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Time Out of Mind

by Bob Dylan

Released: September 30, 1997

Blues rock, country, blues, rockabilly

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

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

The Album

"Time Out of Mind" is the thirtieth studio album by Bob Dylan, released on September 30, 1997, through Columbia Records. The songwriting process began in the winter of 1996 at Dylan's Minnesota farm, resulting in a fresh batch of songs after years of rejections. The recording took place at Criteria Studio in Miami, where late nights were spent refining the lyrics.

Inside the Recording

Produced by Daniel Lanois, the album features an atmospheric sound created through innovative recording techniques.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

This album marked Dylan's return to original material…

This album marked Dylan's return to original material after a seven-year hiatus since Under the Red Sky in 1990, and it was seen as a significant artistic comeback, particularly after his struggles in the 1980s.

Dylan’s perspective on the album was pragmatic; once…

Dylan’s perspective on the album was pragmatic; once the lyrics were complete, he considered it done, reflecting a candid acceptance of the creative process.

While Dylan initially praised Lanois' style, he later…

While Dylan initially praised Lanois' style, he later expressed dissatisfaction with the final sound, opting to self-produce subsequent albums.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Bob Dylan - Time Out of Mind

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Then

Reception

The album received critical acclaim, winning three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year in 1998, and was ranked number 410 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Time Out of Mind" is the thirtieth studio album by Bob Dylan, released on September 30, 1997, through Columbia Records. This album marked Dylan's return to original material after a seven-year hiatus since Under the Red Sky in 1990, and it was seen as a significant artistic comeback, particularly after his struggles in the 1980s. The album received critical acclaim, winning three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year in 1998, and was ranked number 410 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Produced by Daniel Lanois, the album features an atmospheric sound created through innovative recording techniques. While Dylan initially praised Lanois' style, he later expressed dissatisfaction with the final sound, opting to self-produce subsequent albums. The songwriting process began in the winter of 1996 at Dylan's Minnesota farm, resulting in a fresh batch of songs after years of rejections. The recording took place at Criteria Studio in Miami, where late nights were spent refining the lyrics. Dylan’s perspective on the album was pragmatic; once the lyrics were complete, he considered it done, reflecting a candid acceptance of the creative process.