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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Natty Dread

Bob Marley & The Wailers

1974

Buy At Rough Trade
Natty Dread
Album Summary

Natty Dread is the seventh album by Bob Marley and the Wailers, released in 1974. Previously Marley had recorded with Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer as the Wailers, and this was his first record without them. Natty Dread was most popularly received in the UK, where it peaked at No. 43 and sold in excess of 100,000 copies, making it a gold album. Over time it gained popularity in other parts of the world, and in 2003 it was ranked No. 181 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.59

Votes

15326

Genres

  • Reggae

Reviews

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Nov 06 2020
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5

This is a pretty dang iconic album. It's a top-shelf cocktail of groove, blues, and blistering social commentary. Honestly, I'm at a loss for what to say about this album other than it's just damn good. It ticks all the boxes. It's iconic, in the pocket, vocals are on point, lyrics are heavy, production is excellent, and it's so thick with sheer musicality it practically oozes. Just a real fine record.

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Aug 21 2020
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5

This was an album of great transition for Bob, he had split with his childhood friends and original Wailers, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Bob's influence over the band was becoming more and more pronounced and Tosh and Wailer decided that is not the direction they wished to go. The revamped band was now, for the first time, known as "Bob Marley and The Wailers" as opposed to just "The Wailers" thus solidifying Marley as the primary leader of the band. Bob truly took charge of the overall focus and direction of the group and wrote all the songs. In an interesting twist of fate and one of the best business moves in music history, he assigned the credits for many of his songs to his close family memebers and friends as a way to make sure they were taken care of financial, certain charities he believed in and supported were funded and as a way to avoid contractual obligations to his former publishing company, Cayman Music. Although this is a transition album of sorts, it sports some of his most memorable songs and one in particular that would be one of his defining moments, "No Woman, No Cry" which would gain much fame due to his incredible live performances of the record. He would introduce the "I-Threes" a female vocal group that included his wife, Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt. Their vocals addeded a wonderful compliment to Bob's on songs such as one of my personal favorites on the album, "Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)". The writing on this album seems very personal and almost takes you on a journey through Bob's life in Jamaica and some of the obstacles he had to overcome. This record is also a canvas for Bob to infuse some of his Rastafarian beliefs and he does a marvelous job of this on songs such as "So Jah Seh" and the title track "Natty Dread". This album is almost like Bob saying "Here I Am, The Real Me" and he gives us a fairly detailed revelation of where his heart was and where his and the bands focus was now going to be. I believe this to be one of his most profound works and it's one of my personal favorites. It's only years after it's release and in particular after his death that I think many truly appreciated this album for it's greatness. There are many wonderful songs beyond "No Woman, No Cry" that make this a truly wonderful album and it gives it's listener a front row seat into some of the many tragic situations going on in his homeland and, indeed, many of the places dear to his heart such as the other island nations, Africa and United States. Bob Marley was a revolutionary in every since of the word and he would spend the remainder of his tragically short life fighting for the cause, "Revolution".

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Feb 21 2022
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4

The first time I got around to listen to this album, I couldn't give it my full attention because I was distracted. The second go around, things began to click. I've avoided Bob Marley for quite a long while, seen his documentaries but never listened to his music. He was just a poster adorning college campuses and a shining beacon for good vibes. The deep cuts here in Natty Dread showcase the Bob Marley I'd like to encounter with more often, someone who possessed a need to tell about the happenings around him and it was makes Natty Dread a pivotal piece in the reggae puzzle. Favorites: Lively Up Yourself, Them Belly Full (But We Hungry), Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock), Natty Dread, Bend Down Low, Talkin' Blues.

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Oct 28 2021
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1

Forty years ago, I would have pretended to like this. But I've never really enjoyed most reggae. This is no exception. It includes "No Woman No Cry", but it's not the live version that everyone knows. I didn't enjoy this at all.

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Jan 24 2021
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1

Today I learned that I really, really, really do not like reggae. I'm sure this was an important album and all, but man do I not enjoy this. I'd rather listen to the Kid Rock album again than this one.

