Bryan Ferry: "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" Single (1973)

Bryan Ferry’s "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" backed with "2HB", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Island Records (catalog number WIP 6170) on September 14, 1973.

Background and Context

Bryan Ferry, the frontman of Roxy Music, launched his solo career in 1973 while still active with the band. His debut solo album, These Foolish Things, was a collection of cover songs, showcasing Ferry’s eclectic taste and theatrical vocal style. The album marked a departure from Roxy Music’s avant-garde art rock, focusing instead on reinterpretations of pop, rock, and folk standards.

"A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall", a Bob Dylan folk classic, was chosen as the lead single from These Foolish Things. Ferry’s version transformed Dylan’s acoustic protest song into a dramatic, orchestral glam rock piece, reflecting his signature suave and sophisticated style. The B-side, "2HB", is an original Roxy Music composition from their 1972 debut album, Roxy Music, written as a tribute to Humphrey Bogart (the title stands for "To Humphrey Bogart"). Its inclusion as the B-side tied Ferry’s solo work to his Roxy Music roots.

Musical Style and Themes

A-Side: "A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall"

Originally a poetic, folk ballad by Bob Dylan, Ferry’s cover reimagines the song with a lush, cinematic arrangement. It features prominent piano, strings, and a driving rhythm section, giving it a theatrical, almost apocalyptic energy that contrasts with Dylan’s stark delivery.

The song’s lyrics, dense with imagery about societal collapse and human struggle, are delivered with Ferry’s crooning intensity, amplifying the song’s emotional weight.

The single edit shortens the album version to make it more radio-friendly, though it retains the dramatic flair.

Denmark - Island - 1973

B-Side:

"2HB", this track is a quintessential Roxy Music piece with a dreamy, nostalgic vibe. It features Ferry’s smooth vocals, atmospheric synths, and a jazzy, lounge-like quality.

The song includes references to Bogart’s film Casablanca (e.g., the line “Here’s looking at you, kid”), blending cinematic homage with Ferry’s art rock aesthetic.

As a B-side, it served as a familiar

touchstone for Roxy Music fans, contrasting with the A-side’s bold reinterpretation of Dylan.

Commercial Performance

Chart Performance:

The single reached No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart, a strong showing for Ferry’s first solo single. This success helped establish him as a solo artist distinct from Roxy Music, while the album These Foolish Things peaked at No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart.

The single’s performance benefited from Ferry’s growing fame with Roxy Music, whose second album, For Your Pleasure, had also been released in 1973.

Critical Reception

A-Side: Ferry’s cover of "A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall" was praised for its bold reinvention of Dylan’s classic. Critics noted its theatricality and how it showcased Ferry’s ability to transform familiar songs into something uniquely his own. However, some Dylan purists may have found the glam rock treatment polarizing.

B-Side: "2HB" was already a fan favorite from Roxy Music’s debut, and its inclusion as the B-side was seen as a nod to the band’s loyal audience. Its cinematic and romantic tone complemented the A-side’s drama.

The single and album helped cement Ferry’s reputation as a versatile artist capable of bridging pop, rock, and art music.

Spain - Island - 1973

Cultural and Historical Context

Glam Rock Era: Released at the height of the glam rock movement, the single capitalized on the era’s love for theatricality, bold arrangements, and larger-than-life personas. Ferry, with his tailored suits and suave demeanor, was a key figure in this scene alongside David Bowie and Marc Bolan.

Solo vs. Band: Ferry’s decision to release solo material while still leading Roxy Music showcased his ambition and versatility. These Foolish Things allowed him to explore cover songs, which contrasted with Roxy Music’s original, experimental output.

Musicians: The single featured contributions from key Roxy Music collaborators, including:

Paul Thompson (drums)

John Porter (guitar, co-producer)

Additional session musicians, such as Eddie Jobson (keyboards, later of Roxy Music), added to the lush sound.

Legacy: "A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall" remains one of Ferry’s most recognized solo tracks, celebrated for its bold reinterpretation of Dylan’s work.

The single helped establish Ferry’s solo career, leading to further successful covers like "The ‘In’ Crowd" (1974) and "Let’s Stick Together" (1976).

"2HB" is a cult favorite among Roxy Music fans, often cited as an early example of Ferry’s knack for blending pop culture references with art rock.

Sources and Further Exploration

Discogs: Lists detailed credits, vinyl variants, and international releases (e.g., Island Records in Germany and Japan).

Wikipedia: Provides background on These Foolish Things and Ferry’s solo career.

Streaming Platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music offer both tracks in high quality.

AllMusic: Reviews of These Foolish Things highlight the single’s significance.

eBay/Discogs: Current listings for the vinyl single provide insight into its collectible value.

Artist: Bryan Ferry

A-Side: A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall

B-Side: 2HB

Release Date: September 1973

Record Label: Island Records (UK, WIP 6170)

Format: 7-inch vinyl, 45 RPM

Genre: Glam rock / Art rock

Album: From the album These Foolish Things (1973)

Songwriters: A-Side: Bob Dylan (written in 1962)

B-Side: Bryan Ferry

Producer: Bryan Ferry, John Porter, and John Punter