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The positive reception for his album, Good As I Been To You, prompted Bob Dylan to release another album of traditional folk and blues songs. World Gone Wrong was released October 26, 1993 and received another round of positive reviews. Both albums would find Dylan accompanying himself only on acoustic guitar and harmonica.
His choice of material would be darker this time and he would write his own liner notes explaining the songs. This may have been due to the fact he had been successfully sued for using arrangements that were not original to him without providing compensation or recognition. Also the album cover shows him wearing what appears to be the same top hat as on the jacket of Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid.
What has always been amazing to me is that Dylan was familiar with so many and different types of traditional songs. These songs would literally define him as a person and musician just as well as most of his own compositions. The songs chosen for this album may be more intense and less positive than his past selections but they are performed with passion and sincerity. It all adds up to the fact that, at his best, he is a folk singer.
He takes two old blues songs from the 1930’s, originally performed by The Mississippi Sheiks, and simplifies them back to their basics. “Blood In My Eyes” is an intensive love song while “Delia” is a ballad of murder, prison, and death.
“Two Soldiers” has appeared in Dylan’s stage act, off and on, for years now. It portrays death in war and the pain of a mother left behind. “Lone Pilgrim” contains some of the most expressive vocals of his career.
World Gone Wrong contained a set of songs that meant something to him. He proves here that good songs are never dated when recorded and sung well. The tunes contained on this album will always be good company.
