Natty Dread

Понимаешь, что это один из ключевых его альбомов, есть хиты. Классический Боб Марли с звонкими гитарами и пинающими барабанами.

Wait wtf, why do all these songs sound significantly better/rawer than the versions I've been hearing for years? Were they significantly rerecorded/remixed/remastered for mainstream appeal? I'm a big fan of 1970s reggae, but always found Bob Marley a bit over-commercial and tame in comparison to many other artists from the era. However, my 1990 Tuff Gong copy of this album is changing my mind rapidly. The songs sound much cooler and more impactful than I remember them. The album still has quite a subdued and "safe" sound compared to lots of what would come from Jamaica in the late 1970s. However, I'm definitely finding a lot to admire in the instrumentation, Marley's vocals, and the lyrics. I'm pleasantly surprised from re-listening to this.

Natty Dread nice

Solid top-to-bottom album with a great range of subject matter, melody, and influences. It shows growth despite being a seventh album and missing Bunny and Tosh. Leads strong with some all-timers and brings you along for the ride across the album.

Bob always hits hard in the lyrics, but musically this one was just more inconsistent than I've come to expect from him. Still a good project, but not an instant classic for me.

I mean, it's Marley, but it is missing the power of the Wailers, and doesn't have the real maturity that Exodus brought in my opinion.

Fine

Would listen to this over Exodus. Enjoyed the vibe but small doses work better for me. Still great songs and felt a bit more raw and emotional than later mixes. I definitely preferred this version of No Woman, No Cry.

As I listened, I was thinking how well produced this album is, and how so many subtle percussive and musical elements were woven into the recording. I think it was "No Woman No Cry" where there's a stilted percussion (shaker) part that sounds like something a modern producer might have accomplished post-production, there was just this odd cadence to the beat that stood out that was tricky and just added a subtle change to the rhythm. Really lots of attention to detail and a sign of a true artist at work. But... I'm just not super excited when I listen, on a visceral level. I obviously appreciated elements in the recording, but I won't actively turn the album on because I love the tunes. So a 5 for the craft, 3 for my personal enjoyment... 4 overall.

Good stuff, though I prefer his other versions of some of the songs, like the live version of No Woman, No Cry, the Lee-Perry-produced versions of Lively Up Yourself and Bend down Low, etc. But still, it's Bob Marley, so I feel like I'm nitpicking.

3.7. The start of the album was good, but then it went a little down hill.

No Woman No Cry great song (but not the best version). I don't really care much for Bob / Reggae otherwise

Solid album. Instantly put me in a relaxing mood. Not one I think I’ll revisit often, but when I do, I’ll enjoy it.

I just do not fw this sorry Bob :(

Classic reggae album. great production especially on the percussion section.favorite track: rebel music (3 o'clock roadblock)

3 feel like i've heard the hits on this but nice to listen to full thing. i recognize importance in the genre but can't say it hit super hard with me. Good vibey music tho

I didn't realize how serious and powerful some of the lyrics were going to be. Seemed to drag on a bit in places but overall a very nice listen.

Other than No Woman, while relaxing, the album provides nothing spectacular as a whole.

Even the third or fourth of his albums is not going to change my absolute neutral stance on this guy and his music. It doesn't do anything for me at all and I continue to be amazed how this music was able to become known and loved worldwide 🤷🏼‍♂️

Bob Marley is revolutionary but to be honest I find this album slightly bland compared to other reggae I have listened to. Maybe it's power is in the fact that it is Music for the masses taking its message further than more niche (and exciting sounds).

- Only ever listened to Exodus in full before - Didn't think this was as good, but still a decent album - This version of No Woman, No Cry is way worse than the live one - Fav songs: So Jah S'eh, Natty Dread, Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)

“Lively Up Yourself” is a lovely opener. Bluesy with jazzy horns. “No Woman, No Cry” is of course a classic. So touching. So catchy. Nice to hear it in its original studio version here. (Also, I learned recently that Bob Marley gave songwriting credit of this song to a friend of his who ran a soup kitchen so that the soup kitchen would always have a source of income. How incredible is that?!) I’m noticing that a lot of these songs have a blues influence. Overall strong album and an excellent example of the genre, especially with its political lyrics. Love the backing vocals throughout too.

A secret about me that I don't like to share is that I don't really always like or seek out reggae music. Without over-philosophizing it, I think I have a particular preference towards directional music; music that goes somewhere, that has tension and resolution, that has character development, etc. A lot of people don't believe in the genre-ification of music ("why you gotta put a label on it man?") but I like it and I think taxonomies exist for humans to further explore what they like and don't like and do it systemically. The flip side is that reggae should probably be devoid of incessant thought / analysis / philosophizing and it's been a life-long journey to sit down, shut my brain, and simply enjoy some genres of music that don't innately pull me in, and reggae is one that I'm still working on. So this album I sat down, shut off my brain, and enjoyed this ish. I think it's a 3/5 that leans towards a 5/5. Bob Marley is to reggae what Wayne Gretzky is to hockey- the person who is so above the rest that you can't mention the thing itself without thinking about the person, and this album has "No Woman No Cry" which is an A+ piece of music. His hits are so so so top tier for the genre and it's funny to me that this song isn't even a top 5 for him. Unfortunately for the sake of this list I don't think any of his top top songs are on the same record though.

