Bob Dylan changed music in the 1960s when he took popular songs from folk into the electric age, embracing rock and roll and, in many ways, defining what the genre was capable of. His poetic storytelling lyrics remain the standard in many ways for what a song can be—for the vivid images it can present and the lessons it can teach.
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So, no one would try to imitate him, right? Quite the opposite! Many have tried to take on the spirit of Dylan’s music, even to the degree of trying to literally sound like him. And here below, we wanted to explore three examples. A trio of tracks that sound like they could be from Dylan’s hand and mouth but actually are not.
“Worry No More” by Ron Wood from Gimme Some Neck (1979)
The Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood released his solo album Gimme Some Neck in 1979 and on it was the song “Worry No More,” which seems rather Dylan-inspired. From the off-kilter, piano-driven blues music to the shout-singing he performs on the tune. He sounds as if he’s doing a Dylan impression on the song as he belts out lyrics about the devil coming to your front door. Indeed, Wood sings on the rocker,
My life was once filled with anger
So much anger and grief
Now I found a spirit
Heading into my heart
It’s the only thing that gives me relief
Jealousy ‘n fear were with me daily
I was always afraid of getting lost
Once was surely blind
But now it’s all behind
I can see all the bridges I have crossed
“Refugee” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers from Damn the Torpedoes (1979)
When Tom Petty was growing up in Florida, he for sure was a Dylan fan. Later in life the two became friends and even collaborated in the super group Traveling Wilburys. So, it’s no wonder that some of his music and even his vocal deliveries sound like The Bard. And the 1979 song “Refugee” from Petty’s album Damn the Torpedoes is perhaps Example No. 1. Again, it’s the style with which he sings—that breathy, vocal pushing as if the words are coming out in clumps from his throat. And on this tune, Petty sings,
We did somethin’ we both know it
We don’t talk too much about it
Ain’t no real big secret all the same
Somehow we get around it
Listen it don’t really matter to me, baby
You believe what you want to believe
You see, you don’t have to live like a refugee
“Bluebird” by the Tallest Man on Earth from Shallow Grave (2008)
For a time there, the Tallest Man on Earth was one of the most exciting performers in music. He has a dynamic, intricate finger-picking style, a distinct singing voice, and lyrics that make the mind bubble in thought. But on the same token, it’s clear to hear the influence the poet Bob Dylan has had on the Swedish songwriter. And “Bluebird” from the artist’s 2008 LP Shallow Grave is a terrific example. His voice is rubbery and raspy like Dylan’s and his lyrics are as if torn from the pages of some far off scribe. Indeed, the Tallest Man sings vividly,
Oh, well I know you stroke the set-up baby, of all the leaves up in the ground
And I know your song is old but heavy as I see dry leaves fallin’ down, oh
With all this fever in my mind, I could drown in your kerosene eyes
Oh, you’re just a riddle in the sky
Oh, where do my bluebird fly?
Photo by Cynthia Johnson/Liaison/Getty Images
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