"Infidels" is the twenty-second studio album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released on October 27, 1983, by Columbia Records. Produced by Mark Knopfler alongside Dylan, this album marks a significant return to secular music after Dylan's conversion to Christianity and the three evangelical albums that followed.
Infidels is characterized by its personal themes of love and loss, as well as its commentary on environmental and geopolitical issues. Critics noted it as a revitalization of Dylan's career, with Rolling Stone's Christopher Connelly calling it his best work since Blood on the Tracks. The album received strong critical acclaim, praised for its songwriting and performances, and achieved commercial success, reaching No. 20 in the US and No. 9 in the UK, with a peak position of No. 1 in Norway. Notably, several songs were cut from the album just before mastering, most prominently "Blind Willie McTell," which many consider one of Dylan's finest works. This song wouldn't see official release until The Bootleg Series Volume III eight years later.
Dylan initially intended to produce the album himself but, feeling out of touch with modern recording technology, sought the help of contemporary artists. After considering David Bowie, Frank Zappa, and Elvis Costello, he chose Mark Knopfler, known for his work with Dire Straits. Knopfler faced challenges in producing Dylan, noting the need for flexibility in the studio. He appreciated Dylan's lyrical discipline and poetic genius, remarking that the music often served as a vehicle for Dylan's profound lyrics.
The album's recording featured a talented group of musicians, including Mick Taylor from The Rolling Stones and the renowned reggae duo Sly & Robbie for the rhythm section. Knopfler's contributions on guitar and his choice of instruments, particularly a hand-built Greco acoustic, were instrumental in shaping the album's sound. Overall, Infidels stands as a significant entry in Dylan's discography, reflecting both a return to form and an evolution in his artistic expression.
