Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

After a trio of releases that mapped out Dylan's conversion to Christianity, 'Infidels' sees him continuing to write songs drawing from his new faith. Recorded with reggae rhythms maestros Sly & Robbie, there's an extra funkiness to the proceedings here and a few gems to be enjoyed. I've always loved the opening cut "Jokerman" but like so many Bob Dylan songs have no idea who it's about. Who is the Jokerman? Dylan? The Anti-Christ? It's got some great biblical imagery and a fab groove though! "Neighbourhood Bully" is built on a huge Rolling Stones-style riff which isn't surprising when you consider former Stones guitarist Mick Taylor is playing guitar on the album alongside Mark Knopfler. The bully by the way is the nation of Israel. There are a couple of other highlights. "Man Of Peace" has one of those great grooves and a great angry vocal from the rock icon. "I And I" as the title might suggest draws on the Jamaican roots of the rhythms section and one final song worth mentioning is the ballad "Sweetheart Like You", wondering what she's doing in a place like this. Old idea but a nice song with great guitar from Knopfler and it could have been a song on the Dire Straits 'Making Movies' album. Dylan's albums in the '80s were often a bit patchy and that's true here. But there are some gems well worth investigating.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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