At some point, all great artists have one big question to answer: Is there anything left to prove? When faced with this query, most musicians choose to retire. Sometimes, however, there are those few people that haven’t seen over the horizon yet. Being better than everyone else means nothing if one’s not satisfied.  It’s this reasoning that helps legend Bob Dylan triumphantly carry on with his latest release, “Together Through Life.”

“Together Through Life” presents the 67-year-old on top of his game and completely aware of it. Throughout the album, the swagger and style present testifies to a life without regret and a voice more alive than ever. Recent doubts about the artist’s voice being haggard and beaten are laid to rest with the emotional and moving raspiness that only Bob Dylan can deliver. The album’s content depicts the hardships of love that only a life and mind as ingenious as Dylan’s can recount. Listeners encounter decades of experience and feelings that are timeless, but because of Dylan’s conveyance, are original.

This album works because of its emotional honesty and solid composition. The personable style that Dylan uses makes parts of the album come off as a conversation between the artist and the listener. This predominantly sung, offhand style of lyricism draws listeners in and makes them empathize with almost all of Dylan’s words.  Tracks such as “Forgetful Heart” and “Life Is Hard” leave a distinct and intense somber impression with Dylan’s audience. Cuts like “Beyond Here Lies Nothin’” and “Jolene” compel listeners to ride on Dylan’s energetic surge.

While different songs may evoke different meaning and responses, the music played on “Together Through Life” is some of the finest the artist has produced in years. This is, more than likely, because of the impressive clientele used on the album.  The LP features guitar expertise from Dave Hidalgo of Los Lobos and Mike Campbell, lead guitarist for the ageless Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.  Also in Dylan’s arsenal is longtime collaborator and bassist for the artist’s live act, Tony Garnier.  “Together Through Life” makes full use of these musicians who, when combined with Dylan, produce some of the finest folk-rock the artist has made in a decade.

“Together Through Life” does not only function as an album, but as a statement as well. A statement regarding the current potential of a man who doesn’t have anything else to prove to the music industry. A man whose keen lyricism and musical abilities are among the best in the business and, on this most recent album, in a league of their own.