Bob Dylan on His Favourite Bob Dylan Album

Bob Dylan in conversation with Martin Keller (1983)

KELLER: Are you satisfied with most of the records you make?

DYLAN: No, no. It's unbearable to hear some of them, for me. I hear them, and I want to shut them off. ... It's not like I sit around and listen to Bob Dylan stuff. I like "Freewheelin'," and I like my first album. "Shot of Love" is my favourite, actually.

Bob Dylan to Cameron Crowe (1985)

People didn't listen to ["Shot of Love"] in a realistic way. ... Clydie King and I sound pretty close to what's all the best of every traditional style, so how could anybody complain about that? And the record had something that, I don't know, could have been made in the '40s or maybe the '50s. There was a cross element of songs on it. The critics wouldn't allow the people to make up their own minds. All they talked about was Jesus this and Jesus that, like it was some kind of Methodist record. I don't know what was happening, maybe Boy George or something, but "Shot of Love" didn't fit into the current formula. It probably never will. Anyway, people were always looking for some excuse to write me off and this was as good as any. I can't say if being "non-commercial" is a put-down or a compliment.

[mumbles]

Every artist loves their latest work. It’s the sign of an artist moving forward and proud of his work

[latitudepost]

Every Grain of Sand off that album is one of his best songs

[LouisBurkhardt]

"Every Grain of Sand" (the studio version) will always be among my favorite songs: it echoes the gospels without a bit of cliche. So rare for a "gospel" song.

[SolidRockBluesBand]

It was the first Dylan album I bought, it was on sale and I asked why it was so cheap. Since I did read a good review.. The guy at the store told me 'well because no one buys it since it's a religious album'. So I bought it for a few guilders (would be around 1 euro now). To this date it's still one of my favorite albums! It made me go back in time and discover all his other albums. It turned me into a Dylan fan the moment I listened to it the first time. Best gospelalbum I've ever heard. Hands down!

[jorgejohnson]

“Don’t ask me nothing about nothing, I might just tell you the truth.” - BD

[perrinyone]

"Shot Of Love" has always been THE most underrated Dylan album, and has been a favorite of mine since I first heard it (years after the fact, in the early 90s). I'm beyond happy to see that Bob feels the same I feel kinda validated, to be honest! Some of his best songs, the few "Jesus" songs that are on there are his very best and most-rockin' (and catchy!) and the rest is just great. The opening track is solid, then a string of great tunes, every one of them musically interesting and completely memorable, and it all leads up to one of the great Dylan album-closers, "Every Grain Of Sand". Thanks for posting this AND for including the transcriptions of other interviews in the Description section

[MICKEYDELFINO]

Shot of Love is a fantastic album. Loved it from the start. Even the cartoon album cover.
Every song is great and I love that rootsy down home in your face production.
Vocals clear and upfront and the music has a clarity togetherness.
From the title track to the underrated Heart of mine to the great Lenny Bruce to the terrific Water Down Love to one of his best Grooms still Waiting to the plaintive In the Summertime to his best Gospel song Property of Jesus to the rough n ready of Trouble and the haunting Dead man the album closes with arguably his best ever tune Every Grain of Sand not only perhaps his best set of lyrics but one of the best sung tracks of his entire career.
A must for any Dylan fan.
In 40 years I never tire of listening to this majestic release.
In fact I’m gonna put it on and give it yet another spin....

[timgelder]

Love and Theft is criminally underrated. Unfortunately it got missed by many because it was released on 9/11/ 2001

[ThePeteFace]

Love "In the Summertime" from that album, it's a good album, Property of Jesus, Every Grain of Sand. It's a good album, I'm a big fan so I like all his albums.

[paulgalligan]

His voice was powerful on SOL I've always loved it
Then again I love everything Bobby has ever created..

[soldtobediers]

''Every Grain of Sand'' Inspired me to have it played @ Dad's grave side funeral. It even had the minister nod with approval when it got to the lines...
Don't have the inclination to look back on any mistake
Like Cain, I now behold this chain of events that I must break
The old Gentleman who operated the backhoe was listening within earshot, with an expression of perplexed respect.
I returned the next day before noon, with a brisket for the Director and the small crew. The Director said the old Gentleman just knew that he'd heard that song with those lyrics before @ sometime or another among his many years of the past. Said he'd searched his bible that evening for those words & even called his preacher to help guide him in finding it either in the bible scriptures, or in the old hymnals he had access to. This heartfelt aspect of what Bob was referring to, makes perfect sense, somehow now. ...tTt...

[joedaw]

Totally agree with Bob. SOL had tenacity, aural expansiveness and emotional beauty

[ElizabethElliott-uzht]

Every grain of sand ⌛, Thank you for this lovely song, Bob Dylan, Elizabeth 🙏💞

[dragonstaye]

I agree: Shot Of Love was indeed "a great record." Thank you Bob 💗

[peterjohnson]

I loved shot of love when I bought it in 1981 and still love it !

[mybrokenwrist]

I love “Heart of Mine” off that album.

[philhunter]

Great album, Groom still waiting at the altar, Every grain of sand, say no more

[nancyprohira]

Bob Dylan is so prolific..I believe that he must have a room where he keeps many complete songs. That is only my opinion..I am just happy that he still tours . Thank you Bob

[gadamatwood]

It was my third Dylan album ever. I’m still in love with it.

[iancunningham]

Shot of Love is my favorite Bob Dylan album between Desire and Oh Mercy.
Its raw and real and truthful. Lyrically powerful.
A great record.