbia) ****

It’s hard to believe how great Dylan is these days. If Modern Times were any indication for another great record then this is it. What makes Together Through Life great is its simplicity. Dylan proves you can achieve such result with very little. Simple arrangement combined with good melody and some meaningful lyrics of course.

The feel of this record is very warm, but it is not dated by all means.
What makes Dylan great is the fact that at his age he strives to be relevant. Writing songs that matter, and reflect the inner human emotions, the never-ending battle known as life. Dylan chooses the hard way, and it’s paying back in a big way. Being an antique performer is not what this artist is doing. In many ways he is showing an exemplary attitude.

Together Through Life is full of very memorable hooks that make you listen to this record again and again. Reminiscent to the way Modern Times was. The songs I favor now will probably change much like they did on the previous album. Perhaps, that’s the attraction of Dylan’s music. There is always something new to discover. Something you let go in front of your eyes, but capture with enough time.

Mark Kadzielawa