 In the 1980s , reception of Dylan 's recordings varied , from the well @-@ regarded <unk> in 1983 to the panned Down in the Groove in 1988 . Michael Gray condemned Dylan 's 1980s albums for <unk> in the studio and for failing to release his best songs . As an example of the latter , the <unk> recording sessions , which again employed <unk> on lead guitar and also as the album 's producer , resulted in several notable songs that Dylan left off the album . Best regarded of these were " Blind Willie <unk> " , a tribute to the dead blues musician and an evocation of African American history , " Foot of Pride " and " Lord <unk> My Child " . These three songs were released on The Bootleg Series Volumes 1 – 3 ( Rare & <unk> ) 1961 – 1991 . 
