5 Classic Albums
5 Classic Albums
There's a reason Bob Marley is an icon world-wide, many think of him as one of the best songwriters of all time. I think there's little doubt he was instrumental in making reggae music popular worldwide during the 1970s (that doesn't give fair credit to others who worked just as hard, but that's how it usually goes). These albums represent Marley at the top of his game (and when he was getting the most support as an artist). Most of the tracks on his greatest hits album (Legend) are in here. Rastaman Vibration is a mix of wonder, sadness, and militancy, but the first 2 songs set a happy mood. Exodus has the most hits (Waiting in Vain, One Love, 3 Little Birds, Jammin), probably the best one for a festive gathering. Kaya is presented partly as an open paean to cannabis (back cover, 1st 2 songs) - the mood is light and happy and in my view uplifting - though many songs speak to themes of hardship and struggle, even a touch of doom. Personally I think Survival is his best album, strongest album, even though it was the least successful commercially (because the message is pretty militant, kind of like Pope Francis but not as soft-spoken). After Survival Marley's cancer became increasingly difficult and Uprising - the last official release - is more reflective, with themes of hard work, cooperation, and famously, redemption. All 5 cds are the 2001 extra tracks/remastered versions, which means 1 or 2 extra tracks per album (including the hits Smile Jamaica - a song he wrote to help bring peace & calm to the troubled 1976 Jamaican elections* and Punky Reggae Party, which he apparently wrote after meeting the Clash). *and a song he sang in front of a crowd of 80,000 at the Smile Jamaica Concert 2 days after an assassination attempt (in bandages, though the injuries weren't life-threatening).Read more5 Classic Albums
