Natty Dread

Great Album. I ended up listening to Bob the entire day.

Great intro to reggae.

Still need to see the movie

Primer disco lanzado como Bob Marley & The Wailers, sin Peter Tosh y Bunny Livingston, y con un trío vocal femenino que incluía a su esposa Rita. En él Marley regresa a la raíces del reggae con canciones dotadas de fuerte contenido sociopolítico y el aura de música religiosa dirigida a 'Jah'. Destaca sobre manera el clásico "No Woman No Cry", una balada excelsa que no deja de tener una cierta preocupación social. A parte de este, me gusta mucho "Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)" y su llamamiento contra el hambre en el mundo como poderosa fuente de conflicto y rebelión. En la misma línea también destacan "Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Road Block)" y "Revolution", canciones contra la pobreza, la avaricia y la desesperanza.

# Album Name: Natty Dread # Artist: Bob Marley and The Wailers # Rating: # Comments: Three really good opening songs on this album - lively up yourself, no woman no cry and them belly full. The bass on them belly full is great. The reggae grove is out in full force. Theirs some great use of gospel, brass and lead guitar on this album. From song 4 onwards, the album kind of blended into one for me. A really nice chilled vibe but i wouldnt put this as a 5. Its a solid 4. I'll come back to this album. # Top Tunes: lively up yourself, no woman no cry and them belly full. # Would I listen to it again? Yes

Mola

Good quick album of some classic chill music.

Not the best i've heard from Bob, but there's still classics on here without a doubt. Solid all the way through.

This is 100% a protest album and it does an excellent job of doing it. I don’t know if there are other Bob Marley albums on this list, but there needs to be at least one. This is distinctive and awesome. Makes you want to sit in a beach bar in Jamaica and sip on a drink with an umbrella in it.

When I hear an album like this, it makes me a little sad reggae is synonymous with American stoner culture.

While not the masterpiece that Exodus is, when Bob Marley is less than excellent, he's still pretty great. Faves: Natty Dread, Talkin' Blues.

Very good album, I liked this a lot more than Catch a Fire. Great vocals, great grove (a lot funkier than I expected), I also really like the organ parts (it may be an E-piano idk). Mid 4.

I was feelin' pretty under the weather I listened to this album and wrote this review, so jus' keep that in mind if it doesn't end up bein', like, **super long**. Honestly, for the first three songs, I just spent a lot of time thinking about the live versions that would pop up a year later. Not that I think any of them are bad, of course. It's just, y'know, a little hard to go back to how small the original "No Woman, No Cry" is when its live performance is so perfect, down to even the bit of microphone feedback seeming completely purposeful and intentional. Then there's the rest of the album, which is also pretty good — classic Marley stuff — but none of it exactly matches up to the deeper cuts on something like EXODUS. It's another case where if I paid attention to lyrics I'd probably get more out of it all, given this one review that says this album's a big "Here's who I am, here I am" thing for Marley. This **was** his first as sole frontman of The Wailers, after all. But, y'know, me being me — even if I **didn't** have this pressure on my sinuses and a soreness in the back of my throat. Still, like all good reggae, the groove can still absolutely carry, so ultimately I don't have much to complain about. Y'know, I'll give this thing a 4. A lot of my experience listening to it probably had more to do with my sickness and how tired I felt than anything the album actually did. I'm sure if I had a clearer head I would've had a better experience. So, in all fairness, it's a 4 at least. Now hopefully what I caught can clear up before my group gets another great album, goodness.

I’m at a 4, and I’m sort of annoyed that I am. This is not a bad album at all, and it’s certainly no lower than a 4. I’m just annoyed that I haven’t been able to give either Bob Marley album we’ve gotten so far a 5. This one hits on the same thing that Exodus did, where once you exit the flow state, the album’s cohesion and melodic substance falls apart just enough to bring the album down a bit as a full experience. I thought the first track wasn’t a great tonesetter in terms of mood and atmosphere, but Tracks 2-5 got me into that flow state, and Tracks 6 and 7 were still pretty good, if a bit of a step down. Tracks 8 and 9 certainly aren’t bad, but they sacrifice the melodic depth for lyrical depth, and while they tell good stories, I think they require a deeper context of the sociopolitical climate of the time that I just don’t have, and so I can’t connect to them like that. Once again, though, this is not a bad album – what’s here is full of the same vibrance and confidence present on Exodus, and its sound feels just as polished despite being 3 years younger. I just don’t think the entire thing hangs on as a front to back experience – there are certainly lulls in the music, and a few tracks fall for the “first minute is the whole song” trap, but usually it’s done so well that it’s easy to ignore. It just has too many of those moments pop up over the course of the album for me to give it a 5, but make no mistake – this is certainly one of the 1,001 albums one should listen to before they die. I just wish it had a little more cohesion to bump up to a 5, but I’m not quite there. Still a great album, though.

Clean production/recording/mix (not my preference for reggae) but sounds very good regardless. Al Anderson, Aston Barrett & Carlton Barrett give great performances. Studio version of "No Woman No Cry" is underrated. "Bend Down Low"...I can't put my finger on what I dislike about this song. Strong cover art, very striking. Favorites: "Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock)", "So Jah S'eh" Least Favorites: "Bend Down Low" Not my personal favorite Bob Marley release, but overall good album. (x2) 4 Stars, B

Love this music, but this isn’t the best of them, would listen again but not on repeat.

Some nice groovy reggae. Only really recognized No Woman No Cry, but enjoyed all of it.