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Oct 28 2021
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1

Is it even possible to enjoy Bob Marley while not being high? Not that I enjoy his music in any way when I am. It's just soooooo boooooring. It's boring to the point that I get really annoyed. I listened to parts of the first 6 songs but I couldn't bare any of them.

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Nov 29 2021
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2

I don't really care for reggae, even if it is the great Bob Marley. It's nice to listen to on certain occasions, but I never find myself in the mood for it. It's a bit boring and repetitive for me. The songs are a bit too similar sounding. I found myself tuning it out half the time, so it's hard to focus on and appreciate. While it's not a bad record, I don't see myself returning to this anytime soon.

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Dec 28 2020
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5

Great album, revolutionary sounds and lyrics

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Jan 13 2021
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5

Great album, tons of BM and the Wailers greatest hits.

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Feb 07 2021
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5

Fantastic. So good. And picked on his birthday.

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Feb 06 2021
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5

I had listened to a lot of Bob Marley but had somehow never heard this album. In retrospect, I don’t know how that is possible. Great album and really interesting versions of well known songs.

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Jan 23 2021
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5

Absolutely loved this. It’s so artistic and creative. It’s no wonder Bob Marley is a legend.

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Mar 22 2021
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5

OH YEAAAAAAAAA. Lively Up Yourself. No Woman No Cry, though I don't know that I have every heard it this upbeat and gospel. it almost feels rushed. dude this fucking album is so great.

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Mar 16 2021
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5

catchy, timeless, music with a distinctive vibe

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Feb 18 2021
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5

This is such an incredible listen. There isn't a single song that I skipped through in all my listens. There is a quality to Bob Marley's voice that reggae artists since have seemed incapable of emulating (and that all of the exaggerated imitations do absolutely no justice to). The album hinges on Marley's performance—the airy themes that might otherwise be a bit unbearable, the repetitions that could start the grate—but Marley never seems to fail. A truly incredible album. 9/10.

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Mar 07 2021
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5

Absolut berechtigt für die Liste der 1001 Alben

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Apr 29 2021
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5

This album is chill as fuck. I need to listen to more Bob Marley. Makes me long for warm summer nights with friends

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May 14 2021
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5

The vibes... THE VIBES! Marley, through the sadness in his voice, communicated and empathized with Jamaica in a way that nobody ever could.

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May 12 2021
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5

Bob Marley's ability to write feel-good music that is rich in cultural and political commentary make him one of the most iconic musicians of the 20th century. Natty Dread is a masterwork; my enjoyment of it was dampened only by the knowledge that his 1975 live London version of "No Woman No Cry" is vastly superior.

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Sep 01 2024
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5

What a pleasant surprise this album choice was this morning. Bob Marley is one of the goats, and this album was just the perfect soundtrack to my morning. While No Woman, No Cry is not the version that gets the most play, it is still fun to listen to the non-Live recording.

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Sep 01 2024
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4

Despite being overexposed to Bob Marley’s music by way of the trust fund hippies I’ve known over the years, I can’t deny that this record, along most of his catalog, is great.

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Oct 20 2024
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4

