Chimes of Freedom features numerous covers of Bob Dylan classics. Photo property of Amnesty International.
One of the biggest albums of the year dropped this week. Chimes of Freedom-The Songs of Bob Dylan features 76 classic Dylan songs covered by today’s Top 40 artists and music legends. This album not only celebrates Dylan’s legacy but Amnesty International’s 50th anniversary.
Here are several highlights from the album.
Most of the Time- Bettye LaVette
Ms. LaVette has proven to the world numerous times that anything she touches turns to gold. Her rendition of Dylan’s 1989 hit contains Ms. LaVette’s soulful delivery to Dylan’s lyrics and an incredible backing band that makes the listener feel like they are listening to this song being performed live in a nightclub.
Blowin’ in the Wind- Ziggy Marley
When this author thought of Ziggy Marley on this classic song, I thought it would be more reggae-infused than rock. He does an impeccable job blending his reggae voice with the backing Spanish guitar strumming a strong melody that accompanies Mr. Marley’s voice.
Click here to listen to Ziggy’s interesting take on the Dylan classic: http://youtu.be/pKwLZfsTMd4
Ring Them Bells- Natasha Bedingfield
This British songbird recorded a lovely version of the 1989 song that was featured on Dylan’s Oh Mercy album. Bedingfield shows off her range and makes this song a wonderful listening experience.
To listen to Natasha’s incredible cover, click here: http://youtu.be/vI7yX-80Tbw
I Shall Be Released- Maroon 5
One of the many highlights of the album comes from Maroon 5’s cover of Bob Dylan’s 1968 classic “I Shall Be Released.” If music lovers listen carefully, they would feel like they have been transported to a protest rally where they would have heard a group like Maroon 5 perform this song.
Like A Rolling Stone- Jeff Beck & Seal
Two veteran musicians cover this song. Seal delivers powerhouse vocals while Jeff Beck creates incredible guitar licks and commanding background music. This interpretation of “Like A Rolling Stone” could light up rock and modern radio stations everywhere because of this incredible artistry that is demonstrated in this song.
Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right-Ke$ha
Ke$ha steps out of her comfort zone to create a haunting version of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.” Her rendition of this song will not only give listeners goose bumps and chills, but this track could be considered the most surprising track on the album because of the quality of Ke$ha’s vocals and delivery of the lyrics.
Click here to listen to the haunting cover: http://youtu.be/b6S0CwxT_bs
I do not own these clips or material. These are all properties of Amnesty International.
