Exodus

So I’ve always found reggae kind of boring, not all that interesting, but… wow I was wrong. I get why all my friends were super into this. Songs like So Much Things To Say and The Heathen are so interesting and have a lot going on. The guitars are basically kind of part of the percussion. The group vocals sound heavenly, spiritual. Inspired, pointed lyrics, loved the messaging. Just a really brilliant album that I can’t believe I didn’t get to earlier

It is easy to pluck out all the hits, but this album as intended, as a whole, is a mood masterpiece. When I listen in its entirety, I am on a spiritual journey with Marley, and all the many sojourners who have left a world of oppression and trekked towards freedom. Exodus is a mesmerizing record that saves us with positivity and hopeful imagery. Whether hiking in the snow, dancing on the beach, or walking through the desert searching for home, Exodus uplifts, relaxes, and affirms. No problem, mon.

Oh Bobby, Bobby, Bobby boy!!! This makes my dick so hard that I could probably impregnate you through this screen. The Wailers are named after your mum.

I feel like I get a contact high just from listening to this album.

“Exodus” by Bob Marley and the Wailers (1977) I’ve never heard this album, and I’m only marginally familiar with Bob Marley’s more popular work. Musically, the song and sound on this album are very good. Instrumentals are well arranged and well recorded. The basic groove is somewhat repetitive, but very magnetic. Lead vocals by Marley are well executed, but lacking variety. Good, tight backing vocals. No distracting flaws. The music is a suitable vehicle for the message of each of these songs, which is the main point of this album. Bass and drums predominate, characterized by heavy runs and clean fills. with rhythm guitar steadily emphasizing the backbeat. Classic reggae. Good lead guitar arranging and execution, with heavy use of wah and phase shift. Horns and piano performed with precision and subtlety. Now, to the message. From the beginning (“Natural Mystic”—and please note that it’s not “Supernatural Mystic”!), the lyrics draw us into the metaphysical realm, evoking images from the Apocalypse of St. John and Gnostic mysticism. Moving on to a reflection (in “So Much Things to Say”) on the examples of Jesus Christ, Marcus Garvey, and Paul Bogle, Marley explicitly challenges hearers to take the message of these heroes to heart. The appeal utilizes a carefully selected series of biblical themes, focusing on one facet of the Black Liberation Theology movement—revolution. The title track, “Exodus” coveys the main theme of Black Liberation Theology, which is a cry for deliverance from the oppression of the dominant (White, colonialist, capitalist) culture. It is a lyrical theme that is in tune with the political/economic philosophy of Jamaican-born economist Donald J. Harris (father of Kamala Harris, who was 13 years old when this album was released. I can’t imagine she wasn’t influenced by it). This movement of deliverance emphasizes the revolutionary stance on the part ‘the people’, meaning those in the oppressed class. They are described in the lyrics as “Jah people”, meaning people of Yahweh (or the LORD as most English translations render it in the Bible). Like most popular expressions of liberation theology, its Marxist roots are disguised. And what is lacking in this overtly political lyric is an honest acknowledgement that Black Liberation Theology is quite distinct from and even opposed to the historical meaning of the symbolism it appropriates. This lack of candor, whether intentional (deceptive) or unintentional (naive), is a serious artistic flaw, robbing the lyric of much of its power. In “Guiltiness”, Marley declaims to the oppressed the guilt of the oppressor. The poetry is eloquent enough, but lacking nuance. The oppressors are spoken of in the third person (“they”) rather than the second person (“you”), a departure from the prophetic mode. Again, Marley misses an opportunity to create a strong and profound poetic vision. If “Jammin’” were simply a jam, it would be fun. But it turns into inflammatory discourse, inciting revolutionary compulsion. “Waiting in Vain” and “Turn Your Lights Down Low” are a welcome relief from the disordered politics of this album, expressing the patient endurance of a lover who’s willing to wait for fulfillment, if only he can be assured of ultimate success. It’s beautiful (and not entirely unconnected with the politics of the first six tracks). “Three Little Birds” is a paean to optimism. Nice. With “One/People Get Ready”, we’re back to politics, bringing together the revolutionary themes of tracks 1-6 with the romantic themes of tracks 7-9, making for an extraordinarily well crafted album as a whole. A lot of artistic excellence here. This album is formally evangelical, assembled in a sermonic fashion. It proclaims a putatively saving faith that is rooted in the western theological tradition. But it is marred by its errant selectivity. In sum, Bob Marley’s album “Exodus” is a beautiful vehicle that is unfortunately headed in the wrong direction—back to Egypt (Numbers 14:4). And that is a poverty. 3/5