There are few artists so ubiquitous that they are instantly associated with an entire genre, a nation-state, and a faith movement. Bob Marley is one such figure—his image alone evokes thoughts of reggae, Jamaica, and Rastafarianism. Released in 1974, Natty Dread is particularly significant as it is the first album credited solely to Bob Marley & The Wailers, following the departure of Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. This album also features some of Marley's best-known early hits, marking a key moment in his solo ascension. Like many of his 1970s contemporaries—Queen, The Eagles, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder, to name a few—Marley is often regarded as a “greatest hits” artist. Indeed, Rolling Stone Magazine even included the Legend compilation on its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. Given that Marley released 13 albums between 1970 and 1980, it’s understandable that some might reduce his legacy to his hits. However, albums like Natty Dread reveal how much more there is to explore within Marley’s body of work. The album kicks off with "Lively Up Yourself," a prime example of reggae’s inherently uplifting vibe. The song's groovy rhythm and positive message encourage self-confidence, positivity, and unity, inviting listeners to relax and feel joyful. Tracks like "Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)" and "Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock)" serve as powerful social commentaries, addressing pressing issues of inequality, oppression, and political resistance. Marley’s ability to weave these themes into accessible, rhythmic music helped raise awareness of struggles beyond Jamaica, resonating deeply with marginalized communities around the globe. The title track, "Natty Dread," celebrates Marley’s Rastafarian faith, introducing spiritual and cultural elements that would become central to his work. Most notably, the album features "No Woman, No Cry," which, while its live version from Live! would gain mass popularity, offers a quieter, more intimate glimpse into the song’s origins in its studio form. Reggae as a genre sometimes faces criticism for its slower tempo, offbeat rhythm, and repetitive chord progressions, which some may find simplistic. Additionally, the association with marijuana culture has led to unfair stereotyping. Marley himself is often reduced to a commodified image, destined to adorn t-shirts and posters worldwide, rather than being appreciated as a true artist—a disservice to his immersive legacy. Marley’s voice stands as one of his greatest assets. His passionate, emotive delivery on Natty Dread enhances the album's messages, whether he’s singing about personal struggles in "No Woman, No Cry" or issuing a call to action in "Rebel Music." His charisma and sincerity make the music feel deeply personal and resonate powerfully with listeners. The addition of the I-Threes, with their rich vocal harmonies, adds a new dimension to the sound, making it more dynamic and textured. Notably, the drum and percussion work throughout the album is utterly joyous, enriching the compositions with vibrant texture. Ultimately, with such a vast discography, it’s challenging to pinpoint a single definitive Bob Marley album. However, Natty Dread is indicative of Marley’s artistic vision coming into full focus, as he steps into the forefront without Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. This album marks a pivotal moment where Marley’s own voice and message begin to take center stage—a trajectory he would continue to develop until his untimely death. Did I own this release? No, I likely owned Legend. Does this release belong on my list? Yes. Would this release make my personal list? From start to finish, this was a compelling listen. As I prefer to have one album per artist on my list, I would like to listen to a few more deep cuts before making a final selection. Will I be listening to it again? There is always a right time and place for reggae.

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Nov 21 2023
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3

I used to love ska and reggae. Bob Marley is obviously a master. That said, it’s a repetitive genre that is hard for me to get into for very long anymore. The revolutionary subjects of the lyrics make his albums more worth it than most, and I wasn’t repulsed two tracks in like I have been with a couple of previous albums on this list, but reggae is not my go to anymore. 3/5

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Feb 22 2024
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3

Classic Reggae album if you’re in the mood for a bunch of reggae at once.

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Jun 25 2024
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3

It's nice for listening one or two songs, but the whole album wound up being tiring

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Aug 11 2021
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2

Mein Reggae Gaumen ist schwachbrüstig, wenn es um Unterscheidung von gutem oder mittelmäßigem Reggae geht. Er schlägt selten aus und so würde ich allzu häufig von der Mittelmäßigkeit des Genres schlechthin überzeugt sein, aber darf ich das überhaupt, wenn das Sensorium so unbedarft urteilt? Vielleicht will Reggae ja auch gar nichts anderes sein? Nur kann ich auch zwischen dem Fehlen vermeintlicher Ambitionen und dem Fehlen von Qualität nicht unterscheiden. Hier jedenfalls fehlt mir beides. Doppelfehle(r)nde 1.6

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Nov 13 2021
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2

Even if you don't know anything about Jamaican music, chances are you know Bob Marley. He's far and away the most popular Jamaican musician of all time. You can kind of understand why listening to Natty Dread. The musicians lock into these gentle grooves like they've been playing together forever. Marley has a knack for writing simple lyrics that evoke an idea while not actually saying a whole lot. The musical textures are as slick as whale shit. Put together, these attributes make Natty Dread accessible as hell. But for me, it comes across as protest music for the Benneton crowd. I'm sure Bob Marley & The Wailers were perfectly sincere about their music and weren't intentionally pandering to the lowest common denominator, but it sure comes across that way. Thankfully, compared to previous albums, Natty Dread is more focused, with shorter song running times, the arrangements are more varied, and the first two tunes, Lively Up Yourself and No Woman No Cry actually have decent melodic and rhythmic hooks. Still, even putting my personal distaste for this kind of mainstream reggae aside, over the course of even a relatively short 42 minutes, my eyes rolled up into my head with boredom.

