The Traveling Wilburys' second album: A masterpiece or a misstep? The magic of The Traveling Wilburys was that it was never meant to be planned. It was born from a genuine affection and deep respect these legendary musicians had for one another, long before they ever picked up their instruments. The chances are high that they would have created this record even if there was no financial reward involved. It was simply a group of good friends coming together to make music. However, not every song was a walk in the park to perfect.
When George Harrison first proposed the idea, there were already some questions swirling around the project before any notes were played. While the song ‘Handle With Care’ served as a perfect demonstration of their incredible synergy, there were moments when Bob Dylan seemed a bit restless between recording sessions. Dylan wasn't typically one for extensive collaboration, but when he had a guitar in his hands alongside the others, he was in his element, much like a fish in water.
Essentially, all of them were chasing that same exhilarating feeling they experienced when they first started playing music. The debut album is filled with some of the finest retro rock and roll from that era. Even if some listeners couldn't immediately identify Roy Orbison in a crowd, his unforgettable voice, singing their songs, would ensure he left a lasting impression on a new generation of fans.
But here's where it gets complicated... When Orbison tragically passed away midway through the promotional tour, the idea of replacing him was never even considered. His voice was simply inimitable. Despite this profound loss, Harrison was determined to keep the band's spirit alive. He hadn't brought this group of friends together for a one-off project. Yet, their subsequent album left some fans longing for the classic Traveling Wilburys sound they had come to love.
On many tracks, Dylan took the lead vocals. While he's a capable vocalist for this style of music, he wasn't quite the standout performer when George Harrison and Jeff Lynne were also present. Nevertheless, Dylan remained fiercely proud of the record. Harrison himself commented, “I think everyone, particularly Bob, was more willing to do it this time. Never having been in a band before, Bob wasn’t quite sure what the result would be on the first one. This time, we knew what to expect.”
And this is the part most people miss... After losing Orbison and taking a few months' break, Jeff Lynne felt that some of the original spark had faded from the recording sessions. He confessed, “We did a second album after Roy died, but I could have done without it. Roy was just too big a part of the original group.” For those seeking the quintessential Traveling Wilburys sound, the first album is generally preferred over the second.
It's not that the second album is a downgrade, but it adopts a significantly different atmosphere compared to the first. It's rare for a group to achieve such a polished sound in just a few studio days, but the second record possesses a more unpolished, almost spontaneous feel. It’s as if they were exploring a more garage rock-inspired sound on tracks like ‘She’s My Baby’ and ‘Wilbury Twist’.
Still, it's undeniable that four of the greatest songwriters of our time wouldn't produce anything less than exceptional. They had high standards. Even if Traveling Wilburys III might not have as much going for it as the debut, there's no need to relentlessly pursue unattainable perfection.
What are your thoughts on the Traveling Wilburys' second album? Did it capture the same magic for you, or did it fall short of expectations? Share your opinions in the comments below!
