Being able to witness the incarnation of a truly great Bob Dylan album in my own lifetime gave me a sense of justification in my dedication. In "Time Out of Mind" Bob returns back to his traditional sound, albeit with a slightly shakier voice and far crisper production.

Unfortunately, gone is the vibrance and in its place comes a welcome sentimental sort-of introspective tone. This is heard in tracks such as "Love Sick", "Standing in the Doorway" and "Trying to get to Heaven". There are the bluesy numbers as well: "Dirt Road Blues", "Million Miles" and "'Til I fell in Love with you". Also there are more original sounding tracks such as "Cold Irons Bound". A particular favourite on the album is "Not Dark Yet" - one of those sad songs that actually makes everything seem allright. In true Bob style, he saves the long one to last. "Highlands" is one of those late-night songs when you have nothing else to do but sit down and listen to it all - it is well worth it.

Aside from comments about returning to form this is actually a self-standing formidable Bob Dylan album (however by comparison to "Blonde on Blonde" it can only warrant 4 stars). Its not going to shock anyone but I don't think he is really interested in doing that much these days anyway.