Loved it, and landing as my album Friday before a long weekend felt appropriate for the vibe Reggae tends to have.

irie man

Haven't really heard much reggae, but I enjoyed this very much. The themes are presented so simple and effective, and the production is top notch.

4.5 rounded down, don't see how anyone could hate this. First song is the worst one, but still decent.

Simply beautiful.

Great

Not a great Reggae fan but I can see why this is a good album.

This will be the second Bob Marley album I will have reviewed after Catch a Fire. It is also the first Bob Marley album of which "The Wailers" are in name only, after Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer left due to disagreements with their producer Chris Blackwell. I will say I enjoyed Natty Dread slightly more than Catch a Fire, if only because the lyrics feel more cohesive and poignant. The album is more politically charged because the lyrics are meant to be empowering for the general population. This includes calls for unification such as in "So Jah Seh", sparking a revolution such as in the aptly named "Revolution" and "Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock)", a profound warning about a nation's hunger issues on "Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)", and a celebration of the Rastafari religious movement Marley belonged to on the title track. The cherry on the top would be the most known track off this record "No Woman, No Cry", where there is sentiment found for one's upbringing in an impoverished community and the friendships forged in tough times. As much as I still feel new to reggae music with its slower tempos and laid-back vibes, I certainly enjoyed how good Natty Dread was. This album comes with a solid recommendation.

Classic. Not certain if any one track stood out to me, but very easy listening

Familiar territory, most welcome today.

whenever i listen to reggae all I think about is that one time my white uncle to me and my cousins on drive in his beaten up bush car around the forest trails at my grandpas cottage. He pressed play on the cd player in the car and it was just some random reggae comp cd. So we were just barreling down trails in the wood at like 100km/h while blasting bob marley or something like that idk. albums cool ig, but i don't get much out of it. reggae not really my thing, but i can see the appeal

unfortunately, the one massive hole in my "i listen to everything" mentality is reggae - that being said, this was absolutely the perfect introduction. It's groovy and comforting in a way that other types of music really aren't, all packed with social commentary relevant to this day. Will revisit !

Oslagbara vibes

Akin to my other Bob Marley reviews, it's good stuff but boy is it repetitive. It does sound very samey near the end. Still it's relaxing to listen.

Peace and love be with ya mon. Marley's signature reggae sound is on full display here.

Not bad though I would have thought these reggae songs would have more groove but I still enjoyed it. I happy to have a break from all the shit punk albums we been getting.

Funky skanky reggae stuff. Bass goes hard like usual

not my favorite marley album, but a solid listen

It’s excellent.

Chill reggae sunny

Not my favorite Bob Marley album but still strong.

I was surprised by the toned down production compared to the versions of the songs I'm used to. Still wonderful sound.

I'm not a big reggae guy but that was fantastic. Surprised by the depth of instrumentation there is a lot to listen to in every song.

Honestly, I fully expected not to like this and was pleasantly surprised. Felt like a smooth blend of soul and blues with a touch of funk. An enjoyable listen!

Solid album! No Woman No Cry is a classic.

3.5/5

My unproven theory is that 'Natty Dread' may be the finest showcase of Bob Marley's understanding of how the voice - literal, figurative, symbolic, political - can still connect despite a lack of traditional melodies, choruses, and songwriting structure. Think about it: apart from "No Woman, No Cry," there really isn't any a catchy tune on the record. And yet, his singing on "Lively Up Yourself" is probably the most triumphant and expressive they've ever been and in total communion with his backing singers the I-Threes. Despite the lyrical images of unrest and agitation (there literally is a song called "Revolution"), it is a laid-back vibes-based affair, musically speaking, without clear Marleyesque hooks (apart from the aforementioned "No Woman, No Cry," which was perfected on the 'Live!' record from 1975.) I suppose that would be expected in this transitional period following the departure of Bunny Livingston and Peter Tosh. Of course the album art would consist of Bob, clearly head and shoulders above the world. A-

Popularized the genre worldwide

Funky, fun listen. Stand-out: Natty Dread

Lovely summer vibes, a little bit sterile for some reason, but a fun album nevertheless.

Enjoyed! 4/5

Recognized ‘I Believe in a thing called love’. I’d listen to this one again.

Great change of pace from what I’ve been getting recently. Good vibes, some good songs I’ve never heard either

Great album by Bob and the Wailers. “Bend Down Low” is one of my favorite tunes by them. Overall a solid reggae album. 4/5 Will listen again

Bob Marley's reggae feels very consistent to me, it would take quite a few listens before I could really tell a difference between this album and the other two of his that I have encountered thus far on this project. That is in no way a knock against his work, consistent quality is to be commended. Still, this doesn't quite make it as one of my favorite albums or genres. Favorite tracks: "Rebel Music" and "Revolution." (I wonder what that says about me?)

Where you listen to this can have a major impact on the rating. Like the last reggae album, this would be much better on a beach than driving in traffic. That being said, this is right in the 3-4 range.

This album is timeless, another I find it hard to be objective on as I know every song here. I get that reggae may not be for everyone, the genre lends itself to a lot of repetition but Bob just does it so well. He manages to evoke super revolutionary ideas without really saying that many words. Just simple lyrics and chill grooves, no skips here at all. Incredible from start to finish.

Marley is the gateway to all reggae.

