Bob Dylan: Fallen Angels review - another batch of pre-rock era standards

Fallen Angels
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Artist: Bob Dylan
Genre: Pop
Label: Sony Music

Released four days before his 75th birthday, Bob Dylan once again interprets (or rather uncovers) a batch of pre-rock era standards, many of which – like his previous album, 2015's Shadows in the Night – are associated with Frank Sinatra.

Depending on where one stands, this is either a continuation of Dylan's exploration of narrative and structural simplicity, or an example of the waning of his not inconsiderable songwriting skills (last showcased to significant effect on 2012's Tempest).

It's a game of two halves, essentially: fans will surely appreciate delicate renderings of songs such as That Old Black Magic, All the Way, Young at Heart, and All or Nothing at All, yet might think that Dylan has already "uncovered" more than enough American Songbook selections.

Tony Clayton-Lea

Tony Clayton-Lea

Tony Clayton-Lea is a contributor to The Irish Times specialising in popular culture