Groovy as hell. Had the studio version of No Woman No Cry, which is the first I've ever heard it. I really enjoyed this and can't wait to play this in the summer.

Great grooves but it does feel a bit samey after a while, nothing really stood out to me after the title track

Listened to on 2/21/23 3.5/5 Favorite song: Lively Up Yourself Sunshine + Caribbean vibes are immaculate and this album didn’t disappoint but also wasn’t a stand out

Not as good as his album containing Hight Tide Low Tide and Stir it Up, but nice to have on in the background

Groovy and funky with both heartfelt romantic and harder cool moments. One of the best produced reggae albums, it's super clear filled all sorts of lush instrumentation from horns to gospel back vocals to a harmonica. Marley's voice is distinct and passionate complimenting the politically charged poetic lyrics. Full of strong memorable tracks, although it does weaken in the second half.

Great production, though vocally I think it’s not Bob’s best

Good

Not a reggae fan

yep. That's regae

Ok

Bob Marley's first album without Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer is a powerful socially conscious album that tackles themes of poverty and finding joy, brotherhood, and love in dire situations. Musically, the album is fairly standard Marley, fun, driving, and groovy.

I've never really been a big reggae fan and I still am not. However, taking the time to listen to such artists as Bob Marley and getting the opportunity to appreciate his great work is exactly the sort of thing I signed up for in joining this project.

Hmmm…Reggae, no thanks, but okay, I’ll listen. Wait, what? I was totally in the groove of this album. I did get a bit reggae weary by the end, but I did really like the album.

OK. Reggae's not my favorite but I tried my best to keep an open mind. The first track, Lively Up Yourself, had that typical Reggae thing going but it felt super chill and was catchy. I loved it. No Woman, No Cry was familiar and warm. So far so good. However, the beat and the tone don't vary much and I got pretty tired of it after three or four tracks. So I think I can appreciate it a bit at a time --- I would not mind if any of these songs shuffled up in a playlist now and again --- but I don't know that I'll reach for this album as a whole again any time soon.

I’ve always felt like I was missing something with reggae music. For whatever reason reggae songs had a tendency to lose my interest. I wondered if this would change in this project. Apparently it hasn’t. I didn’t hate the music, but could not remain interested in it. I feel almost guilty giving it an honest rating though.

Good album. The version of "No Woman, No Cry" here doesn't stand up to the live version on Legend. But other tracks, like "Lively Up Yourself" and "Bend Down Low", are great little reggae tunes. Light up under the sun and and enjoy this nice, breezy listen.

Marley is always great. This album introduced us to “no woman, no cry.”

Reggae primordial, obviamente. E minha perpectiva inicial acabou sendo elevada pela presença do hit "No Woman, No Cry". Assim confirmada da importância, fiquei com sensação que prefiro outras versões da música.

102 / 1069 Very chill, great first half. Second half ok but not a patch on the first, 5/5 for the first and 3-3.5/5 for the second.

I know Bob Marley is much revered butI just don't get this. The only thing saving this from being a 1 for me is Bob's singing voice being pretty good and the fact that I can at least acknowledge that there is some solid songwriting here, even if I don't necessarily care for it. As much as I like ska, and I'm talking all waves, not just the third wave punk stuff, it is a bit baffling to me that I have such distaste for reggae.

Amazing, first true surprise from this generator, I never listened to it before and I loved it. The songs sound so true and sad. I liked especially "Them belly full" and "Rebel music". Great album.

It's great reggae

Something about Bob Marley's music always lifts your spirits. Even when he's singing about oppression and corrupt government. The buoyant rhythms and that inimitable voice just lift you higher. High pun intended.

Nice bounce to it and some fine melodies, not my favourite genre but a fine listen except towards the end where it kind of melted into one song.

Home from school on Friday. Thanks for top tip Susie. Enjoyed the nice calm, tranquil, Caribbean vibe after a hard week.

Listened Before? N More great stuff from Marley. It made me feel like I was in the islands while simultaneously caring about the plight of the poor. Right on, mon. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Natty Dread

Du bon reggae, comme d'habitude

Vintage quality through and through.

Hmm, I mean, it's nice to listen to, very relaxing but it's doesn't capture me that much 🤔 At least, I know where 'No woman No cry' comes from

Reggae is a genre that only started to gain prominence in the late 60's, in part due to the spread of calypso in the Caribbean and mento in Jamaica. There's also influence from ska music, which precedes reggae by a good few years, but that's neither here nor there. It would be The Wailers who pioneered the reggae sound going into the 70's, and it would be Bob Marley's socially conscious lyrics that would define the movement of roots reggae. Natty Dread's strengths are in its subtleties, which finds the instrumentation casually riding along the signature reggae rhythms. It's a simple-yet-effective way to accent the groove and layer in the brass without having them overwhelm the songs. There's something special about that kind of spatial audio, something that goes under-appreciated for so long because (let's face it) reggae has been relegated to a novelty genre. Reggae is kind of one-note, no? You've heard one, you've heard them all. It's a shame, because it can be sonically rich and uniquely great at times. I just find it to be a bit stale after side A.

