Infidels

Anyone who thought with Infidels Bob Dylan abandoned his Christian faith are sadly mistaken. Man Of Peace is taken right of 2nd Corinthians 11:14 No wonder, Satan himself comes as an angel of light. NIV. I And I also has references to Jesus "I and I One said to the other no man sees my face and lives." and Jokerman "Oh jokerman you know what he wants. Oh jokerman you don't show any response." The Best tack is Union Sundown which rages against unions and corperate big wigs taking American jobs away. Great album more polished than Slow Train Coming and Shot Of Love. To this day Dylan remains a True Believer.

This is just one of his masterpieces. His lyrics describe people down to a tee. The descriptions of places makes me feel like I'm there. No pictures needed. Describing the good who usually get stepped on. The bad Jokerman, Desolation Row and numerous other songs and albums since my first experience in 1974 Valentines day. So lucky:) Followed him to many states and concerts. So many greats. Infidels has to be on the top of the big list of tops. LOVE IT!!!

It's unfortunate that bob was harshly judged in the 80's. This is one of his best albums, and Mark Knopfler did an amazing job with it. what a band. bob was always smart enough to surround himself with talented musicians that helped him create a different sound. When I listen to this one and to 'Slow Train Coming' I sometimes feel like I'm listening to Bob singing with the Dire Straits.

This album is certainly one of the most controversial and misunderstood albums of Dylan's career. In fact, several months after this album's release, Bob Dylan remarked: "I don't think I'm gonna be really understood until maybe 100 years from now... There's all these interpreters around, but they're not interpreting anything except their own ideas. Nobody's come close." The following exchange in Rolling Stone (Issue 394, 1986), has been very influential in my interpretation of the lyrics of Infidels and all of Bob Dylan's later albums (the comment in brackets is mine): Interviewer: You have said that the function of art is to lead you to God. There were three gospel albums: Slow Train Coming, Saved, and Shot of Love, but your last two records [Infidels and Empire Burlesque] have taken a different slant. Dylan: Well, it all depends on where you come at it from. I come at things from different sides to get a different perspective on what it is I'm trying to focus on. Maybe all my songs are focusing on the same thing. I don't know; maybe I'm just coming in from all sides. Interviewer: The difference between the gospel records and the recent stuff seems to be that earlier you were laying down the law. Dylan: Every so often you have to have the law laid down so that you know what the law is. Then you can do whatever you please with it. I haven't heard those albums in quite awhile; you're probably right. ...That's about as definitive an interpretation as you're likely to get from Dylan.

Infidels is definitely one of my favorite Bob Dylan albums--and I know that's saying a lot. I think the reason it sounds so good is the chemistry that the musicians have together when they were recording this album. The two guitarists, Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) and Mick Taylor (The Rolling Stones), both display their virtuoso chops while still playing like just a member of a great ensemble. The riffing and picking from these two guys is unbelievable and highlights songs like "Union Sundown" and "Man Of Peace". But maybe the best part of the album is how Dylan utilizes a Carribean rhythm section (Sly and Robbie) along with the classic rock guitarists. It doesn't sound logical but it more than works. Dylan's lyrics are interesting, driving, and progressive on songs like "Jokerman" and "Sweetheart Like You". Not a bad song on the whole album and one that I could play just about every day.

Infidels has the reputation for being Dylan's best 80s album, but I can't say I agree. I prefer the masterpiece Oh Mercy and the highly underrated Shot of Love. Nonetheless, this is a generally solid album. Sweetheart Like You, I and I, and Don't Fall Apart On Me Tonight are all excellent. There are a few other good tracks, and one big dud - Union Sundown. Incidentally, the two best tracks from the Infidels sessions never made it onto the album. Check out "The Bootleg Series Vol. 1-3" for the songs Blind Willie McTell and Foot of Pride.

One of Dylan's greatest albums, at a time when it was least expected. "I and I" alone shows how sometimes you have to fall to the bottom to rise to the top.

"Infidels" is definitely one of Dylan's top ten. "Jokerman," "Union Sundown," and "I and I" are three of Dylan's all-time best. Mark Knopfler does a great lead guitar as well.

Dylan does it again! his words are a amazing, "take the motherless children, lay them at the feet of harlots" -- describes many reality tv shows I've seen.

This 1983 CD/album is my favorite Dylan album, believe it or not. There's "Sweetheart Like You," one of the finest ballads of the 1980s. "Neighborhood Bully," a classic defense of Israel. "Union Sundown," in which Dylan regrets the fall of union power. But it's always catchy, great melodies, never preachy.