The Ten Worst Bob Dylan Song Covers: A Critical Appraisal

Bob Dylan is a legendary figure in music history, known for his poetic lyrics and distinctive voice. However, when his songs are covered by other artists, opinions often vary widely. Some versions capture the essence of Dylan's spirit, while others fall flat or even go so far as to be critically maligned. In this article, we will explore the ten worst Bob Dylan song covers, as perceived by many fans and critics alike.

1. William Shatner's "Mr. Tambourine Man"

William Shatner, the captain of the Enterprise, takes on the iconic "Mr. Tambourine Man" with a performance that has become a meme. While some see it as a joyful, satirical take on Dylan's song, many critics argue that his rendition is overly sentimental and lacks the poignancy of the original. It's a prime example of a cover that doesn't resonate with Dylan's original intent and spirit.

2. Stewart's "Mr. Tambourine Man"

Stewart's rendition of "Mr. Tambourine Man" has been heavily criticized for being overly sentimental and lacking the poignancy of Dylan's original. Critics argued that the version is too saccharine, detracting from the emotional depth of the song.

3. Kim Baez's "Girl from the North Country"

Kim Baez's version of "Girl from the North Country" has been noted for its polished sound, which some feel misses the rawness of Dylan's original. While Baez performs with skill and intent, the send-down-light production makes the song feel distinctly dated and less engaging than it originally was.

4. Frankie Valli The Four Seasons' "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right"

Few albums have generated as much hostility as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons' performance of "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right." Unlike Shatner, who delivered his cover with a definitive air of mockery, these pop stars' version has been ridiculed for its completely emotionless delivery. The cover manages to evoke no emotion at all, losing the introspective quality and urgency of Dylan's original version.

5. Neil Young's "Mr. Tambourine Man"

Neil Young's version of "Mr. Tambourine Man" has been described as a muddled mess. While Young's contributions to rock music are beyond dispute, his cover of Dylan's song is often criticized for its lack of clarity and emotional depth. The interpretation often misses the emotional complexity found in Dylan's original.

6. The Byrds' "All Along the Watchtower"

The Byrds adapted "All Along the Watchtower" with a sixth chord that altered the song's dynamics and, some argue, its meaning. While their version brought the song to a wider audience, the changes made don't always align with the emotional narrative of Dylan's original. Some fans feel that this cover, while famous and influential, fails to capture the essence of the original's lyrical depth.

7. Melanie's "Mr. Tambourine Man"

Melanie's version of "Mr. Tambourine Man" is celebrated for its folk spirit, but it also misses the raw emotional energy of the original. Critics point out that it doesn't quite convey the level of poignancy and desperation found in Dylan's performance, which some argue makes it less effective as a cover.

8. The Velvet Underground's "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)"

The Velvet Underground's version of "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" has been noted for its slow, existential mood. While it does bring a unique perspective, it also tends to veer away from the original's dynamic and urgency, which some argue makes it less compelling as a cover.

9. The Who's "Like a Rolling Stone"

The Who put their unique rock and roll twist on "Like a Rolling Stone," with an extended instrumental break that detracts from the emotional intensity of the original. While it's an iconic version, it takes Dylan's fiercely powerful music and turns it into a spectacle, which many argue fails to capture the original's raw, emotional impact.

10. John Pennington's "Blowin' in the Wind"

John Pennington, best known for his role in Project X, takes on "Blowin' in the Wind" with a performance that, while respectful, lacks the emotional punch of the original. Critics have noted that his rendition, while enjoyable, falls short of the original's profound and soul-stirring quality.

Conclusion

While some listeners may enjoy these interpretations, they often fail to resonate with Dylan's original intent and spirit, leading to their criticism among fans and critics. It’s important to note, however, that art is subjective, and what one listener finds lacking, another might find charming or even humorous. The true beauty of covers, especially those of complex songs like those by Bob Dylan, lies in the interpretation and the unique perspective brought to the table by each artist.