I really don't like (this?) reggae. Sounds like simplistic (and stupid) children's music, and endlessly derivative of the same ingredients. I don't like Marley's voice, or the horrible backing singing, or the pidgin lyrics. Just fucking sucks

Just great reggae album from one of the best

Solid release, not my go to choice if I want to listen to reggae music. It's always nice to hear No Women No Cry in it's original form!

Not as smooth as Exodus but still oozes quality

Very pleasant, chill listening experience. Still I'm a bigger fan of Kaya and Uprising than this album. I like bluesy vibes on some tracks. Recommended for everyone who wants to wind down. Best song: Rebel Music (Fantastic harmonica and organs in the background) Worst song: Bend Down Low (Leas interesting melody for me personally)

A little meh if I’m honest.

Not an album of hits but very good. I thought the term “cost of living” was new for some reason, but obviously not

Non seulement c'est pas terrible, mais en plus c'est très vite chiant.

mmm very good

I didnt expect to enjoy this as much as exodus...but I did

Essential reggae album. Not a fan of the genre itself, but it's a nice, chill album to listen to. 3.5/5.

I'm not a reggae fan, but this one made me dancing in my chair during work, and all my anger flow away :)

Chill and pleasant, but still has a bit of edge. No woman, no cry is definitely the best on the album

No women no cry a bit faster here. Very chill. Like getting high music. Nok lidt for chilli weed agtigt til mig. Fin nok, vil ikke have noget imod at lytte til det i baggrund med venner, meeeeen ellers er den ikke mig.

Soid

I didn't use to like reggae, but thanks to this challenge my taste has definitely expanded to include it! This album is really great, love the mix of different genres influencing, definitely getting loads of soul and even jazzy vibes. Good stuff. Saved songs: Lively Up Yourself, No Woman No Cry, Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock), Am-A-Do

powerful

Very relaxing music. There are some odd parts in a couple of songs. However, there are some great songs on this album and the easy sway of the music and Marley’s voice is soothing to say the least

Good chill album. Decently recorded which makes it nice to listen to.

This album makes me think of a college dorm room that reeks of bong water, but Marley will always deliver the reggae goods

Not bad, bit reggae always has a cap for me. At least at this stage of my life. It doesn't move the needle as much as for so many people I know wh9 got into it in high school, when I was getting into Visual Kei.

Absolutely love it

I will never say no to Marley. This was a great album and had the classic No Woman No Cry, though I have been listening to the Tems version on the Black Panther soundtrack and I like that one better, but the original is still a classic.

Completely forgot we already had an album from Bob Marley. A couple songs I like but the overall appeal isn't for me. "No Woman No Cry" is a classic track though, didn't realize until recently listening to the Black Panther soundtrack that the "everything's gonna be alright" part is actually from this song too. Nice vibe overall, but not much more on the album that struck me. Favorite tracks: No Woman No Cry, Them Belly Full. Album art: Portrait of Bob. Art style is pretty cool though. 3/5

This album was a chore to listen to. Bob Marley was influential as hell, and that's awesome, but this felt like listening to the same exact song for about 45 minutes. I'm very glad it's done.

An absolutely amazing album. Brings back a lot of happy memories for me of a trip to Uganda (where reggae is a heavy influence on popular music), there's few experiences in life more chilled out than driving around the plains of central Africa blasting Bob Marley and watching the Giraffes and the Elephants. The opening of this album is incredibly strong with 'Lively Up Yourself' directly followed by 'No Woman No Cry' (although it always throws me a bit to hear the studio version). The title track is obviously another highlight but I wouldn't say there is a weak song on it. I'm giving it a 4 only because I reserve 5's for my absolute favourites, but its a 4.9

No woman no cry is a certified banger but the rest wasn't noteworthy

pretty chill. no nolan no cry

На удивление в альбоме всего одна известная мне песня. Нравится саунд - особенно в части баса и вокала - там нет еще этих избыточных "изысков" как в позднем реггей. Хорошие песни, очень мелодичные подпевки, звучит целостно и благородно.

wasn’t my style, 6/10

I must have gotten this at the wrong time of the year given the weather outside felt a total mismatch for the syncopated, light island music. Then again, the themes and lyrics also run totally counter to that lightness.

Not my taste

73/100: I don't know enough about Bob Marley to know if this is considered one of his best albums or not, but I'm assuming because it is on this list that it's probably up there somewhere. I never really go out of my way to listen to reggae and I was beginning to feel the stress of finals overwhelm me, so this was an incredibly welcome album to receive today. It felt like the random album generator saying, "Hey, it's gonna be ok, relax." Admittedly, I did listen to this while studying, but it made the studying much more relaxing and far less stressful, which I really appreciate. As for the musical merit of this album, that's a little harder for me to say. Reggae isn't really my cup of tea, but it felt nice listening to this.

This LP is just a tad too laid-back for my tastes. I understand reggae isn't the genre to expect uptempo tracks from, but there's not nearly enough tempo variation or exciting melodic hooks here to raise this album to anything noteworthy in my book.

3.5/5. This was fine, not really sure why it's on this list. I think this is not the groups best album, and I found it a little above average.

This was just ok, I'm not the biggest reggae fan in general, though i appreciate no woman no cry, obviously. 5 out of 10.

