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.

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.

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

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.

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

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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

Pretty Good. Has some bangers but a lot of the songs are tonally similar. Talkin’ Blues was a standout one I really liked

I used to be a big Bob Marley fan, but the past couple of decades I've drifted more towards Ska sounds like Toots & The Maytals, or some other notable Reggae artists. But it's definitely a classic.

Only just falls flat of a 5 for me, awesome album with awesome grooves and lyrics, 9/10

Natty Dread Looking back at Catch a Fire I feel similarly about this, although I think the grooves and overall song quality is better here; Lively Up Yourself, No Woman No Cry (although it’s not quite as good as the more well known live version), Them Belly Full, Rebel Music, Natty Dread, Talkin Blues and Revolution are all excellent, but in truth all the tracks are good and it’s a very listenable album. The rhythm section is fantastic, brilliantly in the pocket and the keys are also great, and the overall sound seems a bit better than Catch a Fire. Not sure it’s quite a 5, but it's definitely a high 4. 🐳🐳🐳🐳 Playlist submission: Lively Up Yourself

"Lively Up Yourself" what a really amazing song, I'm not a huge reggae fan but this one had a different vibe with the guitar and it worked pretty nicely, like more of a rock vibe but the mix of rock and reggae was amazing and what a damn f*ckin good sax solo. "No Woman No Cry" is a classic for sure but actually I'm not really impressed by it like I feel it's a bit overrated, it's a good song but nothing makes it special. "So Jah S'eh" was really nice, the lyrics were really great and well what a really special and viby voice Bob has, once again not a huge fan of reggae but this one hitted differently and was really enjoyable. In general, Bob's strenght comes from his lyrics which are insane for example in "Revolution" but also his voice and his singers which add something really attractive and catchy so basically as a non reggae listener I really enjoyed this album !

oh that's gonna be good Really strong start with Lively up yourself setting the tone for the rest of the album No one i this world can resist to sing along to No woman no cry it's so good Rebel music : Danakil marley instrumental gimmick!! Talkin' blues : "Your feet are too big for your shoes" quite ironic Really strong album overall, bob is a legend 4

Overall: 8/10 I'm not normally a "wake and bake" type of person but I usually listen to these albums in the morning and it would just feel wrong if I didn't burn some herb to listen to this one. I don't think this album is as good as Exodus but it's pretty close. The highlights here are definitely Bob's voice/lyrics and the guitar playing. It's just classic reggae which is awesome if you're into that sort of thing (I am). Get chill and listen to this one, folks, cause it's great. Fav Song: Natty Dread Least Fav Song: Bend Down Low

Amazing album. Exactly what I was expecting from a Bob Marley album and I enjoyed every moment of it. I’m a fan of reggae and this is what I think of when I think reggae. Bob Marley is a legend and I love his music. There’s something about the vibe of his music and that unique sound that belongs to this genre of music that just makes me happy. This is a great album to throw on when you just want to relax, sit on the beach and have a beer. Even songs that have such depth and sadness to them, find a way to soothe you on another level.

So fire, so chill, so laid-back. Bob Marley at its finest.

Bob Marley & The Wailers - Natty Dread Great reggae album coming from Bob Marley which features a lot of political depth into almost every song on here. Short and conscise album, overall this is great! 1.- Lively Up Yourself = 9/10 2.- No Woman No Cry = 9/10 3.- Them Belly Full (But We Hungry) = 8/10 4.- Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock) = 10/10 5.- So Jah S'eh = 9/10 6.- Natty Dread = 7/10 7.- Bend Down Low = 7/10 8.- Talkin' Blues = 9/10 9.- Revolution = 10/10 FINAL SCORE: 8.7/10

I enjoyed listening to this album while I made banana bread french toast this morning. It was very catchy and easy to vibe with. I love Bob Marley, I recently watched the Bob Marley movie.

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'm not mad at it, but I also still don't really get the Bob Marley hype. I probably wouldn't ever seek this out and put it on, but if it's already playing I'd be OK with listening to it Standouts No Woman No Cry 3/5

I like a bit of Bob Marley but this is far from his best album. Perfectly ok but not outstanding.

reggae né achei legal até, tem uma pegada pro blues em alguns momentos. letras bem políticas, btw. não é minha pira não, mas é divertidim

Reggae is a genre I've never been totally hot on, but this is very listenable. Was already very familiar with 'No Woman, No Cry', but it doesn't overshadow the rest of the album which surprised me. Probably helps that its sandwiched by two good songs in 'Lively Up Yourself' and 'Them Belly Full' which helps set the tone for the record.

Good

Great Marley album and I heard pretty much what I expected. Not a massive fan of Reggae but always love listening to Bob. Nothing earth-shattering here to be totally honest. Just a good honest representation of early Bob Marley. And always great to chill to.

Definitely the best of the BM albums I have heard on this list. Still just not really my jam.

I seem to only listen to reggae when barbecuing in the summer. It's very much a time and place thing for me. Foggy scottish evening -2deg doesn't cut it

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.

I am a proponent of using Bob Marley's music and methods as a coping mechanism for when the world goes sideways, or for when it doesn't. Thanks, Bob, for reminding me today that all will be well.

Smoke-ah da weed and everyting gone be ahhright child Little Jacob mission music from gta 4 is a nice change from 2 weeks of rock, but we can do better. #bravetweet but all reggae sounds the same, ESPECIALLY the drums.

