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Knocked Out Loaded

by Bob Dylan

Released: July 14, 1986

Rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Knocked Out Loaded" is the twenty-fourth studio album by Bob Dylan, released on July 14, 1986, under Columbia Records. Despite its reception, "Brownsville Girl" remains a notable highlight, recognized for its narrative depth and poetic lyrics, showcasing Dylan's storytelling prowess even amidst the album's overall lukewarm reception.

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Bob Dylan - Knocked Out Loaded

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Reception

Commercially, the album underperformed, peaking at No. 53 on the U.S. charts and No. 35 in the UK, indicating modest sales compared to Dylan's earlier successes. Over time, "Knocked Out Loaded" has maintained its reputation as a lesser work in Dylan's extensive discography, contrasting with the critical acclaim and commercial success he achieved with other albums throughout his career. Despite featuring an 11-minute epic, "Brownsville Girl," co-written with Sam Shepard and praised by some critics as one of Dylan's standout songs, the album received largely negative reviews upon its release.

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The Complete Album Story

"Knocked Out Loaded" is the twenty-fourth studio album by Bob Dylan, released on July 14, 1986, under Columbia Records. Despite featuring an 11-minute epic, "Brownsville Girl," co-written with Sam Shepard and praised by some critics as one of Dylan's standout songs, the album received largely negative reviews upon its release.

Critics generally viewed "Knocked Out Loaded" as one of Dylan's less compelling efforts, citing its uneven quality and lack of cohesive direction. Commercially, the album underperformed, peaking at No. 53 on the U.S. charts and No. 35 in the UK, indicating modest sales compared to Dylan's earlier successes.

Despite its reception, "Brownsville Girl" remains a notable highlight, recognized for its narrative depth and poetic lyrics, showcasing Dylan's storytelling prowess even amidst the album's overall lukewarm reception.

Over time, "Knocked Out Loaded" has maintained its reputation as a lesser work in Dylan's extensive discography, contrasting with the critical acclaim and commercial success he achieved with other albums throughout his career.