Same opinion I have of the other reggae albums in this list: it’s fine, but only the really famous tracks stand out

Reggae is always a pretty easy listen; and this was no exception. But, for me, reggae has been like sushi: I never crave it, but will, occasionally, try some if it's there. This gets an extra star for being really good for what it is.

Genuinely just a pleasant listen. Top tracks: Them Belly Full (But We Hungry), Rebel Music (3 O'clock Roadblock), and Am-a-Do.

Fantastic album. Lots of classic songs.

Stellar stellar album. Listen to the studio version of No Woman No Cry and you'll hear a version that's faster and less heavy on the organ and backing vocals than the much more famous live version from Live at the Lyceum. The second side's intensity drops a little from the first, but it's from a 6 to a 5 really.

It's not easy for me to separate the music from the obnoxious white males who were way too loud about their fandom -- which mostly presented itself during my college years but I also encountered it in the years beyond when for example, I visited the Caribbean -- but it really has been quite a long time for both those negative associations and actually listening to the music, so I feel I was able to give this album, which I owned decades ago, a new listen. It's really quite good. The content of the lyrics is thoughtful and insightful, and musically the songs are catchy and nice on the ears. Its repetitiveness is part of the charm, and it pulls in the right emotion.

Just a whole vibe. Can't go wrong with Bob Marley!

Along with Dylan, Marley was one of the biggest artists I had yet to listen to a full record of. I would immediately say I understand the hype. Loved the back and forth interplay in the vocals, a bunch of gorgeous hooks and melodies, and still immense production. One slight drawback is that the back half was a little samey, but still, an obviously fantastic record.

never listened to a reggae album end to end before - really enjoyed the relaxed vibe and will def listen again

Great listen. Never listened to a Bob Marley album before, but really enjoyed this. It's a cold and dreary day, and the instrumentation definitely didn't match the weather.

Bob Marley does Bob Marley stuff. Instrumentation is on point with some nice horns sprinkled throughout. The songs do start to blend a bit together around the title track, but there are still some great tunes in the social commentaries of 'Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)', 'Rebel Music' and 'Revolution'. And the melody on 'No Woman No Cry' is just superb.

There are few artists that I could listen to for days without end. Bob Marley is one of them. The first album to not feature original Wailers Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh proves that Marley was fully capable of not only carrying on without the others - he was able to do it just as well. Family Man provides one perfect bass line after the other and the spiritual and politically charged lyrics are mesmerizing - especially on one of my favorite tracks of the entire discography, “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry”.

3,5/5

This is a really good album. It shows his mindset and how it was so focused on loving his people and allowing them to love themselves so much. I love the first 5 songs for sure. There is something that you can't get away from when listening to this album, such a transcendent peace above these financial stipulations we put on ourselves. He shows his richness in his words and his love for music 8/10 Top 3 songs: Rebel Music, Them Belly Full(But We Hungry), Bend Down Low

Album with the big hit no woman no cry. Overall a nice ragaee album. I don't know the history if this set the bar for ragaee or anything like that, but nothing really stood out to me as being bold and unique. Good background album though.

Love it

Pretty good mood music, but difficult to really get into. It’s influence, however, is obviously legendary.

The guitar is fucking killer

notes - classic reggae album - has the song “no woman no cry” - bob marley is an iconic figure for his music and the message that he put into it - songs about poverty, the rasta movement, political imbalance - all over top of laid back easy to get into grooves - ive never been a huge reggae fan BUT i think this album had strong enough songs and performances that i was able to get over the elements of reggae that im not huge on - ESPECIALLY the guitar playing, really interesting rhythm and note choices fav - them belly full - big fan of the guitar intro and the vibe of the song least fav - bend down low - felt a little nursery rhyme-y to me as a non reggae fan this was still an enjoyable listen, 4/5

A transitional album between The Wailers and Bob Marley and... but still very good.

Flawless!

This is probably the only Bob Marley album before Catch a Fire I haven't listened to a single track. I do know of No Woman No Cry, but only the live version on Legend. The original isn't as good, but has a nice feel regardless. I liked the lyrics addressing poverty and political issues here, made what was some meh instrumentals stand out. And while Natty Dread doesn't contain any classics aside from No Woman No Cry or stand out like Exodus or Catch a Fire, it is a coherent listen with no weak tracks. Just not one I will come to often.

Sings about such sensitive topics in such a brautiful manor, very influential into the new hip hop gennre andd just a joy to listen too

Not a big fan of reggae but this is definitely among the best one that I heard from the genre. I love the revolutionary lyrics (although I'm not a fan of that ignore-problems-and-just-dance philosophy), and the flow here is great and not monotonous. Bob Marley is such a gem of the genre.

Awesome album. A very pleasant album to listen and you can't go wrong with Bob Marley.

4-

Very nice piece of music

Natty Dread is okay but not his best work. 2/5.

Don't get it. The version of No Woman No Cry is way weaker than what he produces later on, and there's not much else on this album that excites, it feels a bit light somehow. Them Belly Full is good, but I don't think I'll be listening to much else of this again. Expect we'll get better Marley albums on our list. 2/5.

BOB MARLEY!!!

Eeeh. Reggae not my favorite so would need to be in a mood to relisten.

Pretty joyful album

This is an absolute masterpiece. Loved this one.

