

After a three-album foray into Christian music, Bob Dylan sounds rejuvenated on this 1983 powerhouse. While haunting biblical imagery peppers the aching pop of “Jokerman,” the rocking “Neighborhood Bully” details Israeli conflicts in the Middle East, and blues-charger “Union Sundown” scorns America’s outsourcing of jobs. Dylan’s heart opens on the love-addict’s ballad “Don’t Fall Apart on Me Tonight,” and “Sweetheart Like You” unfolds in bittersweet barroom pickup lines. His on-point band here includes Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler and heroic reggae rhythm section Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.