How to Appreciate Bob Dylan's Singing Voice

It's a running joke that Bob Dylan can't sing. Countless wannabe comics have mined this fact for use in their lame bits for cheap and easy laughs almost as much as they use the tired jokes about airline pilots. You know, how you can't understand what they are saying. If you are among those who simply don't understand the multi-generational power of Dylan's singing voice, here are some tips to get you started.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start with Nashville Skyline, Dylan's so-called "country" album, released in 1969. Whether you're a fan trying to win over a convert or a non-fan who remains skeptical, this is widely regarded as Dylan's best vocal performance on an album, probably because he stopped smoking for awhile before recording it.

2. Understand the folk idiom. Dylan started out as a folkie, then became a rocker and has been switch-hitting ever since. Rock was born of folk and blues and the intent of this art form is to have the artist perform the songs he writes. This increases the emotional impact of the song for most listeners.

3. Bob Dylan sings for the moment, not the technical aspects of singing. Sure, he's making a damn good living, but as an artist he's an interpreter of the moment.

4. He doesn't say much in concert. He might smile and wave. Don't expect much else. He's there to sing the songs he's written, because that's all he's ever done.

Tips & Warnings

• listen to more folk and blues music, the older the better.
• When Dylan breaks into "All Along the Watchtower" don't yell out to your buddy, "Oh, my God, he's playing Hendrix, dude!" and then give him a high-five.

Resources

• Dylan's website