On This Day: Bob Dylan Released His Most Controversial Album Ever
Released on this day in 1979, Bob Dylan's Slow Train Coming became his most controversial record ever.
The LP was polarizing due to Dylan's dramatic shift from the themes and musical styles of his prior recordings. Slow Train Coming had a more soulful and gospel-influenced sound, alienating some fans who loved the musician's earlier folk-rock and acoustic music.
Parade Daily🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
Dylan converted to Christianity in 1978. His faith was reflected throughout the album's lyrics. Many listeners reportedly found its overtly religious tone jarring, with songs like "Gotta Serve Somebody" and "When He Returns" seeming out of step with the rest of his catalog.
However, this LP also drew in a new set of fans, who found solace in Dylan's religious beliefs. Song titles such as 'I Believe In You' and 'Gonna Change My Way of Thinking' brought the singer/songwriter's music to a new legion of listeners.
In an interview with writer Karen Hughes, Dylan discussed the reason behind his changed belief system. He called being born again "a hard thing." He explained, "It would have been easier if I had become a Buddhist, or a Scientologist, or if I had gone to Sing Sing."
"Being born again is a hard thing. You ever seen a mother give birth to a child? Well it's painful. We don't like to lose those old attitudes and hang-ups".
"I guess He's always been calling me", Dylan added. "Of course, how would I have ever known that? I always thought it was some voice that would be more identifiable. But God's got his own purpose and time for everything. He knew when I would respond to His call".
Slow Train Coming would place at number 16 in a list of the 100 greatest albums in Christian Music. It would achieve platinum sales status in the United States.
On This Day: Bob Dylan Released His Most Controversial Album Ever first appeared on Parade on Aug 20, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Chinese troops train for massive parade
Chinese troops train for massive parade Ahead of a massive military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, the Chinese government invited foreign media to a practice session on the outskirts of Beijing. CNN Beijing Bureau Chief Steven Jiang reports from heavily guarded barracks and discusses what the event means for the world's biggest standing army under leader Xi Jinping. 01:58 - Source: CNN Vertical World News 13 videos Chinese troops train for massive parade Ahead of a massive military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, the Chinese government invited foreign media to a practice session on the outskirts of Beijing. CNN Beijing Bureau Chief Steven Jiang reports from heavily guarded barracks and discusses what the event means for the world's biggest standing army under leader Xi Jinping. 01:58 - Source: CNN Activists fear China's 'Super Embassy' plans China wants to build a new embassy in the heart of historic London that would be the biggest in Europe. Many locals and activists say it would be a threat to security and privacy, with the UK government set to make a decision on the proposal in the coming days. CNN's Salma Abdelaziz speaks to one political dissident from Hong Kong who fears for her safety if plans are allowed to go ahead. 01:39 - Source: CNN Fireball lights up skies in Japan Cameras captured the moment a ball of light lit up the night sky over parts of Japan. 00:20 - Source: CNN This 95-year-old former prisoner of war wants to return to North Korea Captured during the Korean War and imprisoned for decades for refusing to renounce his political beliefs, 95-year-old Ahn Hak-sop now has a single dying wish: to return to North Korea and be buried alongside his comrades. CNN's Mike Valerio reports from outside the Korean Peninsula's Demilitarized Zone as Ahn tried to enter the North from the South. 01:40 - Source: CNN Hear from aid truck drivers waiting to enter Gaza Thousands of aid trucks are parked near the Rafah border crossing in Egypt, waiting to enter Gaza. Many convoys have remained idle for weeks causing essential food aid to spoil as starvation grips the blockaded strip. CNN Senior News Reporter Mostafa Salem speaks with truck drivers waiting in Rafah to deliver aid to Palestinians. 01:31 - Source: CNN Meet the Japanese 'doctor' who fixes toys for the elderly Fumiyoshi Sumi has repaired hundreds of toys for children. But these days, more and more elderly people are bringing in 'patients" to his toy hospital. 01:10 - Source: CNN Zelensky prepares for White House meeting In the wake of the Alaska summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, European leaders joined Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky for a conference call ahead of the leader's meeting with the US president at the White House on Monday. 01:24 - Source: CNN Nationwide demonstrations across Israel demanding hostage deal A planned nationwide strike in Israel on Sunday saw hundreds of thousands take part to call on the government to bring the remaining hostages in Gaza home. CNN's Oren Liebermann reports from Tel Aviv. 01:23 - Source: CNN Witkoff hopeful of trilateral meeting US envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN's Jake Tapper he believes a trilateral meeting between Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Vladimir Putin is possible. 