Dylan’s ‘Times Have Changed’ One of ‘Wonder’ Highlights

This soundtrack’s main draw is Bob Dylan’s first piece of music since “Time Out of Mind,” his Grammy-winning 1997 return to form. And the good news is that the introspective, roots-rock track, titled “Times Have Changed,” is so strong that it would have been one of the three or four most commanding tunes on that album.

“I’ve been walkin’ 40 miles of bad road / If the Bible is right, the world will explode. / I’ve been trying to get as far from myself as I can,” Dylan growls in the song, which is filled with the provocative, puzzle-like declarations that have characterized his most memorable work.

The song is the only previously unreleased number on the album, but it’s not the only highlight. The soundtrack for director Curtis Hanson’s follow-up to “L.A. Confidential” isn’t a random collection of songs drawn from various contemporary hit-makers to attract radio airplay to plug the movie.

Much like the recently released “The Sopranos” album, the gently reflective music on “Wonder Boys” (due in stores Tuesday) was brought together with thought and purpose. Instead of Jessica Simpson, Blink-182, Korn or Mariah Carey, we have choice works from, among others, John Lennon (“Watching the Wheels”), Tim Hardin (“Reason to Believe”), Little Willie John (“Need Your Love So Bad”), Clarence Carter (“Slip Away”) and Neil Young (“Old Man”). Enjoy.

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