I avoided Bob Marley for the longest time because, for the longest time, the only people I knew who listened to Bob Marley were the white stoners from college who had just moved from the suburbs, who pretended that Rastafarianism was like some funny Jamaican Buddhism (but better because Rastas toked), and had mass-produced Che Guevara posters on their walls. I avoided, well, I avoided anything that crowd liked, honestly, so I skipped Mr. Marley. I wish I had heard this sooner. I think that it could have been a foundational album for me in my youth, what with its social commentary over solid beats. No Woman No Cry was the big standout for me, but the entire album was solid.

If I've learned anything in the past week listening to the albums, it's that I need to be listening to more Bob Marley & The Wailers. Just genuinely enjoyable music, that all works together and has a good message. Not a single song where I would want to skip and move on. I will give it a small knock for kind of melding together at times, but another good album form them.

i don't really have much experience with reggae (especially roots reggae) but i'm still somewhat familiar with bob marley through cultural osmosis/cheesy references in 2000's comedy films. for some reason he'd always struck me as an overly positive figure with the post-mortem brand reverence of an act like the beatles -- i honestly should have guessed there's actual substance behind the hype when you actually sit down and give him a listen. yeah, it's positive, but its not ignorantly positive. there's obvious trouble in the world, and especially for the african diaspora of which marley was a part of. it's a good attitude in a world that will not stop causing you and your community pain. some of the more spiritual tracks like So Jah Seh don't engage me as much (i am broadly unfamiliar with most Rastafarian practices) but i don't ever feel like i was being annoyed or preached to. i even kind of like the traditional pop cover on side B! the production is really well done as well, all the instruments feel at the right place in the mix -- that creamy 70's studio goodness. the performances are great and much more unique than i would have thought from the general idea i was given of reggae being a slow, languid genre. sure, maybe there's a couple slow moments, especially on side b, but the only reason this is an 8 instead of a 9 is because i feel like i don't have the context that a more astute reggae/ska/dub fan would have on a record like this. if i revisit this after having heard more jamaican music, i might increase it. who knows? i feel like i've learned something. i might check out more of marley's records later. maybe i don't buy the hype fully, but i at least know that he's immensely talented and MUCH more introspective than i was led to believe.

Forgot to write. Bob Marley. Some good stuff here. Pleasant, tropical, some good messaging. Standouts: No Woman No Cry, Them Belly Full (But We Hungry), Talkin’ Blues, Revolution.

Classic

Great Reggae album glad to have it pop up on the list so I could listen to it.

really don't care for reggae but with this guy its almost sui generi. Love the stutters, the repeats in the singing, the lopsided bass and drums. Good stuff.

I was surprised at how much I like this, I am pretty sure this album is the first one without any of the key Wailers. Great stuff regardless.

Excellent

I hope you like jammin' too!

Good

Bob Marley is a legend for good reason

Classic that I will return to

Never been a massive fan of reggae and my exposure to Bob Marley has just been the legends greatest hits album. But I really enjoyed this. Obviously No Woman No Cry is a classic but also Lively Up Yourself, Rebel Music, Natty Dread and Bend Down Low also stood out.

Fantastic album. Always good vibes. Fun beats with meaningful lyrics.

I could listen to Bob Marley every day. Great stuff.

Really solid album from Marley. Enjoyed the sound and vocals. Very enjoyable listen top to bottom.

Pretty solid. He started/continued a style most people didn’t know and he’s great

Felt like I was right back at work (thank you Joe). I do love Bob Marley just to have in the background. It’s such a great vibe and he’s such a great artist at making good vibes. But the flip side (and this is what makes him so good) if you really listen to the lyrics they’ve got some oomph to them which can be a tough line to walk for many artists. Overall a very great album. Solid vibes man.

Nice and classic

2nd Bob Marley this week. Makes me really want a vacation

The genius of this is how he’s able to present outrage at injustice and calls for revolution in a way so chill that it makes white folks bob their heads.

The great thing about Marley is he found a sound that works so well that there isn’t much of a drop from the great songs to the lesser known ones.

I like Bob. I'm thinking 3.5*, which I will round to 4.

Excellent

A lovely listen

75

its very good but not so much my style

No Bob album is worth anything less than a four. This album is close to a five, but just doesn’t reach his best works. Still, iconic and an album I never mind listening to. 4/5

Standout songs: Them Belly Full Natty Dread Revolution

probably my favourite Bob Marley album, great tunes with that mellow early 70s reggae vibe. Lively Up Yourself, Natty Dread and No Woman No Cry (a faster version than he played it live) particularly good.

7/10. Great reggae album. It was relaxing, and an overall great listen. :)

Up until recently I was fairly indifferent to reggae. It was fine, but I didn’t get the people who obsessed over it. But after an algorithm recommended a reggae album to me (Return of the Super Ape) I’ve been exploring a little more. This is very good, which seems obvious but yeah. I do find I like the more dubby reggae with the echo and drenched in reverb, but that said there’s a reason Bob Marley is considered great. Bottom line, album good.

It’s been a long time since I’ve given Bob Marley a chance. I’ve only ever really gotten into one or two of his hits. I think that’s a shame, because I really enjoyed this all the way through. I know it’s not a hot take to say that, but there you go.

Great listen to chill out

Today I listened to a lot of albums, this is one I was surprised to like a lot… definitely stood out as someone who doesn’t listen to this genre a lot. It’s been a while since I’ve listened to an album that has made me feel so calm. All the songs are very solid with great instrumentals and vocals 8/10

I mean, who doesn't like Bob Marley? This album was great, it definitely didn't sound any different than any other Bob Marley songs, but it's always a good listen.

go off bob

Wow what a great vibe to start a summer day! Instant good mood, but admittedly there’s some Righteous anger mixed in. The contrast of lyrics and music is intriguing. Easier to rally the masses with honey than vinegar I suppose! Weak last song unfortunately. Felt like a great gymnastics routine that then didn’t stick the landing.

