Desire (Bob Dylan album)

Desire is the 17th studio album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released in January 1976. It is one of Dylan's most acclaimed and commercially successful albums, reaching number one on the Billboard Top 200 chart.

The album is notable for its narrative-driven songwriting and its distinctive instrumentation, particularly the prominent use of Scarlet Rivera's violin. Many of the songs on Desire tell stories, often focusing on historical or contemporary figures and events. Dylan collaborated extensively with Jacques Levy, a playwright and lyricist, on the songwriting for the album; Levy co-wrote seven of the nine songs.

Key tracks on Desire include "Hurricane," a lengthy protest song about the wrongful imprisonment of boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter; "Isis," a rambling tale of adventure and self-discovery; "Oh, Sister," a devotional song; and "Sara," a personal ballad about Dylan's then-wife, Sara Lownds.

The album's sound is characterized by its live feel, as many of the tracks were recorded in just a few takes. The core band for Desire included Rob Stoner on bass, Howie Wyeth on drums, and Scarlet Rivera on violin. Emmylou Harris contributed backing vocals.

Desire has been praised for its storytelling, its passionate performances, and its unique musical arrangements. It is considered a landmark album in Dylan's discography and a significant work of 1970s rock music. The album continues to be a popular and influential release, and is often cited as one of Dylan's finest works.