While Bob Marley’s catalogue is full of songs, many not featured on this release, that are worthy of inclusion on a best of compilation, Legend: The Best of Bob Marley & The Wailers is true to its namesake as this masterful collection showcases Marley's immense talent as a songwriter and performer, as well as his revolutionary message of love, unity, and social justice. It’s also accurate to say that Legend is one of the greatest and most influential albums in the history of reggae music as each track is a classic of the genre in its own right.
Originally released in 1984, various editions of this compilation have been released with varied track listings across different versions. However, since 2002, the core reissues have remained largely the same, beside Legend: Remixed from 2013, so unless you’re a completist that is after each release of a particular album, you’ll experience the same cohesive edition that most of us have come to love regardless of which version you decide to listen to.
As it pertains to the sonic quality of the Hi-Res Lossless Apple Music stream, an Apple Digital Master, it’s solid. Yes, I acknowledge that’s a little nondescript but the essence of the music is admirably presented, yet it doesn’t necessarily knock my socks off. There aren’t any issues with the stream, but there simultaneously isn’t much to celebrate either. I had been fortunate to have owned the visually stunning 30th Anniversary Edition tri-color double vinyl release, and while that version was a little more smooth and relaxed, it suffered from inner groove distortion that detracted from the entire experience.
There is, however, one aspect that is notable with regard to the streamed offering and that is the inclusion of the Dolby Atmos version alongside the stereo mix on Apple Music. Due to the nature of surround mixes, when done well, they should envelop you in the music and potentially have a fuller sound than the stereo mix. While that doesn’t always happen, that isn’t the case with this particular release for when listening to Legend via Dolby Atmos it is more immersive than the stereo counterpart.
It isn’t perfect, however, as the bass is a little too prominent thereby resulting in a muddier low end. It’s so close to perfect and if it were not for that aspect, I’d be championing the Atmos mix. Subsequently, the standard Hi-Res Lossless stereo mix on Apple Music remains my preferred version. Of course, that isn't to say that that will be your preferred edition, so I encourage you to listen to both and see which you enjoy for your preferences may, and likely will be, different to my own.
Is This Love was a fantastic choice for the first track of the compilation as it highlights the key sound signature that we recognise as belonging to the reggae genre. It has a simple yet intricate beat that when combined with the vocals and overall tonality will get your body moving.
No Woman, No Cry (Live At The Lyceum, London, 1975) is a lovely song, but I do question if the inclusion of a live recording, on a compilation, was the best decision. Yes, it’s a fantastic performance but in my mind compilation albums are best served when the album or single edit is utilised. Thankfully the live audience component isn’t too distracting, but I still feel it would have been best had this particular tune remained on the Bob Marley & The Wailers Live! album.
Counter to the above perspective, I do acknowledge that the original studio recording isn’t as strong, from a performance standpoint, as the live recording. Perhaps it is best to say, upon further reflection, that I’m glad we have both editions even if neither is 100% perfect; a shame considering it’s such a magnificent tune.
Could You Be Loved has an incredibly addictive beat and I dare you to remain still while this song is playing. Yes, that could be said about all reggae music, as the genre encourages uninhibited movements, but I have also heard many reggae artists that don’t have the same resounding effect that Marley & The Wailers did. I truly believe it was Marley’s inclusion of rock and roll elements that assisted in their unique sound signature.
Three Little Birds is a sonic shift and is a little more melodic, in direct comparison to Could You Be Loved, but I love it. Three Little Birds is one of those sing-a-long style songs that have such a positive chorus that I’ve no doubt many parents have sung the chorus to their children over the years.
Buffalo Soldier follows perfectly from the pace of Three Little Birds. While I acknowledge that this is a compilation album, and therefore not always as fluid as studio releases, I find that the song selection and sequencing on this release are perfect.
Get Up, Stand Up is certainly motivational, from a societal perspective, but I find that I’m conflicted with regard to the tempo of the song as I feel it’s too slow. Regardless, it’s an incredible song.
Stir It Up has a smooth, groovy, mid-tempo rhythm, that is utterly intoxicating.
Easy Skanking is exquisite. The tempo is perfect, as are the backing vocals. There are times when backing vocals become a distraction, but in this case, they work so well that I couldn’t imagine the song without them.
One Love / People Get Ready is another of Marley’s simple, yet complex and feel-good songs that deliver a powerful message of unity and love for all people, regardless of race, religion, or background.
I Shot The Sheriff is one of the greatest songs Marley & The Wailers ever recorded. The small shift between the verse and the chorus is particularly appealing as the halt suggests the song will prematurely end, yet it keeps you on the hook. However, unlike Easy Skanking, I’m not convinced the backing vocals are necessary throughout the chorus. Yes, the song wouldn’t be the same without them, but the higher pitch causes distraction due to the contrast with Marley’s more mellow vocal presentation.
Waiting In Vain is a lovely ballad, but isn’t a song that I’d seek out on its own. That’s a shame when I think about it, as it’s an exceptional tune and a highlight of Marley’s career. It just isn’t as memorable as many of the other songs featured on Legend.
Redemption Song is about as acoustic as Marley gets. That isn’t a bad thing as both the guitar twang and vocal delivery are simply gorgeous.
Satisfy My Soul is a pleasing, and thoroughly enjoyable, love song with a smooth reggae groove.
Exodus is energetic and the brass instrumentation is off-the-charts. The mix has been compiled with delicate hands and the horns, thankfully, don't overtake the song. Exodus is a textbook example of every musical element being perfectly positioned in the mix. Magnificent!
Jamming is a joyful, upbeat tune with a catchy melody. Sometimes that is all that’s needed.
Punky Reggae Party (12” Version) closes the compilation with elements of all other tunes that have come before it. It isn’t my favourite song, as I feel the chorus is a little overworked, but it does encourage me to listen to the record again and play more albums from Marley & The Wailers; Kaya, anyone?
As far as compilations go, it doesn’t get much better than Legend: The Best of Bob Marley & The Wailers, for it presents their very best works in such a way that this reggae release is easily accessible, for all music lovers, and keeps the uniqueness of reggae music alive within the social consciousness for newer generations to experience and carry, henceforth, into the future.