Mark Knopfler’s involvement in producing Bob Dylan’s 1983 album Infidels is a fascinating chapter in music history, highlighting both the complexity of Dylan’s creative process and Knopfler’s adaptability as a producer. Initially, Bob Dylan explored other high-profile options to work on Infidels, reaching out to iconic musicians such as David Bowie, Frank Zappa, and Elvis Costello. Ultimately, Dylan decided to go with someone he had previously collaborated with—Mark Knopfler, the frontman and lead guitarist of Dire Straits.
Dylan and Knopfler already had a working relationship. Knopfler had contributed his guitar skills to Dylan’s 1979 album Slow Train Coming, an album that was part of Dylan’s exploration of Christian themes. Their previous collaboration created a sense of mutual understanding, making Knopfler a natural choice when Dylan needed a producer for Infidels. When Dylan extended the offer, Knopfler enthusiastically accepted, ready to dive into the project. What followed was a dynamic and sometimes challenging partnership as the two musical legends came together to create what would become one of Dylan’s most critically acclaimed albums of the 1980s.
The Making of Infidels
Recording sessions for Infidels began in April 1983, and it didn’t take long for the album to take shape. Knopfler, known for his meticulous approach to guitar work and production, brought a polished sound to the record. He gathered a stellar lineup of musicians to support the project, including Mick Taylor, former Rolling Stones guitarist, and Sly and Robbie, the famous Jamaican rhythm section duo. This blend of talent added a diverse range of musical textures, allowing Dylan’s lyrics to shine in a more refined, polished sound compared to some of his earlier, more raw works.
Despite the high level of talent involved, producing Dylan was no easy task, as Knopfler later admitted. Dylan’s approach to music was both fluid and unpredictable, and his last-minute decisions could sometimes be frustrating for those around him. Reflecting on the experience, Knopfler said, “You see people working in different ways, and it’s good for you. You have to learn to adapt to the way different people work. Yes, it was strange at times with Bob.”
Knopfler’s comments hint at the challenges he faced working with a musical genius like Dylan. The project required patience and flexibility, as Dylan’s methods were often unconventional. For instance, Dylan was known to make sudden changes to his lyrics or arrangements in the studio, leaving the rest of the team scrambling to keep up. Nevertheless, Knopfler remained adaptable, embracing the chaos and seeing it as a learning experience. As he explained, “One of the great parts about production is that it demonstrates that you have to be flexible. Each song has a secret different from another, and each has its own life.”
This flexibility was essential to the creation of Infidels, an album that blended elements of rock, reggae, and blues, all serving as a backdrop for Dylan’s poetic, often political lyrics. Knopfler’s influence can be heard in the crisp guitar lines and tight production that give the album a distinctive, polished sound. Yet, despite Knopfler’s efforts to bring coherence to the project, Dylan’s freewheeling approach meant that surprises were always around the corner.
The Controversy Surrounding Infidels
While Infidels is widely regarded as one of Dylan’s best works of the 1980s, its release wasn’t without controversy. Dylan made some last-minute decisions regarding the final tracklist that left Knopfler and others scratching their heads. For instance, two songs that had been recorded during the sessions, “Blind Willie McTell” and “Foot of Pride,” were left off the album, much to the disappointment of many fans and critics. These tracks, which are now considered some of Dylan’s best unreleased material, were only made available years later in The Bootleg Series.
Knopfler wasn’t present for the final mixing sessions, as he had already departed to fulfill touring commitments with Dire Straits. In his absence, Dylan made some significant changes to the album’s production, including altering the mix and adding new songs. This caused some tension between the two, as Knopfler had envisioned a different final product. However, despite these differences, Infidels was released in October 1983 and received widespread acclaim.
The album was praised for its sharp, socially conscious lyrics and its polished production. Songs like “Jokerman” and “License to Kill” addressed themes of political corruption, environmental destruction, and moral decay, reflecting Dylan’s ongoing concerns about the state of the world. At the same time, tracks like “I and I” and “Man of Peace” showcased Dylan’s ability to blend personal introspection with broader societal commentary. The album’s diverse sound, which included elements of reggae, rock, and folk, further demonstrated Dylan’s willingness to experiment with different musical styles.
Knopfler’s Reflections on Dylan’s Genius
Despite the challenges he faced during the production of Infidels, Knopfler had nothing but admiration for Dylan’s songwriting abilities. In interviews, he frequently praised Dylan’s genius as a lyricist and storyteller. “I think Bob is much more disciplined as a writer of lyrics, as a poet,” Knopfler said. “He’s an absolute genius as a singer—an absolute genius. But musically, I think it’s a lot more basic. The music tends to be a vehicle for that poetry.”
Knopfler’s remarks highlight the central tension in Dylan’s work—while his music may seem simple on the surface, it serves as a powerful vessel for his complex, layered lyrics. Dylan’s ability to convey deep meaning through seemingly straightforward music is one of the hallmarks of his genius, and Knopfler was quick to recognize this. Though Knopfler struggled at times to bring order to Dylan’s chaotic creative process, he emerged from the experience with a deeper understanding of what makes Dylan one of the most celebrated artists of all time.
A Lasting Legacy
Nearly 40 years after its release, Infidels remains a standout album in Dylan’s discography, and Knopfler’s contributions to its sound are undeniable. While the album may not have achieved the same legendary status as Blood on the Tracks or Highway 61 Revisited, it represents a crucial period in Dylan’s career—a time when he was grappling with political and personal issues, and pushing the boundaries of his music.
For Knopfler, working with Dylan on Infidels was both a challenge and a privilege. It allowed him to grow as a producer, learning to navigate the complexities of another artist’s vision while staying true to his own musical instincts. And though Dylan’s last-minute decisions may have caused frustration, they also contributed to the album’s unique, timeless quality.
In the end, Infidels stands as a testament to the creative collaboration between two of music’s most iconic figures—Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler—each bringing their own strengths to a project that continues to resonate with fans to this day.
