Bob Dylan, a legendary figure in music history, has had some of his songs labeled as less successful despite their presence on iconic albums. Rolling Stone recently included Dylan’s 1975 track “Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts” on its list of “50 Terrible Songs on Great Albums,” placing it at number 14. This song is part of Dylan’s acclaimed album Blood on the Tracks, which also features celebrated hits like “Tangled Up in Blue” and “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When I Go.”
The criticism centers on the song’s lyrics, which Rolling Stone describes as “practically impossible to follow.” The nearly nine-minute-long track is often skipped by listeners who find it confusing. However, the magazine notes that a stripped-down version released in 2018 as part of The Bootleg Series Vol. 14: More Blood, More Tracks offers a superior listening experience.
Despite this critical view, not everyone agrees with the assessment. Actor Kevin Bacon, for example, has praised “Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts” as a “super, super fun song” and highlighted its engaging storytelling in a 2024 Instagram video. This divergence in opinion highlights how songs can resonate differently with audiences.
Bob Dylan appears four times on Rolling Stone’s list of disappointing songs from otherwise great albums. In addition to “Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts,” his 1966 track “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” from Blonde on Blonde ranks at number 27. The song “Joey” from his 1976 album Desire is placed at number 32, while “Ballad in Plain D” from Another Side of Bob Dylan (1964) appears at number 49.
These rankings suggest that even artists renowned for their songwriting can produce tracks that do not connect as strongly with critics or some listeners. Dylan’s work overall remains highly influential and celebrated, but these examples reveal how individual songs can affect the reception of an album.
The discussion around these songs also emphasizes the subjective nature of music appreciation. While some fans and critics may find certain tracks lacking, others discover unique value or enjoyment in them. As Bob Dylan’s career spans decades with numerous celebrated works, such debates over specific songs contribute to ongoing conversations about artistic legacy and cultural impact.
In summary, while Rolling Stone’s list highlights several Bob Dylan songs considered weak points on great albums, the artist’s significant contributions to music history remain undeniable. The contrasting views on tracks like “Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts” illustrate how cultural impact varies widely among listeners.
