Rick Rubin is well known for producing the Johnny Cash American Recording releases, and his patented sparse acoustic arrangements that allow the artists passion to carry the songs. While Jakob’s lyrical content may not be equal yet with his fathers, and whose truly is, the depth is certainly there. The production by Rubin has added to the quality, letting Jakob’s strong vocals convey the melancholy atmosphere.
Kicking off the CD with the dark “Evil Is Alive and Well†sets the somber tone of the CD. Dylan’s bleak look into the life around us paints an alarming picture that many do not care to see. His solemn vocals, accompanied by a lone guitar, are mesmerizing.
Dylan’s songs preach much of sorrow and woe, sometimes subtly phrasing his lyrics as if to question everything, leaving no stone unturned. “Everybody Pays As They Go†states exactly that. His deep expression of despair is vividly up front here.
One of the few more uplifting numbers on the CD is “On Up The Mountain.†Dylan states, “There’s a light making its way, on up the mountain night and day, you’ll get tired and you’ll get weak, but you won’t surrender your masterpiece.†The positive flow here is touchingly strong.
Dylan lands firmly in his famous father’s shoes with three songs in particular. His lyrical genius, winding seamlessly to and fro, accompanied adeptly by his guitar, will surely bring back memories of his father for some.
“Valley of The Low Sun†is a virtual lyrical canyon, with so much depth one wonders his true intentions. Dylan writes, “We bow down and worship these bandits and cowboys unable to hold their own guns. I know that soldiers are not paid to think, but something is making us sick. Onward and steady, able and young, in the valley of the low low sun.†One may think this is an anti-war song, but he continues “My dreams are humble, lean as arrows, streetwise ready and fair. As we bum rush the ages, tied to the rails, on high seas not fit to be sailed. Whatever we’ve taken, does feel like heaven, but baby we just look like hell. Act like you mean it where paradise was, in the valley of the low low sun.†Now the song takes on a different meaning. Perhaps. Only Jakob truly knows at this point, but its beauty is astounding.
“All Day and All Night,†even with far less lyrical depth makes a poignant statement. Dylan’s upbeat guitar picking accentuates the strength he is attempting to portray in this song. He writes “Give what you’ve got, return what you use. Tell me young man, whose dog are you? Got bigger secrets than you do, all day and all night like a mule.†One can envision the stance of a proud stubborn man throughout this song.
“This End of the Telescope†closes out the CD in grand fashion. This is a dark portrayal of a man who has reached his final limits. Dylan paints a picture of a man looking bitterly at the world through the telescope of perhaps a gun. He writes “Down the valley, deeper still it goes. Got my weapons out, laying low. On this end of the telescope.†He continues “Slow and easy you let your paddle go. Down at the bottom there is more hell to row. I see clear at last. I love. I loathe. On this end of the telescope.†The sober vocals by Dylan sell this very well.
While the tone of Dylan’s initial solo release is somewhat dreary, it is definitely well done. His writing and vocal talents are on full display here. The true test of a musician is if you can listen to his music and come away feeling anything. Dylan drives this one straight through the heart.
