Despite being one of the leading figures in the music industry and achieving critical acclaim during his prime, Bob Dylan had never topped the Billboard single charts. Dylan’s Billboard success was more defined by his albums, with some of his work, such as Planet Waves and Blood on the Tracks, claiming the number one spot on the Billboard 200. However, it took Dylan over 60 years to get his first number one song, and the song that helped him top the charts was “Murder Most Foul,” which was surprisingly released in 2020.
Why Didn’t Bob Dylan Reach Number One on the Billboard 100 During His Prime?
From “Blowin in the Wind” to “Knockin on Heaven’s Door,” Dylan had released hit afternhit, and never reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts, despite releasing quality songs. However, the 60s was a competitive time for music; it was an era where music legends were at their prime and defined what we know as music today. With bands such as The Beatles battling for the top spot (and ultimately being victorious), claiming the top spot on the Billboard would be difficult for any artist, not just Dylan. Artists such as The Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley were heavily influential in the 1960s. There was also the British Invasion, with The Beatles leading the era.
Bob Dylan’s 1974 Song Became the Unofficial Soundtrack to New Year’s Celebrations
The perfect song to ring in the New Year.
Another reason why Dylan failed to reach the top spot on any Billboard singles chart is also because he had released some albums that faced criticism, and some were critically panned. Fans and critics did not welcome his third album, The Times They Are a-Changing, for its lack of diversity in the music, while other fans and critics disliked Bringing It All Back Home, as it was different from his earlier work. His self-titled album, Dylan, was incredibly poorly received, due to its lack of originality. His 1990 album, Under The Red Sky, disappointed fans and critics, and they viewed it as an underwhelming follow-up to Oh Mercy, which was critically acclaimed.
The highest position Dylan peaked at prior to the release of “Murder Most Foul” was at two, with his iconic hit, “Like a Rolling Stone” taking that spot. The Beatles blocked Dylan from topping the charts with “Help!”. “Rainy Day Women #12 and 35” also peaked at number two, with The Mamas and the Papas blocking Dylan from the top spot with “Monday Monday”.
Bob Dylan’s Billboard Number One Was a Long Time Coming
“Murder Most Foul” was released in 2020, and it soon reached number one. It was a surprise release and his longest song, lasting for 17 minutes, and the first original music he had released since 2012. Although it did not top the Billboard Hot 100, it did reach number one on the Billboard chart, Rock Digital Sales. The song is from the album, Rough and Rowdy Ways, which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. This was his highest charting studio album in decades.
“Murder Most Foul”, which was a gift to his fans for the loyalty and support he had received for decades, addressed the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Throughout the song, he interwove historical and pop culture references, listing figures such as Patsy Cline and the Eagles, and also commented on the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination. Fiona Apple and Alan Pasqua featured in the song, playing piano.
Dylan released “Murder Most Foul” decades after his controversial comments that he did not apologise for. In 1963, Dylan, who told his early biographer that he did not feel sad about Kennedy’s death, said that he could see himself in Lee Harvey Oswald, Kennedy’s killer, in his acceptance speech. He was booed off stage, and he had clarified his comments, but no apology was given.
Bob Dylan’s Influence Is Still Prevalent Today
Charting is major for many musicians, but whether they truly matter or not is a different discussion. Clearly, for Dylan, who never had a number one hit until 2020, charts did not define his influence and legacy, even back then. Charts or no charts, Dylan is still the artist of not just his generation, but many generations after him.
The folk singer also invited an equally talented musician to play piano on it.
There were plenty of songs he had released during his time that deserved the number one spot, like “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Blowin in the Wind,” so it is quite shocking to hear that this did not happen sooner. Then again, as mentioned above, reaching the top spot during his prime was a challenge that was so hard to overcome with music influences and giants like The Beatles. Despite the charts and a very few critically panned albums, Dylan is still the artist that deserves a lot of appreciation many years later.
About the Author