Natty Dread by Bob Marley and the Wailers is a standout album that captures Marley's signature blend of catchy rhythms and captivating messages. Released in 1974, the album includes the iconic No Woman, No Cry, which has become a timeless anthem with its emotive lyrics and memorable chorus. Tracks like Lively Up Yourself and Rebel Music combine engaging melodies with pointed social commentary, showcasing Marley's skill in addressing serious issues through accessible music. Natty Dread successfully balances traditional reggae elements with a broader appeal, making it both authentic and widely relatable. The album's infectious energy and lyrical depth ensure its lasting impact. As a pivotal work in Marley's discography, Natty Dread continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Its blend of catchy tunes and meaningful messages solidifies its place in music history. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 5 STAND OUT TRACK - Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)

He might have cult followers but I don't appreciate his music.

Loved some of this, enjoyed just about all of it - an unexpectedly good time

I thought I didn't care much for Bob Marley & The Wailers. Who knew?

4.2 Some important and meaningful songwriting that hits a lot harder when you look into the context of why/when it was written. The music production is ok, but I like to stick to live Marley recordings when I can

Loved it. Need more Bob Marley and more reggae.

Only ever listened to the hits before. Album is great. Bob is the reggae master.

Really great album

This feels like that authentic reggae that my grandparents must have been slow dancing to in the dance hall, amazing stuff. No Woman No Cry and Revolution are standouts.

Good. But all his songs sound the same

Good, I like it

"Last week Andy set sail for the Bahamas to sell his family’s boat, and he took his brother, but not me. I was kind of sad at first, but then I remembered that Bob Marley song. "No, woman. No cry."" (Erin, The Office) 4/5

Кажется, мне нравится Боб Марли. Очень легкая музыка, чилловая, но не тянет в сон, помогает работать, поднимает настроение. Ничего плохого про него не могу сказать вот! Конечно, не возникает желания слушать Марли в свободное время, но когда получаю его альбом я знаю, что впереди будет часик в радость.

bob marley's voice is incredible loving the bass/keyboard instrumentals through the album so far Lively Up Yourself - 4/5 No Woman No Cry - 5/5 Them Belly Full - 4.5/5 Rebel Music - 3.5/5 So Jah S'eh - 4/5 Natty Dread - 4.5/5 Bend Down Low - 4.5/5 Talkin' Blues - 4/5 Revolution Am-A-Do

I love Bob Marley and this album was fantastic.

4/10, 40%

Always great a bit of a different sound than I expected!

As with a lot of protest era music, there is a lot that resonates with the world today.

No Woman No Cry Them Belly Full (But We Hungry) Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock) Natty Dread

Solid and easy to listen to.

Solid

great album fun to sing along to

hmmm

So enjoyable and better than I though musically. A LOT of today's stuff was recognizable in this 1974 gem. Samples, riffs, styles. Bob Marley rules.

Finding it tough to compare this to Exodus. Giving Exodus a four has been one of my great consternations of this experience. I like this album but it's in more of a "marvel at the musicianship" kind of way. The playing and grooves are very solid, but the song writing is maybe just less catchy and harder to latch on to at first. Even after another listen I'm going in with a 4.

nice!

Another solid album. I think I enjoyed this one more than the other of theirs that I listened to.

Good vibes, did not listen to lyrics very closely

5/10

One of the Most amazing Marley album

This is good stuff

Great groove and arrangements. Listening to this is probably where I've felt closest to understanding the wide love for Bob Marley. I can connect to some other production and arrangement touchstones from its era that I love from artists like Bob Dylan, and I can hear the effect Marley had on Eric Clapton.

Really good reggae album, which I'd not heard before. Worth listening to if you're only familiar with his greatest hits. The stand out song is No Woman, No Cry. 4/5

A powerful and soulful album that showcases Bob's unique blend of reggae rhythms and heartfelt lyrics. The tracks are infused with Marley's energy and poignant social commentary, making it a timeless classic. Its depth and artistry shine.

Bob Marley is quality although I’m not at all into reggae. Fave Track: Revolution Rating: 4

Bob Marley hefur verið í sókn á ný, örugglega út af nýju heimildarmyndinni um hann. Það er samt ekki hægt annað en að fíla þessa tónlist. Þessi plata fer aftur á fóninn það er alveg bókað ásamt öðrum plötum með Marley.

Great album. “No Woman No Cry” is a certified great song. I enjoyed the album and respond well to reggae. I’ll dig in some more on this one as a re-listen. ****

Lively Up Yourself No Woman, No Cry Them Belly Full (But We Hungry) Talkin' Blues Revolution

Solid album of iconic reggae.

I had never listened to reggae before, and so wasn’t really sure what to expect. This album was pure groove: the lyrics and Bob Marley’s voice of course added to the effect, but what struck me most was the instrumentation. The album was sonically coherent, but you get these flairs in each song that change the vibe: is it more bluesy, more rock? Very engaging, and a great introduction to a new genre!

Great album, funny hearing Bob Marley after so many other reggae artists trying to sound like the genuine article.