Even though many of the songs on this album have been horribly overplayed, this album is just so solid. I'm reminded of what great musicians these guys were and the production is just so clean and well done. The songwriting is cohesive, every song but one is a stand out, just a fantastic album. 5/5

I've never been massively into reggae, but I enjoyed this. Absolutely, convincingly doing its own thing while being tuneful and accessible.

é o grande mestre não adianta

He’s so good. They’re a great band. I only really know the obvious ‘hits’ but everything I hear is pretty great. I’m glad this project made me listen to another full album.

Pretty solid throughout, though few highs. 3/5

Several gems.

Best Song: Them Belly Full (But We Hungry). An almost sombre slow dance song. Really soulful in a way that almost forcibly compels you to sway in time. Worst Song: Talkin' Blues. Something about the backing vocals don't work for me here. The vocals themselves are fine, they just seem like they come from a cover version of the song that just happens to be playing at the same time. Overall: Reggae just isn't my genre, regardless of who's performing it. It wasn't unpleasant, but it feels like I need my consciousness blunted to enjoy that continuous, bouncy rhythm. Given the right weather, and the right inebriation, maybe I can come to enjoy it.

Young me never got Marley. Young me was a bit of a dick.

Another outstanding album!! Bob Marley was one of a kind! People have tried to emulate his sound, but have never been able to capture it just right. His music has a way of instilling hope and happiness in me every time I listen to it. I find the song No Woman No Cry almost therapeutic (I can turn it on on a bad day and feel better instantly). The part of the song where he repeats "Everything's going to be alright" just forces you to put everything in perspective. Such excellent reggae music with subtle notes of funk mixed in. Every song on this record is amazing! Favourite songs: No Woman No Cry, Bend Down Low, Talkin' Blues, Them Belly Full (But We Hungry), Revolution, Natty Dread, Lively Up Yourself Least favourite song: if forced to pick one, Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock). It is still a phenomenal song, it just didn't hit as hard for me as the other songs. 5/5

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

4/5.

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

Great album.

Not my usual type of music but good album, probably wouldn't listen again. Favourite song, No Woman, No Cry

Liked this one much better than the Exodus album we have earlier on. But still not my cup or tea of my type of joint... So a 3.

Ikke kæmpe reggae fan, men det var meget hyggeligt

Maybe I haven't heard the right stuff yet, but reggae is so boring to me. This album is fine, but sounds exactly the same as every other Bob Marley song I've every heard except for "Could You Be Loved". That one is cool, but sadly it isn't on this record.

Love Bob Marley, legendary album with great percussion and very fun songs!

A very good album, worthy of recommendation

Likely an unpopular opinion but I can't be the only one who thinks if you've heard one Bob Marley song you've heard them all. Nothing against the man and the music but it seems to me you could probably take two or three songs from any album in his discography and unless you know the words to sing along wouldn't be able to tell the difference

Good Marley

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.

Another great album from the man Bob and Co. Really great stuff here. Loved the first half

Nice chill album. Liked it.

Raw and unfiltered Marley Doesn’t get the recognition but is solid past No Woman No Cry. That also makes the tracks not stand out, out side of an album listening

Reggae nein danke

Instant Classic

This is another music genre I don't get and not a fan. Maybe good background music, for sitting by the ocean, drinking a frozen Pina colada and smoking a nice, skunk smelling joint. But I'm in my office and thought this is not very good. I'll give it a 1 because his son was a pretty good linebacker at the school of convicts, Miami Florida. Suck it Canes.

4 I really enjoyed this one. I’ve always been meaning to listen to Bob Marley & Co but never had a real reason to and boy do I regret it. I was worried I was in store for a repetitive album with an okay track but I definitely got an interesting and varied album. Some major soul, RnB, and jazz elements sprinkled throughout that I absolutely loved. Also Bob Marley has a really nice voice on top of it all. Will definitely be listening again Favorites: Lively Up Yourself, No Woman, No Cry, Them Belly Full (But We Hungry), Rebel Music, Natty Dread

2 Another artist I've always found massively overrated, and again I didn't feel like my listening here did much to change that. Reggae as a genre I've always found to be pretty boring musically, and with this album in particular I found myself pretty bored here about halfway through. I'm pretty sure a lot of people see Marley as a pretty profound lyricist, but I'm just not sure I hear it. I can see how people could get attached to his music, but it's just not for me. Could see listening maybe to some tracks in a tropical vacation scenario.

Classics known but not heard the full album -

I don't listen to reggae much. This album is helping me appreciate the genre more. I honestly liked every single song, which is not something I'd ever expect myself to say about reggae. Favorites are probably So Jah S'eh, Bend Down Low, and Talkin' Blues.

Beautiful stuff, joyous and reserved, but also weirdly light imo

good but im not a fan

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

Brilliant

No Woman No Cry is amazing, but a lot of this album was underwhelming.

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!

Love this album.

album para todo el mundo, reggae clasico y roots reggae. favs song: no woman no cry ☆ rebel Music 3 O'Clock Roadblock talkin' blues ☆ revolution 4.3

Reggae at its finest. I've never listened to Marley before, but it has the same effect of waves at the ocean, lulling you into a sense of comfort and familiarity.

