#315Albums is a list of 315 albums that appear on both the Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, as well as the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die book, edited by Robert Dimery. At its best, it is a representation of some of the greatest music ever released; at its worst, it is a journey through the history of music that the majority see as important, influential, and/or relevant. If nothing else, these albums are worth experiencing at least once to get a better understanding of music, which is why we are working to complete all #315Albums.


No. 047

“Bruce Springsteen described the beginning of ‘Like a Rolling Stone’, the opening song on Highway 61 Revisited, as the ‘snare shot that sounded like somebody’d kicked open the door to your mind.’ Folk singer Phil Ochs was even more rhapsodic about the LP: ‘It’s impossibly good… How can a human mind do this?'”

Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: Highway 61 Revisited
Released: 1965
Label: Columbia
Rolling Stones Ranking: 4

This album was actually my introduction to Bob Dylan. I happened to put it on while on a drive down south with my entire family as we headed to a cruise port. My dad was thrilled to hear it, along with the Beatles albums I’d been playing because that is his favorite band. I fell in love with it after one playthrough. It’s been on my Apple Music ever since, and I will go back to it on occasion. Right from the first song – “Like a Rolling Stone” – it is easy to understand why this is such an iconic album.

I’m sure I said it before, but I absolutely love Dylan’s vocals. He is raw and emotional, which is captivating. His lyrics follow-suit, and there are almost always meaningful. Top it off with the instrumentals; Dylan’s use of the harmonica is insanely impressive. He shifts from blues to pop and back seamlessly. Highway 61 Revisited is nothing short of a masterpiece that everyone with an interest in music should give a shot.

Cinefessions’ #315Albums Rating: 92%

Image and quote courtesy of Rolling Stone Magazine.