Empire Burlesque

by

Bob Dylan

Edit

Empire Burlesque has one thing in common with Self Portrait, Street Legal and every other Bob Dylan album that is panned more often than not: If it had been released by an little known upstart, it would have been accepted, maybe even acclaimed. The expectations are so perennial high for Dylan to produce another Blood on the Tracks that average, decent or even good albums he releases are often condemned to a negative responce because they do not stand-up to his highest accomplishments.

Empire Burlesque rattles the expectations critics continuously hold for Dylan in two specific ways: 1) Instead of poetry, it features mostly simple, straight-forward rock lyrics. 2) Instead of an unadorned, organic feel, it possesses a slick, well-produced atmosphere. Although, we all would prefer another "Gates of Eden" or "I Shall Be Released," the love and relationship-centered songs of Empire Burlesque are nothing to scoff at. Clever, true and free of clichés that would trap lesser songwriters, songs such as "Tight Connection to My Heart," "I'll Remember You" and "Emotionally Yours" are excellent representations of Dylan's more pop-orientated prowess. Granted, the thick production and hefty accompaniment are a bit much. Every song on Empire Burlesque, with the exception of the gorgeous finale, "Dark Eyes," which Dylan performed unaccompanied, could have benefited from being giving some breathing room with the elimination of one or a few back-up vocals or instruments. A complete stripping, however, would rob the album of the instances in which such sonic density work. On "Something's Burning Baby," the heavy accompaniment, especially Anton Fig's jangling drums, bolsters the song's sense of power and urgency and on the spicy "Clean Cut Kid," Dylan mirrors the success of the large ensemble with which BB King usually plays. Although far from perfect, Empire Burlesque is a fine addition to Dylan's discography.

Maybe I like this album because it served as a soundtrack for my life when it came out in the Summer of '85. It contains some great songs and great singing. I think "Tight Connection to My Heart" is a Dylan classic. I prefer this song over its precursor ("Someone's Got a Hold of My Heart" on Bootleg Series 1-3). The lyrics, music, singing, and instrumentation are excellent.

"I'll Remember You" and "Emotionally Yours" are also great songs. Their lyrics are straight-forward rather than overtly poetic or esoteric, but what's wrong with that? Dylan uses many different styles when writing. Some of the same people who rip into this album for having simplistic, Tin Pan Alley lyrics are able to appreciate the lyrical minimalism of FreeWheelin' BD, Nashville Skyline, New Morning, and Under the Red Sky. These are well-sung, melodic songs with direct, intimate messages. And the musical accompaniment is great.

To a lesser degree, I like "Seeing the Real You at Last," "Trust Yourself," and "Something's Burning Baby." Each has something worthwhile about itself--the first, for example, is kind of a hoot as Dylan rips into his former love while funky horns and electric guitars are blasting away.

I agree with the criticism of Arthur Baker's quasi-disco production of "When the Night Comes Falling From the Sky." It had potential to be a classic but it ends up sounding dated and blustery (rather than timeless and powerful). Dylan's singing is also weak on this song. It does have some great words, though. "Clean Cut Kid" seems like a missed opportunity. Again, it has some good words but suffers from an ill-conceived arrangement. "Dark Eyes" is a fine song (its appeal has grown over the years). I've never cared for "Never Gonna Be the Same Again."

Overall, I'd recommend this album to people who appreciate Bob Dylan. I completely disagree with people who say this is his worst album--it's not even close! I think it's one of his mid-quality albums. it has some gorgeous piano, some Hammond organ, and a nice, warm feel to many of the songs.