Planet Waves - BOB DYLAN***

On A Night Like This/Going Going Gone/Tough Mama/Hazel/Something There Is About You/Forever Young/ Forever Young/Dirge/You Angel You/Never Say Goodbye/Wedding Song

Planet Waves was the outcome of Bob Dylan’s much publicised signing with Asylum. However, his stay there would be short lived as his next album the following year was released on his old label Columbia. (US:1 UK:7)

“I found it full of lyrical sweetness and personal insight. Its simplicity is refreshing from one usually so complicated. His vocal style here is softened and inviting. Some of Dylan's most favoured songs are to be found here, like Forever Young.”

“Enjoyable but fairly pedestrian for Dylan. I liked, and was surprised by, the more upbeat second version of Forever Young.”

“Better than most people seem to think it is. The Band are playing on top form, and Dylan's songs have a great sense of eclectic styles and textures with some great guitar work, organ flourishes and backing vocals.”

“This is a very poor Dylan album by any standard. Whether you like Dylan the protest folk singer, Dylan the rocker, Dylan the alternative country artist, Dylan the born again Christian or Dylan the old bluesman, the chances are very small you' will find something you like here. The playing is just uninspired and is one of the worst Dylan set of songs of the 70s.”

“Dylan and The Band knocked out this pretty good album in only three days, and although not near the top of the Dylan catalogue, it's still pretty playable. My favourites being Dylan's trademark Forever Young and the always nice solo acoustic Wedding Song.”

“Planet Waves opens with a very uptempo number, On A Night Like This, which sounds great. The chorus of Forever Young (version one) makes me recognise a classic. You Angel You showcases Dylan's legendary ability to make songs that are much better when performed by someone else. Finally, Wedding Song recalls the Freewheelin'-era Dylan, though the song is not very good and feels overlong.”

“Planet Waves is kept afloat by the energy of The Band who supported Bob on this album. Forever Young and Wedding Song are among Dylan's best written songs. A solid record if an unremarkable one.”