00:39 - Source: CNN Canadian government orders end to Air Canada strike After more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike seeking wage increases and paid compensation for work when planes are on the ground, the Canada Industrial Relations Board has ordered them to return to work according to an announcement by Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu. 01:05 - Source: CNN Hong Kong's poorly housed bear the brunt of climate change Climate change is making Hong Kong's summers hotter. Yet tens of thousands of residents remain sardined into homes smaller than a parking space, where staying cool is a luxury few can afford as the climate warms. In small, enclosed spaces with little ventilation or cooling, indoor temperatures can soar past 100°F (37.7°C), posing serious health risks for the city's most vulnerable. 01:31 - Source: CNN London's toxic trash 'volcano' Arnolds Field landfill on Launders Lane in east London is better known to locals as the 'Rainham volcano.' The site was used as an illegal dump for years and now, every summer, it bursts into flames, sending plumes of acrid smoke over nearby homes, parks and schools. CNN's Laura Paddison speaks to residents who feel abandoned and trapped. 02:05 - Source: CNN Protesters condemn 'no deal' outcome of Trump-Putin talks Protesters in Alaska said they're not surprised that President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin didn't reach a deal on the war in Ukraine. 01:08 - Source: CNN
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy Take Rome for First Haircut — And He Looks so Cute
Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy Take Rome for First Haircut — And He Looks so Cute originally appeared on Parade. Dancing With the Stars pros Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy took their son Rome for his first haircut and shared the results on social media. "And just like that, we have a BIG BOY," Johnson captioned an Instagram post on Aug. 20. The ballroom pro included before and after photos of Rome, 2, who had been sporting shoulder-length hair with sweet curls for several months before getting a big boy cut. Johnson also shared a video of Rome enjoying a snack while getting his hair done. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy (@jennajohnson) Fans loved seeing Rome's transformation and couldn't get over just how adorable he looks. "AWWW he looks so cute," one person wrote. "I can't with the cuteness," someone else added. "You did so good in that chair Rome!!! So handsome. I can't believe how fast he's growing up," a third comment read. "I was not emotionally prepared for this post. Oh he's so adorable! He looks equally handsome both ways… but wow this makes him look so grown up," a fourth Instagram user said. Johnson and Chmerkovskiy will more than likely be part of Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars, though their roles have yet to be confirmed. The full cast announcement — pros and stars — will be made on Sept. 3 on Good Morning America. The couple has won back-to-back Mirrorball Trophies, with Chmerkovskiy taking home a W with Xochitl Gomez on Season 32 and Johnson winning alongside Bachelor star Joey Graziadei on Season 33. Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy Take Rome for First Haircut — And He Looks so Cute first appeared on Parade on Aug 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Melanie Griffith Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance With Daughter
Melanie Griffith Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance With Daughter originally appeared on Parade. Legendary actress Melanie Griffith stunned in a rare red carpet appearance with her daughter, Dakota Johnson, on August 19. Tippi Hedren's daughter, 68, posed alongside her own daughter, 35, while attending the Los Angeles premiere of Johnson's latest movie Splitsville at the AMC at The Grove. Naturally, the beloved actress was there to support Johnson, who has really blossomed as a performer over the last five years, and her latest project. Both mother and daughter were looking incredibly stylish on the carpet, of course. Griffith rocked a stunning fitted light cream suit with cream and tan sneakers, while Johnson opted for a gorgeous strapless silver gown seemingly made of leather that hugged her slim figure perfectly. Her dress hit the floor, so her shoes on the carpet were somewhat of a mystery — a fun way to get fans talking about the beautiful look. That said, Johnson changed up her outfit entirely for the screening's afterparty at Delilah in Los Angeles. The Madame Web star donned a chic long-sleeved black dress with a crew neck and black ankle booties to match. The actress' mother did not seem to attend the premiere party, but it was great to see her hit the carpet and support her daughter's endeavors. In fact, this was somewhat of a rare appearance for Griffith. She was last seen at a book launch for Covet the Comeback by Christos Garkinos back in March, and before that, the Academy Award nominee was photographed on the red carpet at the Elle Women in Hollywood celebration in November 2024. So it's great to see the icon out and about in great spirits, especially to cheer on her daughter. Johnson is the child of Griffith and actor Don Johnson, who is perhaps best known for playing James Crockett in the beloved 80s TV show Miami Vice. The pair married and divorced in 1976 and then got back together in 1989 before divorcing again in 1996. Melanie Griffith Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance With Daughter first appeared on Parade on Aug 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
