10 More Perfect Rock Albums Of The 80s With No Bad Songs

Since the '90s Bob Dylan's voice has become an audible gravel pit. All those years of constant touring, endless streams of cigarette smoke and liberal consumption of amphetamine, has undoubtedly taken its toll on the old folk singer.

This record was right on the cusp of Dylan's voice turning into that unmistakable husk of his more recent albums. He could still emote somewhat on this record, but he leaned into the rasp like a man resigned to his fate. And it worked perfectly. Dylan's thread bare vocal cords serve as the perfect conduit to regale you with haunting tales of the devil, lost love and bitter self-realisation.

Oh Mercy is a moody and stirring venture into the realm of the mysterious culture of southern American rock. Produced by Daniel Lanois, and recorded in New Orleans at night, you hear the sounds of the bayou and the influences of Creole music, throughout. It's an album that at times is effortlessly cool and surprisingly tender, and at others, down right spooky. That atmosphere created by this album requires for it to be put on late at night, advice given directly by its producer.