3-4

Har blivit indoktrinerad med Bob Marley sedan unga år av min goda vän Fredrik och på sensre år även av Pelle och Pop. Tycker det här är långt ifrån det bästa han gjort. Finns bra mycket vassare plattor.

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

I listened to this Lp many, many times as a teen in the mid to late 80s. I probably haven't heard the whole disc since the mid-90s. Fresh listen 2022: the production and sound are solid. The band swings. Great arrangements. Bob would've made one hell of an R&B belter. As I find reggae a bit repetitive and tiresome these days, I wish he'd gone that route. Overall, the musical stylings on this Lp eschew the repetitiveness of a lot of reggae, so it's going back in the rotation.

Loved this album! Some of the gems I've heard a million times. Others, it eas the first time hearing it.

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

Reggae classic

Pretty entertaining, some nice songs but overall not too much of a fan

A nice chill album for my Monday morning walk. One Bob Marley album that I hadn't listened to before!

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.

Classic

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

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

Solid reggae album by the most famous bob marley. No woman no cry is a fantastic song but I actually prefer the live version. The rest of this album is average to good reggae songs that vibe along and prove an enjoyable listening experience. 6.8/10

Bob Marley mon! 4/5 Best songs: Lively Up Yourself, No Woman No Cry, Natty Dread, (and the rest!!)

So much more to this than No Woman No Cry (though that does dominate and deservedly so). Knew only one song, but really enjoyed this.

I liked it. Not all of it...but I liked it. And while the only track I knew was No Woman, No Cry (not even the version I am familiar with), I quite liked Lively Up Yourself, natty Dread and Bend Down Low, just kind of a nice flow to the whole thing.

It really grew on me; listened to it twice.

Contains No Woman No Cry. 👍

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

couple classics but not my favorite

Brilliant. 4/5

Bob wouldn't want me to kill the mood with in depth analysis of his tunes, he'd just want us all to smoke some weed and have a good time. And Bob is always a good time. I loved spending my morning with this album, it put me in such a calm, chill mood for the workday ahead. Peace, love, weed, and chill.

My least favourite of the three Bob Marley albums on this list. Maybe the least varied and purest reggae, which perhaps says more about my tastes than it does about the quality of the album. I liked it, but it didn't grab me. Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: Them Belly Full Date listened: 03/08/22

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

1st day. So only made it though about half. So far very chill as you would expect. Easy listening.

Bob always comes through. Those basslines are so sick. Never knew the name "Family Man" before having to figure out who played bass for The Wailers. This might not have many of the timeless classics but it still put me in a better mood.

Bob Marley never really elicits any significant reaction when I listen to him. I dont dislike it but I’m not compelled to keep listening.

this was boring as hell. sorry reggae bros... I do still enjoy the hits however, but that's about all i can take. Iron Lion Zion ftw.

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.

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.

4.5/5 good chill music

Some Classics on this album N woman No Cry and Lively up yourself are my favourites. Not as good an album as the later Live at the Lyceum which was his breakthrough Album in England certainly. Rightfully on this list though

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.

All bangers so far, no woman no cry, lively up yourself, rebel music. It's reggae night at frog and peach. Fun album, I think all songs are easy to listen to.

I'm as big a Bob Marley fan as they come. But even I can't justify including 3 of his albums on this list, when so many reggae greats were snubbed. And as wonderful as this album is, of the 3 on this list (Catch a Fire and Exodus being the others), it is probably the weakest one, though still a great intro to the man's music.

Lively Up Yourself / Them Belly Full / Rebel Music / Natty Dread are all vintage Marley - 4 classics in a 10 track album is a seriously good batting average. That said, the entire album feels a bit sterile compared to his other recordings. It was never just Marley and the two missing Wailers is felt here - especially on “No Woman No Cry”. The drums feel small and the instrumentation sounds empty while somehow still sounding over produced. There are great songs here but I’ll take the live recordings any day

I have mixed opinions on Bob Marley's music. It's an easy-breezy reggae style that doesn't demand much from the listener, but at the same time (on this particular album, at least) many of the songs adhere to a somewhat routine formula, rendering the back half a bit forgettable and less distinguishable from track to track. I definitely enjoy this sound when I'm in the mood for something more passive and relaxing, but by the end of this album, I am ready to move on to something more intricate. Standout tracks: "Lively Up Yourself", "No Woman No Cry", "Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock)"

I have never heard a full reggae album before this so Im going in not knowing what to expect Second track is pretty good I feel like all the tracks work well together and would be better listened to all together Overall nice easy listen and a great experience could definitely see myself returning to this project in the future 6/10

like ikkje reggae

Like at Them Belly Full, Rebel Music, Talkin' Blues og Revelution har samme intro. Halve albumet jo

Reggae has always been more of a vibe for me than individual tracks. That's how I heard this album too. Really enjoyed "Them Belly Full". Not sure if I'll ever return to this album and give it my full attention. Still nice to have on in the background, like more reggae albums.

Never really sat and listened to Bob Marley before, but loved it. Album has great vibes to it.

Not a huge reggae fan but honestly this album surprised me, I think the first two tracks are kind of weak because they seem to be more of a fusion sorta genre, ex. Song 1 has a lot of blues licks sort of feel to them which I’m not sure I’m a fan of. For me the staples are definitely “No woman, no cry”, “rebel music” and “so jah seh”

Hard not to enjoy a Marley album. Enjoyed this take on No Woman.