B+ Lively Up Yourself 3 No Woman No Cry 4 Them Belly Full (But We Hungry) 4 Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock) 4 So Jah Say 4 Natty Dread 4 Bend Down Low 3 Talkin' Blues 3 Revolution 5 This album made me think of one of Declan's seven evil ex-girlfriends, but it was really good nonetheless. Really surprised me, didn't expect to give this a 4 at all.

Belly full but we hungry. Nice mouth harpin like

I think I prefer exodus to this one, but still a phenomenal album. No woman no cry is one of very few tracks where I prefer the live to the studio version.

4.25

I always love to hear some bob marely, and No Woman No Cry is an absolutely fantastic song.

4.5

Another good offering from Marley but not as good as the others.

Bob Marley is great. Not my favorite album but still great. Had never heard this version of no woman no cry before, I don’t think I liked it as much as the one I’m used to hearing on the radio

Great representation of what Reggae is/should be. Only one really big hit, but this is strong all the way through.

I enjoyed it all the way through but I just can’t get to the 5. Unlike the other Bob Marley albums we heard this one just did not really wow me in the same way. It was pretty jarring to hear the studio version of “No Woman No Cry” as I guess I’m so used to the Legend live version. He’s still one of the GOATs but this gets a 4.

Nice easy listening. Classic.

No Woman No Cry 🥲

Surprising underdog. Good background music. Lots of hits.

Its ok.

Solid stuff, even if there's a few filler tracks

Gran disco de Bob. De los comienzos, cuando todavía no era tan rockero. Tiene unos vientos y arreglos increíbles. Arranca con temazos (acá está No Woman...) y después se pincha un poco.

First reggae album I’ve ever listened to and it was better than expected

Almost makes me want to like reggae.

Bob is always jammin. 7/10

Not my favorite Marley album. There are a few decent songs but even the hits are lesser known on this one. Even the topics are more serious and not the usual joyous tone of the big Marley hits. 7/10

I really enjoy Bob Marley. I don’t care for reggae artists less good than Bob Marley. 4/5

Bob lypsää hämmästyttävän paljon yksinkertaisimmista sointuvaihdoksista ja parin nuotin melodioista: kun biisi tuntuu junnaavan, yhtäkkiä iho nousee kananlihalle. Levy tarjoaa jotain, jota kannattaa yrittää ymmärtää. No Woman No Cry ei haittaa asiaa.

Well that was not the “No Woman No Cry” version I was expecting. But the rest was Bob Marley as expected. I wasn’t familiar with the rest of “Natty Dread,” but it felt familiar all the same.

Chill

Enjoyed the first few tracks.

Points away for "No women No cry"

Rating: 8/10 Very chill vibes, some of the ideas get a bit redundant on the second half. Favorite songs: Lively Up Yourself, No Woman No Cry, Them Belly Full, Rebel Music, So Jah S'eh, Natty Dread. Worst song: Am-A-Do.

(track 8) HE FEELS LIKE BOMBING WHAT??????????

I love the genre, and really dig most of Marley's music. I've never listened to this particular album, so it was great to hear a few that were new to me.

Aaait

Eating good ramen while listening to this, which is about as much of a high as lighting up 🔥

Iconic reggae. I dare you to not bob your head to the beat.

All about the feels. This album ends too soon. Of course not only does the sound feel good but the positivity just washes over.

Great

No Woman no cry e stört bra. Annars slog nt albumet som de borde

I won’t ever just put Marley on but anytime it comes on, I’m into it. Lively up Yourself is a tune I hadn’t ever heard and it has the standard Marley chill vibes with some fuck to it, great track. Really enjoy this version of No Woman, No Cry just sounds a bit more vocal forward. So Jah Seh was another standout, just a really strong album overall. No complaints, 4 stars

Can't think of a bad Marley album, though I haven't quite listened to them all. Strong start with "Lively Up Yourself" and the iconic "No Woman No Cry". Everything just flows effortlessly for the most part, makes for a laid-back listen.

Reggae touches my soul

Not my favorite Bob Marley but still pretty darn amazing.

If i was going to listen to a reggae album, it'd probably be this one

A lot of good songs and one of Bob Marley’s best. If I was still in my high school weed smoking days, it’d be 5 stars. Instead it’s 4.

I dare anyone to not enjoy Bob Marley on at least some level.

Hadn't come across this one before. Really enjoyed it. Particularly liked Lively Up Yourself, Them Belly Full, Talkin’ Blues and Am-A-Do

I will always be a Marley fan. Whether it be active listening or playing in the background, his music knows no boundaries. While I am more familiar with his Uprising album, the social and spiritual aspects of his music are the common thread throughout his catalog, and they are ever present on this work too. Pass the doobie from the left hand side and enjoy these positive vibrations.

...in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes...and Eric will rate all Bob Marley albums no less than 4*. Honestly not sure I've ever listened to a Marley album other than Legend, so I was really glad to see this on the list. Straight vibes. 3.75/5

Gear: DCA ÆON 2 Noire Mix: Chillig, jedoch detaileich! Musik: mag ich. sehr. Wertung: 🥦🥦🥦🥦(🥦)/5

Good stuff. Not much to say that hasn’t been said about Bob Marley. Relaxing music, powerful message. Classic.

Chillin’ with Bob Marley.

This is never going to be my favourite, but whilst it is on I had a very nice time.

<3

There's more nuance in reggae than I can hear -- political, spiritual, cultural-- but mostly what I get is the infectious groove. This site has some interesting info on Jamaican music (https://musicmap.info/#). Though seemingly simple and repetitive, you can tell how influential and evergreen it remains. It's a good album and a great way to start the day. 4.2 (This album cover freaks me out - looks AI generated.)

