Bob Dylan released his album "Self Portrait" in 1970. Columbia Records issued it on June 8, 1970, making it Dylan's tenth studio album and his second double album after "Blonde on Blonde".
The record combines newly written songs, cover versions, and live recordings, including performances from the 1969 Isle of Wight Festival. Its country-rock sound followed the direction of Dylan's previous album, "Nashville Skyline", but the unusual mixture of material surprised many listeners.
"Self Portrait" is also remembered for its sharply negative critical reception. Some critics felt the album was deliberately distant or careless, while Dylan later suggested that he wanted to challenge the public's image of him as the voice of a generation. The album's title and cover painting, created by Dylan, added to its deliberately personal and enigmatic presentation.
A common mix-up is confusing the album's release year with its recording period: sessions took place from 1969 into 1970, but the album itself was released in 1970.