Bob Dylan’s Infidels, released on October 27, 1983, stands as one of his most intriguing and polarizing albums. Produced by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame, this record marked Dylan’s return to secular music after a trio of gospel-inspired albums. While it received critical acclaim and commercial success, Infidels also holds secrets and quirks that even the most devoted Dylanologists may have overlooked. Here are five surprising facts about Infidels that will deepen your appreciation for this iconic album.
1. Dylan Wanted David Bowie to Produce It
Before Mark Knopfler came on board, Dylan approached David Bowie, Frank Zappa, and Elvis Costello to produce Infidels. Imagine the wildly different album we might have heard had Bowie brought his avant-garde flair or Zappa infused his satirical edge. Knopfler ultimately got the gig, blending Dylan’s raw sound with a refined, guitar-driven production.
2. The Mystery of “Blind Willie McTell”
“Blind Willie McTell” is widely regarded as one of Dylan’s finest songs, yet it didn’t make the Infidels final cut. Despite its hauntingly beautiful tribute to blues history and its biting social commentary, Dylan chose to leave it off the album. Fans still debate this decision, with some believing Dylan felt the song was too personal or incomplete.
3. A Reggae Backbone
Dylan recruited legendary reggae rhythm section Sly & Robbie for the album. Their grooves can be felt throughout tracks like “Jokerman” and “Union Sundown,” giving Infidels a unique sonic texture that stands apart from Dylan’s earlier works. Their inclusion reflects Dylan’s deep appreciation for reggae and global music influences.
4. Space Travel Criticism in “License to Kill”
The song “License to Kill” has baffled listeners with its critique of humanity’s obsession with space exploration, highlighted in the line: “Man has invented his doom / First step was touching the moon.” Dylan later admitted he wasn’t entirely sure why he wrote it, but the skepticism aligns with broader themes of environmental degradation and human hubris explored on the album.
5. The First Digital Dylan Album
Infidels was recorded and mixed entirely on digital equipment, a groundbreaking move for Dylan in 1983. This decision gave the album a crisp and modern sound, distinguishing it from the analog warmth of his earlier records. It also marked Dylan’s embrace of new technology, even as he wrestled with its implications in his lyrics.