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

Optimistic. Thank you for the kind words, Bob.

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

Better than the Peter Tosh album I had awhile back, but 40 minutes of reggae is still just too much for me. I'm not chill or laid back enough as a human being for this.

not really a bob fan, but there’s nothing offensive about this record sort of drags on after a while. very mid tempo i did enjoy the more ska focused tracks, though there weren’t many. 5/10

Not my style again, but I respect the sound and feels from Bob

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

This one was cool, not enough to get me into Bob.

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

‘and don’t be no drag.’ Opening w/ what could only be called kinky reggae (see Catch a Fire), Bob Marley’s first record w/o Tosh and Bunny is a clear triumph. If he’s not comforting you w/ ‘corn meal porridge,’ he’s a reminder of basic human facts: ‘a hungry mob is an angry mob’; ‘a hungry man is a angry man.’ If Marley is not some sort of prophet, especially for those of us who doubt that kind of thing, he’s still an indispensable artist, a realist who satisfies the old adage: ‘show don’t tell.’ No song here is not worth your time - and quite a few are inevitable classics, e.g., ‘Them Belly Full,’ ‘No Woman, No Cry,’ ‘Rebel Music,’ ‘Natty Dread.’ ‘Talkin’ Blues’ takes first place tho, w/ this unwonted violence: ‘Cause I feel like bombin' a church / Now that you know that the preacher is lyin’.’ If that’s not what I’m talkin’ about, it’s what I should be talkin’ about.

It's beautiful.

I’ve never met anyone that disliked Bob Marley. Maybe not fans, but at least kind of liked some of his stuff. And this album is chock full of good songs. I don’t know what there is to not like about it.

It's amazing this is one of Bob Marley's best album.

Loves me some Bob, or any Bob really. _ i remember i detested any sort of reggae during my college years... not sure what finally flipped the switch for me. but happy to enjoy it now.. _i think it was "Three Little Birds" that i finally caught on to the 'Vibe'. As a hyperactive child (undiagnosed ADHD anyone?) that 'Chill Vibe' was a bit foreign to me...

10/10

I could listen to this album at any time, even if I just got done listening to it.

Unbelievable

Fantastic. No woman no cry is A tier

I mean.. come on.... It's Bob Marley! Not his most popular songs but all of them had such a nice bite of history. I feel like im listening to a time capsule of civil unrest all while still written to entertain, and this album is great at doing that.

Loved it!

As I sit listening to this album, we're getting blanketed with the first significant snowfall of the winter and air temperatures have dropped to single digits (F). This album is the perfect antidote. Beyond just transporting the listener to somewhere much warmer, the rhythm section here is sick. This is peak Bob Marley. "No Woman, No Cry" is the song everyone knows from this album, and rightly so--it's a beautiful song, but this whole album is the epitome of reggae. 5 enthusiastic stars.

23/1001 - I like the guitar fills. Normally I do not like redundancy too much, but I think it's done well here due to the variation in comping and "microshifts" inbetween the various phrases. I don't listen to reggae much so it was really interesting to listen to, especially with it's non-standard drum patterns (backbeat is in a different place).

So good. Was just in the mood for some Bob Marley. Hard to be in a bad mood when listening to this.

Both classic and relevant. Especially 'them belly full (But we hungry)' Can't fault. 5/5

Reminds me of the good times jammin' in the Minnie Winnie in osoyoos, big fan!

Listening to this all the way through, it ages like fine wine. Such an easy listen with so much depth. So cohesive and entertaining with the use of so many instruments

so good absolute vibes

4.5 stars for me. For being the first album on his own it's such a great one. He would only get better, but this is a solid outing. The addition of the I-Threes rounds out an already tight group and it would be hard to hear his music without them.

This is my fav Bob Marley record. Peter Tosh left the band the year this came out, and while Bob was the McCartney of The Wailers — having firm control over the creative decision making — Tosh was more dedicated to the rawer sound of reggae steeped in the sparser, dryer dub subgenre that was in full swing around this time, and his lyrical lens was sharply focused on the political. Without Tosh around their sound shifted drastically towards a more global, polished reggae sound Bob pioneered. One big reason I love this Wailers record is it’s their grooviest record. The heavy influence of soul, r&b, gospel, and folk music present throughout the record is unlike any other Wailers record before or after. This is really evident in the opening 4-8 bar sections of most songs, just before the iconic reggae back-beat settles in. The band is also air-tight. Their unity and collective rhythm is so satisfyingly smooth. They established a pocket on this record somewhere between a traditional swing and reggae’s shifted, lurching pulse. Bob launched The Wailers into the stratosphere around this time too. Their now-ubiquitous catalog of hits started piling up on the record before this with ‘Get Up, Stand Up’ and ‘I Shot The Sheriff’, and this record contributes its fair share to that legacy. And for what it’s worth, ‘Them Belly Full’ is hands-down my fav Wailers song.

Good stuff

Iconic way to start 2025! I am so unfamiliar with reggae and yet I somehow feel like I get it with this album. Moody, eniticing and honest, I can hardly fault it

As a typical Bob Marley sceptic, this might be my favourite album of his.

My first concert was The Wailers and I have loved Bob Marley and them every since. Bend Down Low and all it's covers always makes me smile.

The best

Love this album.

He's an icon for a reason.

Phenomenal album. Every song unique and extremely catchy.

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

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.