By Sujin Thomas

BOB Dylan drifts away from the urban inclinations of 2006's Modern Times, homing in on his roots in classic American music.

Together Through Life is an ode to raw 1950s Chicago blues, which Dylan sings in the sandpapered voice of a weary troubadour.

Not since 1997's Time Out Of Mind, which rejuvenated his career, has there been an album so earnest.

It is one that steers clear of bending to commercial pressure, and sees Dylan indulging in making music which matters, showing that he is still very much in his prime.

This is album No. 33 for the 68-year-old, who has always been the voice of the average everyday man, taking social issues to the forefront through narrative and song.

Here, he plays with tried and tested 12-bar blues on most tracks, employing accordion overtones courtesy of Los Lobos' David Hildago and the fretwork of Mike Campbell, known for his contributions to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.

Listeners get an immediate feel of what they're getting into on opening track Beyond Here Lies Nothin'. The swampy blues number conjures imagery of a smoky bar filled with crusty old-timers chugging back glasses of whisky.

On I Feel A Change Comin' On, he sings of reconciliation between social divides: We got so much in common/We strive for the same old ends/And I just can't wait/wait for us to become friends.

This album is for anyone who's even remotely into Dylan. Don't think twice, it's definitely more - oh, so much more - than all right.

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