Bob Dylan

Released in March 1962, Bob Dylan's self-titled debut is a historical anomaly in his catalog, consisting almost entirely of covers. Produced by John Hammond, the record captures Dylan at his most vocally elastic, frequently employing a 'sand and glue' rasp that aimed to replicate the weathered textures of his idols like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Woody Guthrie. While it only contains two original compositions - 'Talkin' New York' and 'Song to Woody' - the album serves as a masterclass in interpretive performance. Dylan's arrangement of 'House of the Risin' Sun' was so distinctive that it famously caused friction with Dave Van Ronk, who had taught him the version. Critically, the album was a 'slow burn,' initially dubbed 'Hammond's Folly' due to poor sales, but it has since been re-evaluated as a vital document of the folk revival. It showcases the technical proficiency and stylistic range that would soon be eclipsed by his songwriting, yet remains his most overtly 'blues' influenced work.