3.9 - reggae classic with great mix of political and spiritual lyrics. First three tracks are Marley at his best.

I never heard this album. Bob's move away from Bunny and Peter paid dividends a few years later as his new band embraced London music of the day and let it fuse their reggae  in a subtle way.   His album called Live! had many of the same tracks at Natty D. There must be a story about the reasons for separate live albums so close together. 

I was surprised to find out that my favorite song, “We Belly Full” was not a Bob M composition and actually, he received credit for only a few songs on the LP. But it turns out he was in a contract dispute so he gave the royalties to friends and family. I gave a 5 to Exodus because every song was strong, 0% filler. I like these tracks too. If I were to compare him to 70s soul singers, singing about social injustices, he would be at the head of the pack, but just short of the bar that he would set for himself.

The first three songs are solid, especially No woman no cry, but then it starts to flounder under the weight of its preachiness and loses its momentum. I’m also not a big fan of the I Threes background singing.

Yep, pertinent, groovy, intéressant. Le drum machine était pas nécessaire à mon avis. Il y a aussi les claviers qui ne semblent ps être au même party que les autres.

Classique Bob Marley. Ça s’écoute super bien. Sa voix est superbe.

Well, I'm not super into reggae music so I can't judge it fairly. Liked it tho. 6.5/10 F.t.: No woman no cry

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

Entertaining. Nothing that took my breath away. Its no Exodus. So much prefer the live version of No Woman NC. Solid 3.

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

listened to again a quintessential album

This is fine but honestly a bit repetitive and I don't understand why Bob Marley is so much more famous than other reggae musicians. I also disagree with Rastafarianism.

Better than the other Bob Marley album I’ve heard but still I found it a bit boring

old school chillout vibes with a simmering political undertone. 3.5/5

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!

3 - love that he gave his band and pals writing credits

You gotta love bob. Anytime he’s on my anxieties melt and all is generally good with the world - yet the songs are still some of the most poignant protest songs out there. What do you know.

verrrry natty

It's Bob Marley. It sounded like Bob Marley. Nothing really blew my socks off., it was reggae. It was nice enough, but not really my thing

Bob Marley is far from the worst reggae I've ever heard, but it is the most boring reggae I've ever heard. There's a lot of standout reggae from Toots Hibbert to Jimmy Cliff to the dub guys like King Tubby and Augustus Pablo to modern stuff like Buju Banton and Marley's own son, Damien "Jr. Gong." But outside of popularizing the genre, I fail to see what Marley deserves credit for. This is painfully average.

So next to Legend, this is probably the best BMar album. Great development of songs and style.

Classic Bob without the actual classics

This is the second Bob Marley & The Wailers albums I have gotten. I really enjoyed the first one. Besides his biggest hits, I am mostly unfamiliar with his songs. I am really enjoying this album as well. The lyrics are so powerful and enlightening.

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

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

Okay Reggae

Felt more backgroundy than expected. Waiting for something to jump out. Great bass lines and backing-singers though. Shannah (2.25/5) Bill (2.5/5) Conor (2.5/5) (2.4/5)

I’ve always enjoyed Bob Marley’s music. So I think this album was a good display of that joy

Beautiful album

Amazing great. The beginning of greatness.

Sorry, but these songs sound almost exactly the same. One or two is alright, but it’s just too repetitive to enjoy a full album.

nenni ekki að hlusta a þetta örgl allt i lagi

Jah bless

solid but i feel like after the singles it kinda drops off

I currently have a trial subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio. I listen to the Bob Marley station more than I'd expect. My favorite is the "classic" recordings that sound old and...smokey. I love this record. It has a couple classics. And it just feels right. The title track is really great and I'd never heard it before. The backing vocals...so good.

This Marley album sounds way happier than I feel like it should. Yeah, he’s still singing about injustices (and some other stuff), but it seemed disingenuous on this album for some reason. Maybe it’s hard to sing about being oppressed when you’ve had several successful albums?

Nice, fun to bop along to reggae. Fave: Them Belly Full

Un disc curiós enmig de la discografia de Marley. No hi ha cap single dels més reconeguts, cap de les seves cançons va aparèixer a 'Legend'. I tot i així, és un conjunt molt consistent i ferm de temes que no baixa en cap moment el nivell. 'War', 'Roots, Rock, Reggae', 'Positive Vibration'... tots temes estelars que no han estat massa sobrexposats a la ràdio i compilacions del génere

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

9/10. Rather nice

Solid, though reggae tends to get pretty repetitive for me. 7/10

Rating: 8/10 Best songs: No woman no cry, Them belly full, Revolution

no women, no cryyyyyyyyyyy

Tää ei oo mun lemppari Wailerssi mutta kyl tääkin ihan saa polvet koukistumaan. Aurinkoinen päivä olis maistunut tän soundin kaveriksi paremmin. 3/5

Freesiä, kun lähinnä kuunnellut Marleyn hittikompilaatioita. Hyvin jaksoi loppuun asti.

Äh en vaan jotenkin ymmärrä reggaeta. Jotenkin todella tylsää musaa kuunnella. Annan kuitenkin 2/5 koska ei varsinaisesti mitään teknistä vikaa.

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.

