<P> Dylan's topical songs enhanced his early reputation, and he came to be seen as more than just a songwriter . Janet Maslin wrote of Freewheelin': "These were the songs that established (Dylan) as the voice of his generation--someone who implicitly understood how concerned young Americans felt about nuclear disarmament and the growing Civil Rights Movement: his mixture of moral authority and nonconformity was perhaps the most timely of his attributes ." Freewheelin' also included love songs and surreal talking blues . Humor was an important part of Dylan's persona, and the range of material on the album impressed listeners, including the Beatles . George Harrison said of the album, "We just played it, just wore it out . The content of the song lyrics and just the attitude--it was incredibly original and wonderful ." </P> <P> The rough edge of Dylan's singing was unsettling to some but an attraction to others . Joyce Carol Oates wrote: "When we first heard this raw, very young, and seemingly untrained voice, frankly nasal, as if sandpaper could sing, the effect was dramatic and electrifying ." Many early songs reached the public through more palatable versions by other performers, such as Joan Baez, who became Dylan's advocate as well as his lover . Baez was influential in bringing Dylan to prominence by recording several of his early songs and inviting him on stage during her concerts . "It didn't take long before people got it, that he was pretty damned special," says Baez . </P> <P> Others who had hits with Dylan's songs in the early 1960s included the Byrds, Sonny & Cher, the Hollies, Peter, Paul and Mary, the Association, Manfred Mann and the Turtles . Most attempted a pop feel and rhythm, while Dylan and Baez performed them mostly as sparse folk songs . The covers became so ubiquitous that CBS promoted him with the slogan "Nobody Sings Dylan Like Dylan ." </P> <P> "Mixed - Up Confusion", recorded during the Freewheelin' sessions with a backing band, was released as a single and then quickly withdrawn . In contrast to the mostly solo acoustic performances on the album, the single showed a willingness to experiment with a rockabilly sound . Cameron Crowe described it as "a fascinating look at a folk artist with his mind wandering towards Elvis Presley and Sun Records ." </P>

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