Bob Marley & The Wailers – Exodus (Album Review)

It’s fair to say that for most music lovers, Legend is all they will ever need to fully enjoy the musical marvel that was Bob Marley & The Wailers, but limiting oneself to a compilation means that you’ll miss out on the timeless classic that is their 1977 release, Exodus.

While much of Exodus, five songs in fact, were included on Legend, their ninth studio album encapsulates the essence of reggae music, not just the widespread radio-friendly tunes, thereby further solidifying Marley and Co's status as musical legends within their assigned genre. However, at its core, Exodus is not just an album; it's a journey, a spiritual experience, and a cultural monument. 

As you listen you’ll hear how Exodus expertly combines Marley's signature blend of catchy melodies, profound lyrics, and infectious rhythms to create an album that is both musically exceptional and socially relevant. You won’t be able to prevent being swept away by these incredible tunes for Exodus will fuse with your soul, the way all great music does. 

Turning our attention to the Hi-Res Lossless Apple Music stream, an Apple Digital Master, it’s simply exquisite. While I do not doubt that a well-produced vinyl release would offer the same wow factor, perhaps with slight improvements to the smoothness of the album, when a stream is this enjoyable, one does need to question the need to attain a physical copy; especially if funds are limited.

As it pertains to the Dolby Atmos mix, my thoughts are similar to those I made within the Kaya review for there really isn’t anything notable to mention. It sounds fine. Fuller, certainly, but also muddier in the mid to low-end range of the recording. Some may very well like the tonal quality of the surround version but I’m going to stick with the Hi-Res Lossless stereo mix as it simply sounds right. 

Natural Mystic has an ethereal and mystic atmosphere that not only plays into the song but offers an incredible opening to Exodus. 

So Much Things To Say could be a song about any aspect of life, but this politically charged tune, with its groovy rhythm, will have those, who appreciate literal meaning, captivated throughout. 

Guiltiness is a, somewhat, seamless transition from the sharp ending of So Much Things To Say. While that can be a deterrent, especially if you’re new to the album, the mellow tempo of Guiltiness quickly calms the senses, thereby allowing for thorough enjoyment.

The Heathen is a musical marvel and is one of Marley’s most overlooked tunes. While I don’t often focus on the literal meanings, instead choosing to listen to the human vocal as an instrument within the mix, it’s the entire composition that makes The Heathen a standout on the album and one of the best songs Marley & The Wailers ever recorded.

Exodus is the perfect title track featuring an infectious rhythm and catchy melody. There’s little wonder as to why it is one of Marley’s most recognised and beloved songs as it epitomises not only his unique sound but reggae music itself.  

Jamming is a joyful and upbeat tune that embodies the spirit of unity and togetherness; if only all music could be this pure!

Waiting In Vain is a timeless ballad with beautiful melodic arrangements.  

Turn Your Lights Down Low is a lovely romantic ballad that, while not uncommon to Marley, is a departure from Exodus’ overall thematic core. Regardless, it’s simply beautiful!

Three Little Birds radiates optimism and hope. The simple yet profound lyrics, matched by the laid-back reggae groove, ensure that this is one song you’ll find yourself singing along to. 

One Love / People Get Ready closes the album perfectly with an uplifting anthem that promotes unity and love among all people. Music truly knows no bounds and this universal message will stay with you well after the album has ended, thereby compelling you to play Exodus again for it gets even better the more often you listen to it.

There’s a reason why half the songs from Exodus made it to Legend, for this 1977 release is nothing short of a masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences across generations and cultural bounds. Its timeless messages of love, hope, and social consciousness continue to inspire and uplift. Bob Marley's genius as a songwriter and performer shines through in every note, making this album an essential part of music history.

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Bob Marley & The Wailers – Legend: The Best of Bob Marley & The Wailers (Compilation Album Review)

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. 

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Bob Marley & The Wailers – Kaya (Album Review)

Few reggae albums are as relaxed as Kaya, but this easygoing styling is what makes this 1978 release a timeless classic. While many would point to their 1977 release, Exodus, as being their musical opus, Kaya is more consistent, accessible, and plays like a greatest hits release whereas Exodus only comes alive during the second half of the album. It’s a minor variation, but other than the exceptional Legend collection, when I want to just sit back and relax, Kaya is one album that’s always at the top of the list. 

The problem is, as is the case with many albums from the 70s, there are too many editions to contend with. Physical media fans will understand this only too well, but even on streaming we’re met with the standard lossless release, the Dolby Atmos mix, the 40th Anniversary remix, and the Deluxe Edition that contains a barebone live recording from 1978. It simply becomes a troublesome matter of deciding which version to listen to.

Longtime readers will note my general disinterest regarding bonus tracks (even if they’re live, as is the case here) as they’re rarely worthy of listening to more than once and a new mix, particularly one not sanctioned by the original artist, is questionable at best. Hence, I appreciate that The Island Def Jam Music Group has ensured that the original LP track listing and mix remains available on Apple Music, as an Apple Digital Master, as it is superb and highlights the top-notch production values and musicality of the recording. It’s imperative to note that the CD reissue series that accompanied Kaya 40 was released as a double CD and the original mix and Kaya 40 are subsequently placed on different discs; just the way it should be! 