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Aug 02 2022
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1

Trash, I hate jamaican songs, they all sound the same and sing about the same shit

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Jan 23 2021
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5

What the Straight White Man™️ Did to Marley’s legacy and reggae as a whole is unforgivable. This is an album of musicians at the peak of their craft, the tones alone across this are so sumptuous and warm and joy-giving.

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Feb 12 2021
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5

Sets the stage for everything else.

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May 13 2021
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5

I and I gonna have things our way

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May 12 2021
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5

Chill vibes, perfect to walk in nature

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Jun 16 2021
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5

Now that’s what I’m talking about !!! This is almost a greatest hits album all by itself.

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Jul 31 2021
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5

I prefer later, live versions of No Woman, but come on. Bob is an all timer.

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Jul 31 2021
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5

Don’t know if it’s how little music I listened to this week or if it’s just a bunch of bangers right in a row. Bob rules

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Sep 15 2021
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5

Classic reaggae sounds, feels light and groovy all along!

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Nov 09 2021
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5

Made me happy, reminded me of my grandmother who loved reggae. Pleasantly surprised by how good EVERY song is .

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Nov 11 2021
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5

Really glad I listened to this and want to listen again!

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Nov 18 2021
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5

Have to give a 5 considering I added 99% of tracks to the playlist

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Dec 15 2021
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5

Love this. Great rhythms and relaxing enough to let me work at the same time.

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Jan 24 2022
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5

I could listen to Bob Marley \"wail\" for days at a time. His voice is just that iconic, and his songs are the right ratio of catchy to saying something. When you're in the mood for reggae, you can't do better than Marley.

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Jan 24 2022
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5

4.5/5. Ok I kinda get it now, thanks Ilya

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Jan 29 2022
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5

It's quite an accomplishment to make music that's so chill and still makes people want to move. Best track: No Woman No Cry

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Feb 08 2022
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5

"A hungry mouth is a hungry mouth"? "A hungry mouth is a hungry mob"? "A hungry mouth is a hungry mind"? I'm not sure which it is, if any, but I'm also not sure it matters. While Bob's full prophet mode, he could sing, "A hungry mouth is an orange as seen through binoculars made of jelly" and I'd think it was a message from heaven. So respect him for the "Bend down low, let me tell you what I know" humblebrag. Ain't no one stooping down to anyone else's level here except Bob. Anyway, this blew my mind in a way it hasn't before. The grooves are eternal and gorgeous. And it has that remarkable James Brown-ian quality of every instrument--be it string, wind, wood or brass--contributing to the rhythm. If you'd asked me yesterday what my got-to Marley is, I'd've told you 'Legend'. But that's a celebration of Bob-the-songwriter and cultural icon. This is really where I turn. To the proof of hope and salvation through unbreakable rhythmic unity. And I like how the songwriting credits are shared around.

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Feb 16 2022
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5

Stellar! I hadn't ever heard this and was mainly new some songs from Live! Need this one.

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Mar 01 2022
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5

An outstanding album that I loved since the first time I heard it. I had a college radio show years ago that was reggae/ska-based programming and components of this album were a backbone.

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Mar 14 2022
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5

Wow. Best Marley band ever. Did not think I'd write that but the songs are all sooo good...all of them. With the exception of the closing song which is still more than listenable. Marley's best, need I say more?

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Mar 17 2022
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5

Seminal Reggae from the master. Proper summer album!!

