Maybe it’s been said in other reviews, but the only objectionable aspect of Bob Dylan’s latest album, Together Through Life, is Dylan himself.

While the Bobfather has never had the smoothest of singing voices, recent albums have shown a deterioration in his voice that has him sounding more gravelly than ever (as comedian Patton Oswalt might describe it, “Tom Waits gargling hot asphalt”). There are times when Dylan just sounds terrible.

The voice really is a shame, because musically, the album is remarkable. It continues Dylan’s trend of exploring Americana; it’s got something of a roots-rock feel to it, although the persistent accordion gives it a strange Creole sensibility at the same time, particularly in the closing track, “It’s All Good.”

Together Through Life feels like something one might wander upon by accident, like an impromptu performance that was fortunately recorded for the sake of posterity. Dylan produced the record himself, and Together Through Life is available as a one-CD version containing only the new material, or as a three-disc deluxe version with additional songs and a DVD interview with Dylan’s first manager, Roy Silver.

Music fans and Dylan devotees will have no problem stomaching Dylan’s voice, but it would be hard to create a new convert with Together Through Life. Musically, the album is perfect, but the lyrics are often inane—which is unfortunate and a bit surprising since Dylan collaborated with Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter.

But with more than 45 albums under his belt, a reputation as a musical legend, multiple Grammy awards and even an Oscar, it’s easy to give Dylan a little slack when he shows signs of wear, provided he continues to put out quality albums like Together Through Life.

By Greg Jones

Greg Jones is managing editor of Casino Connection Nevada, as well as associate editor of Global Gaming Business magazine.