"Planet Waves" is the fourteenth studio album by American musician Bob Dylan, released on January 17, 1974. This album is unique as it is Dylan's first project with his former backup band, "The Band", since their last collaborative work in the late 1960s. The collaboration brings a rich, full sound, a departure from the sparse style Dylan employed on his previous album, creating a mixture of folk, rock, and country blues.
Despite mixed critical reception, "Planet Waves" performed well commercially, peaking at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, making it Dylan's first album to reach that position, and number seven in the UK. The album was originally set to be titled "Ceremonies of the Horsemen", a reference to the song "Love Minus Zero/No Limit", from the 1965 album "Bringing It All Back Home".
"Planet Waves" consists of 11 tracks, including two versions of the acclaimed song "Forever Young." The tracks primarily center around nuanced themes of love and life struggles. The rawness of Dylan's vocals paired with personal and intense lyricism provides an intimate listening experience. The songs "On a Night Like This" and "Something There is About You" became standout tracks and fan favorites.
Despite the commercial success, over time, the album has often been overlooked within Dylan's vast discography. However, it remains an important work that showcases his versatile and profound songwriting abilities and marks a memorable reunion with The Band.
