I believe that Bob was simply a finer crafter of song than his contemporaries. He was extremely well rooted in traditional folk, and is much more of a bluesman than people give him credit for. He not only drew from these genres but had the vision and fortitude to write progressive songs, wrote biting protest songs, (Masters of War, Hard Rain etc.), mournful ballads (Girl From The North Country, Boots of Spanish Leather) and some very funny satirical songs (Talking World War III Blues, I Shall Be Free). I also feel that not many people give Bob his due as a musician, he is a fine guitar player and his deep understanding of music allowed him to write a greater variety of outstanding songs than his contemporaries.