Bob Dylan, 78, Achieves First No. 1 Billboard Hit with Epic 17-Minute Song

“Murder Most Foul,” which draws its name from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” has received positive reviews from both Bob Dylan’s fans and music critics. Released during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when Dylan had to take a break from touring, the song was revealed to have been recorded some time ago. This move may have been made to separate the song from the context of the pandemic, which was dominating public conversation, potentially leading fans to draw unintended connections to current events.

Rather than focusing on the present, “Murder Most Foul” delves into history. Dylan has a long history of exploring significant American events in his work, with this song centering around the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy, a key moment in the 1960s, the decade most strongly associated with Dylan. Through haunting cello, piano, and percussion sounds, Dylan examines the aftermath of the assassination, intertwining pop culture references with other dark moments in history to reveal America’s resilience in the face of a turbulent past.

Considered by many to showcase Dylan’s poetic and allusive style at its finest, “Murder Most Foul” serves as the closing track on his highly acclaimed album “Rough & Rowdy Ways.” The song has captured the attention of Dylan scholars who continue to analyze its intricate layers, a sure indication of a classic piece by Dylan.