This past week, Bob Dylan was awarded a Nobel Prize for Literature. While I do not wish to comment on the validity of his eligibility, I do think that the occasion is a great honor for one of the best songwriters of all time regardless. Whether or not one considers song lyrics to be "literature", Dylan's have ushered in the modern era of songwriting. With Dylan came the modern age of reflective music, as opposed to the storytelling of the classic era. With that, I thought the occasion of his honor would be a good opportunity to rank my favorite songs of his (in descending order)! And for those fellow Dylan fans out there, I'm curious: do you favor acoustic Dylan, or electric Dylan? Me, I'm an acoustic guy.

10. "Girl From The North Country" (from the album The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan)

This is one of Dylan's earlier, slower, acoustic songs and it is downright beautiful. While the lyrics seem to be getting at themes of endurance and memories, which can sometimes border on depressing tones, they are nonetheless relaxing. It does help that the acoustic guitar track behind Dylan's voice offers a lighter tone.

9. "Maggie's Farm" (from the album Bringing It All Back Home)

This song captures the rebellious nature of both Dylan himself and the decade in which he was most popular. In a generation that refused to accept the standards of their elders, Dylan became an icon. Here, Dylan furiously proclaims that he himself refuses to be restrained by the standards of those who had come to idolize him. It's a really thrilling allegorical piece of music.

8. "Shelter From The Storm" (from the album Blood On The Tracks)

This song features one of Dylan's best acoustic riffs, moving at a fast and catchy pace. If anything, that's what I can say about this song-it's catchy. Most of Dylan's songs seem to be either intellectual or aggressive in nature, but this one is simply a good song. And indeed, its simplicity is one of the reasons I love it.

7. "Subterranean Homesick Blues" (from the album Bringing It All Back Home)

This song is loud and fast, with lyrics irrupting in spitfire like a machine gun. The music video is just as iconic as the song in this case, if not more iconic. What's really impressive to me about this song is the flow of these fast lyrics; they're smooth from one line to the next. It's like true poetry, except with an electric guitar.

6. "Hurricane" (from the album Desire)

This is one Dylan's rare storytelling songs, and its definitely his best storytelling song. The story here is of an African American boxer named Rueben "Hurricane" Carter who has been wrongfully accused of a crime, and the tragedy of his imprisonment. While the song itself is extremely catchy, and the lyrics on their own are heartbreaking and impactful. To pull off such a balance as flawlessly as this is truly impressive.

5. "Blowin' In The Wind" (from the album The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan)

I first heard this song in the movie Forrest Gump from the mouth of Jenny, as she "fulfills her dream of becoming a folk singer". The other contents of that scene aside, the lyrics "How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man?" always stuck with me. This song is one of the deepest I've ever heard, provoking reflection on life itself. While that sounds pretentious, it really is true in this instance.

4. "The Times They Are A-Changin'" (from the album The Times They Are A'Changin')

This is probably Bob Dylan's most well known song, as it has been covered a million times by a million different artists. Nothing beats this original acoustic masterpiece, though. This protest song was the battlecry of the 60s, from the Civil Rights movement to the Vietnam generation. It has since lived on as a timeless classic.

3. "Dusquene Whistle" (from the album Temptress)

This is one of Dylan's most recent songs and the most recent song on this list. While his aged voice is undeniably jarring at first, the catchy beat and nostalgic lyrics make this song one of his very best in my opinion. Here, Dylan is able to strike up the fun of a night on the town while reflecting on younger years. If I ever go out strutting, you better believe this is the tune I'll be walking to ;)

2. "Like A Rolling Stone" (from the album Highway 61 Revisited)

This is, without any doubt, Dylan's most highly praised song. In 2010, Rolling Stone rated it at #1 on their 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time list, and with good reason. Dylan created a whole new career for himself with this rock and roll anthem, which caused a lot of controversy among his loyal fans at the time. The lyrics are poetic, and the music is super catchy. I do consider this song to be true art, as it strikes the balance of entertaining and thoughtful,which is often hard to come by.

1. "Mr. Tambourine Man" (from the album Bringing It All Back Home)

Out of all of these great songs, this one is my favorite. This is not only my favorite Bob Dylan song, but it's one of my favorite songs of all time. It is, by far, the most relaxing song I've ever heard. Dylan himself serves as my own Tambourine Man, taking me away on to a more relaxing scene and who lets me "forget about today until tomorrow" when I hear this song. I can't really describe the surreal experience I have when listening to this song, but it is something special for me. A salute to the pure escapism of art is something I appreciate, and this is perhaps the greatest salutation to escapism of all time.