New Morning is the eleventh studio album by Bob Dylan and released only 4 months after the, in my opinion, boring double album Self Portrait. Hence his productivity, New Morning is said to be started recording even before Self Portrait was released. Nevertheless it is recorded from June to August 1970 in the Columbia Studio Building, New York.

It seems I am not the only one who likes it above Self Portrait – I have read quotes like:

We’ve got Dylan back again.

Of course it’s better than Self Portrait! Self Portrait was Dylan telling the world exactly where they could stick it!

Welcome to the world of Dylan, where he can be equally genius and infuriating at the same time.

Here is the full review of New Morning by Ed Ward, Rolling Stone magazine, written in November 1970.
Click here (opens in new window)

I especially like the smooth jazz moments on If Dogs Run Free, the straight forward soft rock in The Man In Me, Day of the Locusts and also the albums title song, New Morning. As said, I find it much better than Self Portrait, but still far from his best albums.

Next time Dylan will be present on this 50 year list will  be in 2024 with the excellent album, Planet Waves, but I might consider including the soundtrack album Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid from 1973. We will see.

Bob Dylan – vocals, harmonica, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, organ, piano
David Bromberg – electric guitar
Harvey Brooks – bass guitar
Charlie Daniels – bass guitar
Ron Cornelius – electric guitar
Buzz Feiten – electric guitar
Al Kooper – organ, piano, electric guitar
Russ Kunkel, Billy Mundi – drums
Hilda Harris – backing vocals
Albertin Robinson – backing vocals
Maeretha Stewart – backing vocals