Saved (Bob Dylan album)

Saved is a gospel album by Bob Dylan, released in 1980. It represents a significant shift in Dylan's musical style, moving away from the rock and roll sound of his previous works and embracing a fervent, traditional gospel style. The album's songs are largely based on the themes of faith, redemption, and spiritual awakening, reflecting Dylan's personal religious conversion during the late 1970s.

The album's production is relatively straightforward, featuring Dylan's vocals accompanied by a choir and a simple instrumentation including piano, organ, and acoustic guitar. This minimalistic approach enhances the spiritual focus and raw emotional intensity of the songs. While it received mixed reviews at the time, with some critics finding it overly simplistic and preachy, ''Saved'' is now considered an important part of Dylan's extensive discography, offering a unique glimpse into his spiritual journey and his willingness to experiment with diverse musical genres. The album showcases a less polished, more vulnerable side of Dylan compared to his rock and roll era.

While commercially less successful than some of his earlier work, ''Saved'' remains a significant and frequently studied album by Dylan scholars and fans, illustrating his capacity for artistic reinvention and his ongoing exploration of religious and spiritual themes throughout his career. Its impact is felt not only within the context of Dylan's discography but also within the broader landscape of Christian music and singer-songwriter traditions. The album's lasting influence is evidenced by its continued presence in discussions of Dylan's career and its impact on subsequent artists.