Delving a little deeper into the different editions, I find the Dolby Atmos mix isn’t anything to get excited about. It isn’t poor, by any standards, yet it doesn’t add anything to the album that wasn’t already there. Yes, some musical elements are clearer via this surround mix, but others are a little more subdued compared to the stereo counterpart. Perhaps it is simply a case that I’m more familiar with the stereo mix and subsequently prefer to stick with it as I seemingly know every note and instrument placement within the recording. I’ve no doubt, however, that those who are new to Bob Marley & The Wailers will likely find their preference leans towards the surround mix as it is a little more in line with modern recording styles and techniques. 

While this review is predominantly focused on the original stereo mix, Kaya 40 is interesting. Believe it or not, that is a compliment! However, as with the surround mix, it changes Kaya and not necessarily for the better. Although, I can appreciate some of the mixing choices on this release, as there are elements that are more pronounced than ever before, that does come with a downside as other elements are minimised or hidden. As with all music, it is subjective and your perspective may, and probably will, differ from mine. Is there a wrong way to listen to Kaya? No, it’s an incredible album with a rich heritage, I just prefer my original releases and mixes far more than modern interpretations. 

Easy Skanking is a relaxed mood setter and is an incredible opening tune. It helps that it was mixed and recorded impeccably well, for each musical element is identifiable throughout the soundstage.

Kaya is a solid title track but this wasn’t the first time the song was recorded for it also made an appearance on the, now out-of-print, 1971 album Soul Revolution Part II. That original recording is about as bare bones as you can get and plays like a demo. Still, if you track it down, you’ll hear the essence of the original tune in this excellent re-recording. 

Is This Love, as I’ve said before, has a simple, yet complex beat, combined with vocals and an overall tonality that will get your body moving. As the most well-known song from Kaya, and one of Bob Marley & The Wailer’s all-time greatest hits, Is This Love remains a timeless classic that will live on well beyond the demise of humanity. Magnificent!

The music video is solid, particularly for the era, but the most magical moments arise from Marley’s incredible smile. You can’t help but see the joy and love on his face and even after all these years, it remains infectious and capable of brightening up your day. 

Sun Is Shining is a re-recording as this song initially appeared on the 1971 release Soul Revolution Part II and African Herbsman in 1973. The Soul Revolution Part II version is fantastic. It’s not as polished as the interpretation on Kaya, but the unique underproduced style is mind-blowingly good. The African Herbsman edition adds a little more spit and polish to that original recording and it’s exciting to hear the evolution of the song. Now, while these are out-of-print, if you head across to YouTube, you can easily find these early recordings. In this case, it is most certainly worth your time. 

Original releases aside, Sun Is Shining is a great tune that fits well within the context of the album. I would have, however, loved to have heard the guitar tracking placed more prominently in the mix as it needs to be upfront with Marley to achieve the required impact. Yes, doing so would have diminished the laid-back styling of the song, but it would have been better nonetheless. The Kaya 40 mix somewhat addresses this element, while also ensuring the bass guitar is more prominent in the mix, but the other elemental aspects, of this particular edition, detract from the soul of the original Kaya mix. 

Satisfy My Soul is a landmark Marley & The Wailers tune, but this version is another that wasn’t originally released on Kaya as it was recorded for Soul Revolution Part II and was titled Don’t Rock My Boat. The original recording isn’t great so save your time and simply listen to this exceptional re-recording.

She’s Gone is toe tapping, head bopping, gold. While some may lament the slower styling heard throughout Kaya, and on She’s Gone, I love it as it’s akin to a meditation session. 

Misty Morning has some lovely horn work, but as with Sun Is Shining, it would have been fantastic had the brass been more prominent in the mix. Yes, the Kaya 40 mix helps a little but it’s also not as relaxed as the original release. All that said, it becomes apparent that Misty Morning could have been recorded with two completely different tempos, both being equally exceptional. Misty Morning is a great tune, regardless!

Crisis has a killer groove and as good as Marley’s vocals are, Crisis is all about The Wailers’ musical layering for there’s so much detail present on the recording that you’ll hear something new every time you listen to it. Incredible!

Running Away is so underrated it’s criminal. This is one reason why listening to albums, rather than compilations or playlists, is essential, otherwise, you run the risk of missing out on some stunning music; Running Away being one such example. Admittedly, Running Away has made an appearance on Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Essentials Playlist but it was left off Legend – The Best Of Bob Marley & The Wailers; an unforgivable omission!

Time Will Tell closes out Kaya beautifully, although Running Away would have been a stronger closer. Nevertheless, Time Will Tell leaves me in a contemplative mood and is great for late-night listening sessions where placing the album on repeat isn’t of paramount importance.

Overall, Kaya is a timeless reggae classic that showcases Marley's prowess as a singer, songwriter, and performer. With its upbeat, feel-good, tunes and Marley's unique blend of political and spiritual themes, combined with his smooth, soulful voice and catchy melodies, Kaya becomes a must-listen for any reggae music fan. 

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