Marley is arguably the only reggae legend society has been graced with. While "Natty Dread" lacked the personal impact of "Exodus" lyrically, the vibe and near limitless creativity of Marley to expand reggae's sound despite its recognizable tone and style remains evident here.

Not quite as good as exodus but still really good bob marley. I really liked rebel music

Robert est encore une fois bien gentil de nous générer un gros nom de la liste, mais l'inquiétude commence à grandir au sujet de la situation de Stevie Wonder. Elcrameze et moi en sommes actuellement à 388 albums et Stevie n'a pas été généré la moindre fois. Pour essayer d'en savoir plus, je me suis rendu au domicile de Robert et suis descendu dans sa cave, à l'endroit même où il détient les artistes qui attendent d'avoir leur chance dans le générateur. Je finis par trouver celle de notre ami malvoyant et constatai avec dépit qu'elle était fermée à l'aide de quatorze cadenas. « À l'aide !! » crus-je alors entendre à travers la porte. Je regagnai finalement ma ville de Basse-saxe.

Et bah on s'est fait chier qu'est ce que vous voulez que je vous dise.

When Bob Marley Became a global superstar.... Great album with an accessible (to the European and American ear) version of Reggae that opened the door to the aformentioned superstardom. Favourites "Lively Up Yourself" "No Woman No Cry" "Natty Dread" and "Revolution" Super album and rightfully on the list.

Phenomenally groovy. Just the kind of laid-back intelligent reggae designed for today's warm Easter Monday holiday afternoon. Easy to forget this is authentic Jamaican reggae and simply damn fine groove-orientated pop music. Excellent.

I enjoyed this album a lot🤓

Just not for me.

Fine.

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

Good jams, good messages.

Just hearing the name Bob Marley evokes a pretty clear sonic picture in my mind of what kind of music I have to expect: It's Reggae all the way down. These expectations were met with a nodding approval by reality. And so it came to pass that I was bored. 2/5

The sound that launched the second wave of punk, new wave and post-punk. The voice of that sound, Bob Marley is still influential, some 40 years after his death. And there's a reason, Bob's sound is often copied, but never duplicated. Natty Dread drags on a little towards the end, but this album got well worn by the youth across the pond. 4/5.

Three and a half stars. I've checked out Dimery's list. *Catch A Fire* and *Exodus* are on it. But not *Burnin'*. How can *Burnin'* NOT be on that list??? Obviously, *Natty Dread* is a likely contender for the fourth slot in the list of the best Bob Marley albums ever. But does that make it an *essential* listen for general audiences who would want to know more about Bob and his Wailers? I'm not so sure. Everybody obviously mentions that original version of *No Woman, No Cry*, and how clunky it sounds compared to that legendary live rendition. That being said, opener "Lively Up Yourself", along with "Them Belly Full", "Rebel Music" and "Natty Dread" are choice cuts. The late entrance of the horns section in the first of these tracks is incredibly effective, transcending the whole piece into another level, one that somehow foretells the epic mysticism of *Exodus*. "Them Belly Full" is a hymn as topical (tropical?) as it is enticing to the ear. And the instrumentation on "Rebel Music" is smart and intricate, guitar licks, harmonica and organ adding layers to a six-minute lush experience that seem to last half as much. The end of the record is notoriously weaker, though, except "Revolution", maybe--nice high-pitched vocals from Marley at the very end, quite uncharacteristic from him. But apart from those sorts of moments, I'm still of two minds about the whole thing. Maybe Jah should teach me to let it go on that listing thing, about what's supposedly essential or not. Mystical music doesn't work like that, does it? So, I'm gonna light up a spliff, probably add this record to my small personal reggae collection, and say that in the end, *everything's gonna be alright*... Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 943 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 26 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 16 (including this one) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important to me): 16

1974. No Woman No Cry, Lively Up Yourself, Them Belly Full

Not really my style, but it’s a good one.

Brilliant, chilled out vibes. Like a best of album

6/10 Best Song - Lively up yourself

Pretty good

Great 👍

This was a lot of Bob Marley for a person who does not care for Bob Marley.

Seminal Reggae from the master. Proper summer album!!

Nein.

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?

Nice

Good album. "No Woman No Cry" is def the biggest, most recognizable song on this album. 7/10.

Great album. Brilliant musicianship and real style.

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.

Amazing

It’s ok

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.

A great classic

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

2/5 not my cup of tea.

Расслабляет. No Woman No Cry топчик.

Can't say I'm in love with the album, but it passes - mostly because it doesn't sound like everything else.

Genial!

Genre: Roots Reggae 3/5 Bob Marley: a name so ubiquitous and well-known, it’s nearly become diluted. The things this man said, and the music this man made, touched millions. Positivity, unity, and peace were his only motives and messages, all bundled up with that reggae sound many had come to love. For me, the sonic monotony does run its course. Good vibes and good intentions are all great, but this album is pretty fucking boring overall. And I don’t mean that in a bad way, more of a comment, really. The title track and the mega-hit No Woman, No Cry are great tracks, but it doesn’t keep the rest of the album from sounding exactly the same for over 30 minutes. For fans, this is a must listen.

Love it!

Chilled but wouldn't jump back to it

"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.

Great sound and some nice songs

bara fínt

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

reggae