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In a Rolling Stone readers’ poll published in September 2012, Blood on the Tracks ranked as the best Bob Dylan album, followed by Blonde on Blonde and Highway 61 Revisited. It is a historical poll result—not a universal verdict or a current ranking of Dylan’s full catalog.
What were the 10 best Bob Dylan albums in the 2012 readers’ poll?
Rockin’on’s September 14, 2012 report reproduced the Rolling Stone readers’ poll in this order:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Greatest Hits (Remastered) | $35.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - Greatest Hits | $42.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Chronicle: The 20 Greatest Hits[2 LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/411qOkbEPUL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Chronicle: The 20 Greatest Hits[2 LP] | $27.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Skynyrd's Innyrds: Their Greatest Hits | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Their Greatest Hits Volumes 1 | $39.59 | Buy on Amazon |
- Blood on the Tracks
- Blonde on Blonde
- Highway 61 Revisited
- Bringing It All Back Home
- Desire
- Nashville Skyline
- The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan
- Time Out of Mind
- Oh Mercy
- John Wesley Harding
Read Rockin’on’s report of the poll, which links to the original Rolling Stone gallery.
What the ranking does—and does not—tell you
Blood on the Tracks took first place, and the poll’s top three were Blood on the Tracks, Blonde on Blonde, and Highway 61 Revisited. The available report does not state vote totals, polling method, or the electorate’s geographic reach. The ranking therefore records the result of that readers’ poll; it does not establish a representative consensus or an objective measure of album quality.
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The date matters, too. The official Bob Dylan catalog includes releases from after 2012, including entries from 2020 and 2026. This list captures readers’ choices at the time, not Dylan’s complete catalog as it stands today.
What distinguishes the top three?
1. Blood on the Tracks (1975)
The poll’s winner was released in 1975. The official album page lists ten tracks, including “Tangled Up in Blue,” “Simple Twist of Fate,” and “Shelter from the Storm.” See the official Blood on the Tracks page for its track list and catalog details.
Rank #2
- Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers' Greatest Hits is the best-selling release in the band's illustrious catalog
2. Blonde on Blonde (1966)
Released in 1966, Blonde on Blonde has 14 tracks and was recorded at Columbia Recording Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, according to Dylan’s official catalog. Its second-place finish put it between the 1975 poll winner and the 1965 album in third. See the official Blonde on Blonde page.
3. Highway 61 Revisited (1965)
The official catalog dates Highway 61 Revisited to 1965 and lists “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Desolation Row” among its tracks. The album placed third in the poll. Its official album page provides the full track list.
Rank #3
- Records have been cleaned and new sleeved.
- 2 LP release.
- Made in Spain.
Which Bob Dylan album should you listen to first?
If you want to follow the poll’s own recommendation, start with Blood on the Tracks, its number-one choice. If you would rather begin with one of the other two albums at the top, the official catalog’s track lists offer a concrete way to preview what each contains. The poll itself does not measure which album is easiest for a new listener, so treat the order as a starting point rather than a guide to accessibility.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read this list today
The ranking answers a specific question: which Dylan albums led this Rolling Stone readers’ poll, as reported in September 2012? It does not rank later catalog releases, disclose how votes were gathered, or show how close the results were. Use it as a dated snapshot of reader preference, with Blood on the Tracks at the top.
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Best Value
- Take It Easy
- Witchy Woman
- Lyin' Eyes
- Already Gone
- Desperado
Rank #4
- Lynyrd Skynyrd's greatest hits are available now on vinyl! With the original album certified 5x platinum, this LP is a must buy for Skynyrd fans everywhere
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