The Wailers weren't the same after Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer left. 'Natty Dread' then marked the sound of Bob Marley with his a bit of rock influenced stuff. It was never as important as the first two albums for the the innovation in reggae music. It's still a great album though with many tunes Bob Marley was famous for. While it lacks a bit of the magic it is still a great listen.

Reggaes always hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed this one.

not a fan del género, pero no puedo más que reconocer la importancia cultural de bob incluso fuera del reggae. respecto al album, enjoyable

Wow cuántos hits, tantos que la familia sigue remixeando y suenan aun bien

Great album to chill to

Have to admit, I hadn't listened to this entire album, or if I had it was a veeery long time ago. Anyway, it's excellent. Added bonus, Spotify started playing Jimmy Cliff after the album was done, and that's worth 5 starts on it's own

Bob Marley is so much more than a stoner.

Banger

I like Bob Marley's reggae. Listening the album I missed the bass a little. May be a problem of my headphones.

Natty Dread is another completely colorful record and solid tracklist in Marley’s catalog, as well one that is rewarding upon return listens. For me, Marley takes a big step forward in writing and arranging from Catch a Fire (another very good album in its own right). Additionally, the band successfully incorporates so many cool elements of other styles and sensibilities into their unmistakable brand of reggae. From slinky psych to haunting harmonica backdrops, there doesn’t seem to be a shade that didn’t fit this album’s pallet. I think the sonic exploration aids this album in moments where the writing might not be at its most sturdy or successfully hooky. The guitars, piano and horn charts are mostly pretty excellent across this whole album. And not to be forgotten, Marley’s voice is such an amazing and versatile weapon in its own right. Natty Dread offers some undeniable classics, a hook-laden opener and a closer that could have gone on for another 15 minutes and I would have loved every second. 8.5/10

Loved this album. Although it doesn't contain his well-known tracks (obviously 'No Woman, No Cry' is there, but it's a less well-known version) it's a lot more raw and unrefined than some of his later tracks - it almost feels like a live show.

A pioneering album for the whole genre. Whilst I don't like too much reggae in my collection, this was enjoyable for the most part.

Always a good classic

the production on this album is kind of mental

Solid album

This is another album that I enjoyed revisiting through this project. I did a Marley deep dive a couple years ago and it was great to listen to Natty Dread again. This is a great album that perhaps doesn’t quite reach the same impact of some of Bob’s later releases for me, probably because the album version of No Woman No Cry is far inferior to the well-known live version, but each track is thought-provoking and groovy. Perhaps no artist in history has been as good at raising tough social issues through song while also making you feel relaxed as hell. Reggae is such a unique music style that I for one can’t help but move to when I’m listening. My favorite tracks include Lively Up Yourself, Rebel Music, and Talkin’ Blues.

I mean, it's Bob Marley, right? The excellence is kind of built into just about everything he ever did. Deeply soulful, spiritual, and lyrically honest music that's a real pleasure to hear. Fave Songs: Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock), Them Belly Full (But We Hungry), Natty Dread, Talkin' Blues, So Jah Seh

Enjoyed the sound of the album and the vibes. On first listen all the songs sounded the same, but it's a good sound.

Very good

I like a good reggae album, and this is one. At the forefront is Marley’s unmistakable chanting style of singing, but what stands out to me is the solid group of musicians that surround him. I particularly enjoy the harmonic and rhythmic foundation that Aston “Family Man” Barrett lays down with his bass. I would definitely pull this album out to listen again when a reggae mood strikes me.

Bob Marley does it again. Political statements to a wonderful Reggae beat.

This was my first time listening to reggae overall! I've heard a few individual songs certainly but never gone to an album. I enjoyed this a lot, very "vibey" and I can somewhat hear how this genre eventually evolved into reggaeton as well.

Raggae is echt een zomer genre, met een drankie in de zon in het park, maar niet in een koude auto onderweg naar werk. No Woman No Cry is altijd goed.

No woman, no cry… no man, no one cares!

nice vibey music

Cool album. Blues infused with island grooves. This would be great coffee house music or something to have on when working about the house.

Day22 - other than no woman no cry i didn’t know what to expect from this album. it’s almost 50 years old and still sounds amazing. definitely adding to my library

Never quite rivets or takes flight like Exodus or Catch a Fire, but still good and pleasing (it's the Wailers after all) and particularly edifying in that we now know the origin of "do it with your bad self." "Lively Up Yourself" and "Talkin Blues" are highlights. The takes on familiar songs (most notably "No Woman No Cry") lag other, more canonical versions (including those on Greatest Hits and Best of collections). Rounding up before the soon-to-be-released biopic tempts to round down.

In spite of the fact that DeadHeads love his music, the music is actually really good. But for the fact that they love him, I'd be tempted to think he was a brilliant songsmith.

Een errug lekker album zeg. Begint gelijk goed met Lively up Yourself. Prima baspartijen hier en daar. Na het luisteren van dit album zou ik best een dikke op willen steken

Love the messaging, good background music.

Great groove. Easy to listen to. Bob Marley is never a bad choice.

Slightly weaker from Bob Marley on this one but there were so many solid tracks. As an overall album I felt the lyrics, signature sound and feel to the LP just made it such a solid listen.

Good reggae record

About as iconic as a reggae album gets.

Classic jams

Enjoyed this more than I thought I would.

I like bob marley.

