Natty Dread

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.

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".

Yeah man.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Absolut berechtigt für die Liste der 1001 Alben

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.

catchy, timeless, music with a distinctive vibe

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.

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

Muy buen disco

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.

Fantastic. So good. And picked on his birthday.

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

Mellow and chill.

Great album, revolutionary sounds and lyrics

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.

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.

I think I was more familiar with the live recordings of some of these songs: "No Woman No Cry" sounds very clean and less impassioned in this studio cut. It's a general theme here that these tracks seem very clean and tidy which is to say that they lack some of the emotion that I usually associate with Mr. Marley. I admire his careful and delicate control of his voice and while I'm firmly out of my reggae phase, this album was a nice way to revisit the roots of that time in my life.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

I've always had a special place in my heart for Bob Marley and his music. I first fell in love with it as a teenager, especially while smoking and just vibing to his rhythms. Now, as a young adult, I still find his music just as captivating and powerful. There’s something timeless about it—the production, the instrumentation, and especially the incredible work of The Wailers. His lyrics are always meaningful and thought-provoking, filled with messages of love, unity, and resistance, and they continue to feel so fresh and relevant even today. It’s amazing to think that, despite being one of the most famous artists in the world, his music still resonates deeply, and I think his place in history is more than deserved. While reggae music existed long before him, it was Bob Marley who really brought it into the global spotlight, shaping it into what it is today. His impact on the genre is undeniable, and he has inspired countless artists worldwide. His music has an incredible way of transcending time and place. Every album from him feels like it’s crafted with love and care, and I honestly don’t think there’s a single album that’s bad or even mediocre. They all carry a certain energy and depth that’s hard to match. When I think about albums like Exodus, Catch a Fire, and Uprising, I’m reminded of just how powerful and essential his work is. These albums, in particular, are nothing short of masterpieces—timeless records that have shaped not only reggae but the wider landscape of music. They’re all 5/5 in my eyes, with each track telling a story and creating an atmosphere that’s unmatched. Bob Marley’s music is more than just songs; it’s a feeling, a movement, a legacy that continues to influence generations.

While I personally think that Burning is the best Bob Marley and the Wailers album, Natty Dread is close on its heals. It is jam packed with iconic reggae songs including Lively Up Yourself, Rebel Music, the title track, and one of Marley's most touching, emotional songs, No Woman, No Cry. By 1974, The Wailers were really all about Bob Marley. The songs reflect him and he alone. Without Peter Tosh, the Wailers had become little more than a backing band for Marley. That's fine because his vision for reggae was leaps and bounds ahead of everyone else, even in 1974. It's hard to answer the question "If you can only own one Bob Marley album, what should it be?" because there are so many good ones. The beauty of our times is that you don't have to make that choice. Go listen to this now, and try not to cry during No Woman, No Cry.

Super zum Aufstehen!

So Jeh Seh this album will Lively Up Yourself. You would be right!

4.5+/5

3.5

Love me the reggae with Marley!

Great album! Bob Marley really is a legend and what gets this album on 5 stars for me is that it's not just a pure reggae album - the band are playing around with funky and jazzy riffs here and there making it overall more interesting experience than just your typical reggae tunes.

cant help but feel the vibes

Smooth as butter

Classic

Masterpiece

Волшебство какое-то. Попался этот альбом в дождливый день, ехал на велике с улыбкой на лице! Кайф!

Reggae: the gift that keeps on giving. 4.5 up to 5.

4.5 ⭐️ Iconic. Goede lyrics die kijk in zijn persoonlijke leven en de politieke problemen in Jamaica geven. Ik las ook dat hij de credits van de nummers aan familie en vrienden had gegeven om ervoor te zorgen dat ‘they were taken care of’, en veel van de winst aan goede doelen heeft gegeven.

Album 568 of 1001 Bob Marley & The Wailers - Natty Dread (1974) Rating : 5 / 5 Am awesome album. There is a reason it is iconic. I could probably rate a point lower but I just really enjoy it. In the reggae world, I may overall prefer Peter Tosh a bit more but this is a great album.

Legend

This album is a groove. Some songs that would become massive hits and some other great songs. Didn't have high hopes but this one is Marley before he went full messiah. Great reggae sensibility coupled with some great crossover appeal

Always great stuff from Bob Marley

Es ist unfassbar, dass so ein Klasse-Album bei mir kaum Beachtung fand. "No Woman No cry" kannte ich nur als Live-Aufnahme. Reggae klingt immer gleich -zumindest ähnlich - dachte ich oft in der Vergangenheit. "Natty Dread" beweist das Gegenteil: anspruchsvolle Arrangements mit gelebter Vielfalt in der Instrumentierung und in den Gesangsharmonien. Sehr viel kritische Texte im tanzbaren Gewand.Sehr beeindruckend. Danke, Bob Marley

refreshing

I mean it's Bob Marley, it's gotta be a 5!

