Bob Dylan’s 1979 album Slow Train Coming provoked controversy because it marked an overtly evangelical turn after his religious conversion, challenging fans’ view of him as a sceptical, anti-establishment songwriter. The article argues that its uncompromising Christian themes and Dylan’s refusal to play older songs during a San Francisco residency alienated some audiences, while winning committed admirers including Nick Cave.

Cave reportedly called the record his favourite album, praising its “mean-spirited spirituality” and describing it as an unusually harsh Christian record. Despite the backlash, it outsold Blood on the Tracks and Blonde on Blonde in its first year, while ‘Gotta Serve Somebody’ reached the US Top 30; Dylan also worked with Mark Knopfler and producer Jerry Wexler on the album.