Marley is always so easy to vibe to. My ear is not experienced enough to distinguish so well between his records, but always enjoyable to re-visit him.

Caveat here as a huge Bob fan. His stretch of nine album is frankly unmatched. One or two 3*, two slam dunk 5* and six or so other impeccable entries. This lands near the top as a high4 but still a 4

No Woman No Cry was my fav.

Smooth listening. Enjoyable. Good background music.

Despite not being my typical genre this album was very enjoyable. Fun songs with no woman no cry probably being my favourite overall. All in all pretty damn good.

Pleasantly surprised by all of the clean guitar riffs, blues style call and response licks specifically. The production sounds very clean for 1974. Though the political messages went over my head on initial listening, the vibe is one of hope and peace, at least sonically. I would certainly revisit this album, perhaps a good summer time album on the beach or on a drive with the windows down.

I've never volunteered to listen to any bob marley before this, but I think I get why people like his music.

Classic. Didn’t listen too in detail but what I heard was great

On this version of No Woman, No Cry you can hear how his vocal melodies and vocal signature are what makes him stand out versus other reggae artists. I noticed that BM didn't have writing credit on many of the songs here. Found that he actually did write all of the songs but was in a contractual dispute with Cayman Records so put the songwriting credits in friends' and family members' names as a way to help them while also avoiding the issues with the record company. Amazing that he can produce music that is so infused with lyrics about justice, freedom, religion, and political calls and at the same time so catchy. Why doesn't other reggae come close to the same appeal across the world? I think it's his vocals. Just learned lead guitar is Al Anderson, who played briefly with Aerosmith in Boston, and was invited to play on a Traffic album but never did (before playing with Bob Marley) and played on a later Peter Tosh album. Love the lead guitar noodling with the wah on may of these tracks. I like the Exodus, Survival, and Uprising albums better than ND, and the end of this one is not as good as the start IMHO so I'm leaning toward 4/5 here. This album reminds me that one of the things I like about reggae is the open space left for other instruments like the wah guitar on earlier tracks, and the horns in Revolution, to pop in and give the song life. Great album, and seemingly recognized as Bob's greatest and therefore the greatest reggae album ever, but my taste falls to some of the later albums. Charlie Hunter's jazz version of this album is also great btw.

The first half is full of hits but the rest is also not that bad! I would not have thought that I would like this so much.

Good vibes; no notes.

Can't tell if I liked this or Exodus more, either way it's great easy listening music.

First couple beats and I'm already digging it. LIVELY UP YOURSELF ~~~ another summertime chilling album. Sitting on a dock by a lake. Fav: lively up yourself, them belly full (but we hungry)

Cruisy reggae vibes delivering serious messages

Great vibes

Great album. Well mixed with good use of stereo field.

Gospel music that I can vibe with

Yeahhhh

chill album nice sound love the genre didn't listen very carefully tho, Need to listen to It more while not having anything on my head 4 stars for now

Haven’t listened to a full Reggae album before this being my first recommended for me and wow I was mind blown. Most of the songs sounded emotional and the political tropes pertain to various serious issues. I would need to listen to more Reggae before I can confidentially give this a higher score, but overall no issues and was a great listening experience.

Surprised by the guitar details. Very tasty. Lots of hits. Solid mixing

Reggae ist toll, es lebe Bob Marley

It's OK. Hard not to feel like you're waiting outside a Phuket jetski rental.

Some great stuff. No woman no cry is an all time classic.

Lively Up Yourself - i dabbled in reggae at one point in my life, this is very stereotypical reggae so far. like when people think reggae and Bob Marley, this is what they imagine. (3/5 reggae isn't completely for me. i'm more of a ska type) No Woman No Cry - no bbygrl dont cry ur ass is so fat. wow what a vibe change. love the organ. (4/5 i am starting to vibe to it though. it's very "bob your head and chill") Them Belly Full - interesting that a lot of these song titles are in a pidgin language. okay i was waiting for the activist kind of thing to come out. (4/5 a hungry mob is an angry mob) Rebel Music - alright lay it on me. okay different kind of rebel than what i expected. sus me out? 1974? (4/5 got no birth cerfiticket on me mr cop (:< ) So Jah S'eh - it's kinda sad to know that a lot of the people i've met in my life that like reggae, like the surface level "ahaha lets get high and listen to this on the beach." when the guy that made reggae popular was singing about stuff like this. (5/5 very good song) Natty Dread - good vibe song (5/5 very just chill) Bend Down Low - another "imagine reggae" song. this is a little faster than i feel a stereotypical reggae song might be, but i like the high energy. (5/5 i want to assume The Wailers are great back vocals) Talking' Blues - i'm fucking sorry what to a church cause why? (4/5 funny lyric threw me) Revolution - yeah slimy politicians (5/5 good outro too) Am-A-Do - your bad self (3/5 not the best song to end on but that's okay) so, i am only going to give this album a 4/5. i feel like a lot of the songs are pretty good and a vibe, i just don't necessarily like reggae. something tells me that there is probably a better Bob Marley & The Wailers album that better represents them.

Bob Marley is a legend for a reason. Great range and awesome transitioning on this one.

Me gustó mucho, lo escucharía en ciertas ocasiones.

I really enjoyed dis album, man. Bob Marley, him a great man, yuh know.

Knew lots of these songs, ut ot these verisons (Don;t buy bootlegs kids!). Realy interesting influences and some here and some great playing. Bob is a gateway drug for reggae, great album. my only critisicism it is doesn;t seem like an album, more a colelction of songs.