This might be one of the most chill albums of all time. Everything about it was interesting from singing in unison with the harmonica to the smooth background chants that underlied the melody. It's no suprise that Bob Marley is such an idolized figure in the music world.

Fantastic!

Loved it

Fantastic album!

Yeah, this one is awesome. No doubts.

Just lovely!

Excellent album. Very much like a chill Will Wood and the Tapeworms.

Incredible. Talking Blues

Great album. Bob Marley and The Wailers were legends and the messages they spread through their music are fantastic and still relevant today.

Love it.

Music that has the power to make you feel good, feel positive, is simply powerful music. Natty Dread gives you that feeling and then some, you can’t help but to dance when it comes on. Great album!

Authentisch- Gut!

Love it!!

The state of the UK at present highlights the timelessness of this album. Rioting in the UK in the name of hypocrisy can make you believe this was released only yesterday. It’s sad that that’s where we are in this day and age, but it’s how it is. He says in Revolution, “Never make a politician grant you a favour, they will always want to control you forever.” and then 50 years later the hive mind of the Tommy Robinson fan club make actively racist attacks against anybody not white, while the government looks the other way. I wish that this was the kind of album we can look back on and be proud of how far we have come since then. But have we really come anywhere?

wow, absolutely incredible. kinda blown away by how brilliant this is. nothing like i expected!

que crack bobby

Solid!

What can you say about Bob Marley? The crown prince of Regae. While I might prefer Exodus or Confrontation, this album has all of the heart, soul, and musicianship you can count on from Bob Marley and the Wailers. Music to dance to or to start a revolution. It works for either

Loved this and had forgotten many of these original versions. They have an urgency to them that I had forgotten about.

Spiritualism and social justice wrapped into one with this generous, loving poet. A man of his time and music for the ages.

Love it.

Willing to bet that you put this on anywhere in the world and people would start grooving. Bob remains everlasting and universally amazing.

Some wonderful songs, many well known from an album that's 50 years old

Fuego

Honestly, every song was great. I love Bob Marley, but listening to all tracks of this album have helped me appreciate it more.

Watching the biopic earlier this year helped me understand the thought process while composing their songs (Wailersl contributed equally)

Genius - no other word for it

I definitely love some Bob Marley & The Wailers! I don't remember listening to one of their albums in one sitting so this was a treat.

I've had copies of this since first issue. Side one is as near perfect an album side as I can remember hearing.

Nice

A reggae masterpiece

I wonder if listening to this 10 spliffs into my day has anything to do with how much I loved this album

Just vibes.

Obviously everyone knows who Bob Marley is, but this wasthe first time I've listened to something other than Don't Worry or No Woman, No Cry. And it was awesome! Standouts to me are Them Belly Full and Rebel Music. Both are pretty rebelious but with an surprising amount of musicality. Really enjoyed this.

i prefer this over exodus tbh

Hard to be in a bad mood with this playing, also hard not to copy the accent after listening. RUUUHHIGHT by the beach BOOOOiiiiiiii

This is one of those bands where if you're lucky enough to see video of them playing, the inputs don't seem to match the outputs. It's hard to understand the relationship between the movements of the musicians and the sounds coming out of the speakers. Funky as shit. A band firing on all gears, and then some. This album has some sick tunes, too. I don't know where to start with them. This is like being asked to review the Bible or something. Required listening.

The king of reggae.

Classic chill album

Dig it. Love Bob, never sat down and fully listened to this one.

Oh shit, I just heard that Kid Rock is coming... At least we have this gem. Seriously a solid album throughout. The hits are front loaded, but the vibe carries all the way through. Love this.

I mean, it doesn't get much better than a seminal BMW album. Still relevant. Still fresh. Still important.

Rhythm, harmony, soul. Whether or not reggae is your thing, you gotta respect a master of the craft.

Muy bien álbum!

My parents love Bob so I’m biased towards disliking it out of lazy rebellious feelings but fuck this is good stuff

The very first song Lively Up Yourself, is a masterclass on lead guitar. The perfect example of playing just enough while leaving space. I believe it was Junior Marley who played lead on that album! The entire album is without any weaknesses!