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Mar 27 2022
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5

Brilliant, chilled out vibes. Like a best of album

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Apr 09 2022
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5

Beautiful blast from the past. Nice to listen to it front to back for once

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Apr 25 2022
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5

I recently learned that my husband thought "No Woman No Cry" meant if you don't have a woman, she can't make you cry. Like "no pain no gain" or something. I think I need to listen to a lot more Marley. Back in the 90s I named my cat Marley, now I rarely listen at all.

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May 07 2022
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5

I really enjoyed this album and the lyrical themes within the tracks.

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May 19 2022
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5

Amazing great. The beginning of greatness.

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May 26 2022
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5

Hands up if you love reggae but have never listened to a Bob album? Anybody? Just me yeah? I'll get my coat

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May 26 2022
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5

Does it get much better? I think not , what an album,special mention to the best version of no Woman no Cry . What a fucking Champ

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Jun 18 2022
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5

Wonderful, not quite the Marley that gets played on the radio in Scotland, but probably more authentic because of that. The version of 'no woman no cry' is very different to the famous version on the "Legend" album, but still very impressive. For clarity, I loved it!

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Jun 29 2022
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5

Probably still my favorite of his (along with Exodus and Burnin') from THE reggae singer.

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Jul 05 2022
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5

This is the album and artist all reggae try to live up to. Pretty easy 5 stars when it defines a genre.

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Jul 21 2022
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5

Reggae doesn’t get much better than this. Catch a Fire will always be my favourite Marley album but this is a seminal album in its own right. Definitely prefer the version of No Woman, No Cry on this album.

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Jul 29 2022
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5

Love me some reggae with this warm weather. I was more familiar with other versions of Lively Up Yourself and No Woman No Cry, so I needed some adjusting, but with the second listen I was all in for the entire album.

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Jul 29 2022
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5

Classic Bob Marley & The Wailers album, 5 star like any other BM from that period but this one together with Catch A Fire, might be their best but it is hard to say ..would be nice if some of their earlier albums are in the list as well.

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Aug 06 2022
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5

A album full of good vibes, great lyrics, and bob marley. This is a revolutionary album for reggae and one of my favourite reggae records I have heard

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Aug 10 2022
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5

Great album, no skips and just an all out good time. Favorite song was Revolution

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Aug 19 2022
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5

I mean, it's a classic Reggae album. Like THE reggae album.

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Aug 21 2022
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5

This is amazing. after a lifelong (well actually only my youth) of having only heard “Legend” I started to get to know more about Marley when I was in college. I was in Jamaica just the other month and it made me very happy to see how beloved he is over there. And with total reason, do you know a more influential artist? I don’t think I do, I know many more famous ones, but none as influential. I have a soft spot for reggae and this is going out with a 5.

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Aug 25 2022
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5

Bass resonates through the album in a comfortingly familiar pace. Very repeatable listen.

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Aug 29 2022
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5

Well, that was an excellent way to start off a Friday. Would probably also work for a Sunday. Or, really, most days.

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Sep 05 2022
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5

Fantastisch, beste album dat niet zo gewaardeerd wordt als enkele andere. Maar stiekem zijn de nummers (waarvan de helft al eens in een eerdere vorm opgenomen was) stuk voor stuk sterk. Experimenten met instrumentatie, koortjes, loodzware riffs en lichte melodieën, maar misschien is dat wel meer dan de eerdere platen, zeer sterke teksten. Vanaf de eerste keer dat ik het album draaide tot nu toe mijn all time favorite van Marley!

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Sep 06 2022
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5

Contains some classic songs that I already knew, but plenty that I hadn’t experienced before. Great from start to finish, listened multiple times.

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Sep 19 2022
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5

Well, this is an album I'd not heard of before, and I'm not sure it could be any more perfect. I'd not even heard these versions of the tracks I had heard before. Great stuff.

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Sep 21 2022
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5

A very good album, worthy of recommendation

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Oct 01 2022
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5

5/5 I mean c'mon it's bob Marley you doesn't like him

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Oct 04 2022
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5

An artists I previously only knew through best of albums. So much more in here.

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