Første gang Bob Marley har klikket for mig tror jeg, den her plade var virkelig fed

I have a soft spot for this 70s roots reggae

Such chill vibes. Love the reggae instrumentation, with very simple drums, the off-beat guitar that is more percussive than melodic, and the bass and organ driving the melody in the instruments. Very unique sound when compared to most pop and rock.

I could listen to this all day every day and never get bored.

I love Bob Marley, and I love reggae. This is early in Marley's frontman career (debut?), but he had been participating in making reggae with Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh since he was a kid. This is a distinctly Bob album, and man does he differ from his teachers. The sound is so full, the messaging about his life and experiences in Jamaica are clear. The backup singers are on point. Review of Reviews: Mostly adored, reggae just isn't for everyone, i guess. Hard to pick.. Best Track: Lively Up Yourself

The second album that I ever bought was 'Legend', a Bob Marley 'best of'. Still have it, still gets a listen. Speaking of, spinning this whilst barrelling around the Sussex countryside was a pleasure. 'Lively Up Yourself is a triumph. There's a strong social and political core to this album - 'Them Belly Full', 'Rebel Music' and 'So Jah Seh' are all top songs with a message that sounds strong without ever being preachy. I guess some of Natty Dread's appeal is dependent upon whether the listener likes reggae. I like reggae, so yeah - four stars easy, pushing five.

Unexpectedly great - Not usually a fan of Bob Marley.

Classic, though the production makes the music a little less immediate and vital than it could have been.

Makes me want to discover it more

Love reggae, love Bob Marley. This is classic

Good shit

Really solid album, one with a biting message, and at the same time one that you can also just turn up and enjoy the full sound.

I enjoy this, but I definitely think it's missing some major dynamics without Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer.

Hard to give any Bob Marley less than a 4. Especially with some of the bangers on here. I remember on vacation on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica every single establishment played Bob Marley 24/7. That was definitely the way to experience it.

Awesome and so many instruments layered and hiding in the groove, just gotta listen

Soooooo good and bouncy!!

This was great. I understand the appeal of this genre. Bob did it so well.

This was pretty enjoyable. It is almost like Bob Marley is his own genre. I found myself wondering if I liked the songs/his lyrics or if I just liked listening to his voice and vibe and guitar. I also found myself wondering if I really care!

Banger !

It’s a good album. While regea is not really my cup of tea, I liked the sound of this album, the jumpy melodies and the voice of bob Marley made for an experience that made gain a deeper appreciation for the genre.

Some great songs on here, I enjoyed this one much more than Catch a Fire. I still somewhat stand by my opinion that the "Legend" compilation is all the BM one needs, but this album is deserving enough of this list.

Solid 4.5.

Essential reggae. Political as heck while also being soothing and mellow.

I fucking love funky/jazzy bass and electric guitar. It's like the one good excuse for weird ass flow and a way for non traditional western music to be actually good. Didn't skip a single second of this album. Dont know what the fuck Bobby was wailing on about(triple entendre) but I think he's got a point. Might throw this shit on when I'm feeling silly. Strange, this really isn't music but whatever honestly it's the epitome of chill like that so close enough. 8.5-9/10

Front half was better than the back half, ending section is a bit of a miss, overall a great album. Provided a comfortable / soothing listening experience. Better than I expected, 8.2/10

4 stars

Uplifting positivity is one of the best traits of this album. No Woman, No Cry is the clear single that everyone knows but it was far from a standout track here, being outshone, at least for me, by Talking Blues.

Enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Well made album, feels much more relaxed than maybe some more modern reggae.

Classic reggae, can’t go wrong 4/5 Favourite Song: Revolution

"my feet is my only carriage and so, I've got to push on through" Easy listening and with some classic Bob Marley tunes I am going to be hearing upstrokes in my sleep thanks to this

Not the biggest fan of reggae but this is a great album

Cool reggae

My knowledge of reggae is very limited but I never quite clicked with the genre. A lot of it sounds the same to me, though I'm sure I'm missing things. Bob Marley is the one exception for me where the music really stands out among the rest. His music seems to me to be more dynamic and less predictable than his contemporaries and it does make me want to explore the genre further to try to see what I've been missing.

fun listen, not huge into reggae but enjoyable overall

El mejor hasta la fecha. Algún tema mítico y otros que bastante bien

Some of the songs were simple, other songs I really enjoyed. Especially "Lively Up Yourself" and "Revolution".

Haven’t listened to many of Bob’s works but I’d say this is a really good place to start for an intro.

Enjoyable album to listen to.

Fun sound. Words probably need another couple listens

classic

Loved this. Another case of an artist where we are so focused on the hits that we tend to forget the albums.

I love this album! 4 stars, I listened to this many years ago and loved it!

Although I heard some reggaes before, I'd never heard Bob Marley. Upon hearing it, it's clear the influence in some modern music that come from it, and it come off as a very original work that cemented a genre. There are some songs that don't stand out so much, but it's overall a great album, with the lyrics expressing very strong ideals about freedom and revolution. "Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)", "Talking Blues" and "Revolution" were my favorite songs.

Some good new songs, not totally my vibe for listening to Bob.

I really enjoyed the album. I've been wanting to get into reggae for the past few months now so I'm glad that this was my listen for today, I thought this was a strong introduction to this type of music. No Woman No Cry is a classic for good reason but so many of these songs were catchy and fun to listen to. Great pick for today.

Good tunes.

Classic vibes