“Self Portrait” is the 10th studio album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released on June 8, 1970. It’s one of his most polarizing albums, receiving mixed reviews upon its release and generating discussions among fans and critics alike. Here are 20 facts about the album:
Diverse Musical Styles: “Self Portrait” is notable for its eclectic range of musical styles, including country, folk, pop, and even a touch of rock and roll. This departure from Dylan’s earlier folk and protest music was surprising to many fans and critics.
Double Album: The original release of “Self Portrait” was a double LP, featuring 24 tracks. Some of these tracks were traditional folk and country songs, while others were covers of popular songs by other artists.
Covers and Traditionals: The album included several cover songs and traditional tunes, such as “Blue Moon,” “The Boxer,” “Copper Kettle,” and “In Search of Little Sadie.” This led to accusations that Dylan was filling the album with cover material to meet contractual obligations.
Unconventional Vocals: Dylan’s vocal performances on “Self Portrait” were notably more laid-back and less polished than his previous work. Some listeners found his singing style on this album to be deliberately casual and unrefined.
Lack of Original Material: One of the criticisms leveled at the album was the scarcity of original compositions by Dylan. Of the 24 tracks, only about half were written by Dylan himself. This was unusual given his reputation as a prolific songwriter.
Critical Reception: Upon its release, “Self Portrait” received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Many were disappointed by the departure from Dylan’s usual songwriting style and the inclusion of cover songs. Some even considered it a deliberate act of self-sabotage.
Commercial Performance: Despite the negative reviews, “Self Portrait” managed to reach number 4 on the US Billboard 200 chart and was certified gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).
Reassessment Over Time: Over the years, some fans and critics have reevaluated “Self Portrait” and found merit in its unconventional approach. Some argue that the album offers a glimpse into Dylan’s artistic experimentation and refusal to be pigeonholed.
Later Interpretations: Dylan himself has provided little commentary on the album’s intentions and meaning. In his 2004 memoir “Chronicles: Volume One,” he briefly mentioned “Self Portrait” as a way to escape from the public’s expectations.
Recording Locations: The album was recorded at various locations, including Columbia Studio A in Nashville, Columbia Studio B in New York City, and even in a hotel room in New York. This eclectic recording approach might have contributed to the album’s diverse sound.
Originals on Side Four: The fourth side of the original double LP featured all-original compositions by Dylan, which included tracks like “Wigwam,” “Living the Blues,” “Days of ’49,” and “The Mighty Quinn (Quinn the Eskimo),” the last of which had been previously released as a single in 1968.
Dylan’s Intentions: While the album’s reception was largely negative, some speculate that Dylan might have intended to use “Self Portrait” as a way to distance himself from the pressures of being a folk and protest icon. He had already experienced significant fame and scrutiny, and this album might have been his way of defying expectations.
Cover Art Controversy: The album’s cover art features a self-portrait of Dylan, which was a departure from the more iconic and abstract cover art of his previous albums. Some critics and fans found this change in visual style reflective of the album’s departure from musical norms.
Cansu Demir
May 1970 – Bob Dylan Sings Yesterday
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