Honestly, this listener is not into reggae. "Natural Mystic" however, was a great reset of one's skepticism and built great anticipation for the remainder of this album. Feel good lyrics, religiously inspired, and unapologetically non-aggressive in message and tone will always serve as a brilliant contrast to the reality of humanity. However, that is where this album cheerfully stops while retaining some profundity, and that is at conflict. Love, peace, acceptance are often things that are the result of conflict that resolves through argument, and sometimes even fighting. This album represents the gentle and kind side of fighting, which is letting love and peace be the motivators for a unified struggle instead of through disagreement and animosity. Musically, reggae had always seemed like a very set in its ways approach to arrangement/composition, but where Bob Marley managed to elevate the genre is by using those familiar rhythms to be innovative and different without the stigma of 'not' being reggae. It is hard to explain, but there is reggae and then there is reggae, and Marley's is the latter. Perhaps this is where his talent remains unrivaled and his legacy intact.

Really happy to have the opportunity to listen to a full record. Because Bob Marley has existed mostly as a "playlist" or "greatest hits" guy. Turns out, all of his songs are enjoyable and on this cool fall morning, I appreciate the black vibes. We often reach for Bob Marley when driving to a summer vacation/beach spot. Will definitely reach for this one next time that happens. Come for the rhythm, stay for that wondering piccolo snare and the surprisingly great noodley lead guitar.

I an not a fan of Reggae I just am not. This however is so SO good. It features iconic rhythms and tunes and really puts you in a fantastic headspace. Excellent album.

Timeless. Touching. Needed in 2021. I never knew all his greatest hits were on this one album. Production is great, his band is legendary, and this album will be listened to for decades to come.

I absolutely loved it! These are songs that I’ve heard forever on the radio and in passing. And because Marley is such a staple in society it can be easy to dismiss Exodus as being an album you’re already familiar with, but to do so would be a huge mistake. There’s a heart and a beauty to this album. This is human music for the soul!

The ultimate Bob Marley album. Ok, I might have said that about more than one of his albums. He's pretty good you know! Standouts: Exodus, Waiting in Vain, Three Little Birds, Jammin', One Love, People Get Ready. Three Little Birds has been "my song" for as long as I can remember. I play it whenever I am feeling in a pinch. I always remember what Bob says, "Don't Worry - bout a thing - Every little thing will be alright". And it always is. 4.5/5

Exodus, Three Little Birds, and One Love are iconic tracks that sort of define the genre for people who have no knowledge of reggae. I don’t have much experience with reggae but I instantly recognized those tracks from appearances in other media. I really enjoyed the vibe, I hate the stereotypical perception of reggae as weed music, it has something to say.

This is possibly the greatest reggae album of all time. Natural Mystic’s opening bars transport you away and the rest is just magical from then on.

Yeah. This speaks for itself. Yep. Fucking Bob Marley man. The feeling that Exodus injects into your veins is absolutely irreplaceable. The wailers live and breathe reggae, truly professionals in this art. There is no need to try to explain to someone why reggae is addicting when you can just play them some Bob. If you aren't high enough just hearing these songs, please get stoned and listen again. You will understand this album in the way it is meant to be felt. Insane that with how amazing this album is, there are others of his in contention for the best. Personal Favorites: Natural Mystic, Guiltiness, Jamming, Waiting in Vain, Three Little Birds, One Love / People Get Ready - Jamming, Waiting in Vain, Three Little Birds, and One Love are 4 of my all-time favorite songs EVER

The reggae album. The Bob Marley album. It's short at less than 40 minutes, and contains his biggest hits that most people can recognize, of any generation. If you want to introduce someone to reggae, I'd argue this as a better introduction than his compilation, since this record can get the whole message across as a collective piece. Accessible and consistent, it's bright and relaxing, suitable for casual and active listening. The production is incredible, with audience members able to pick out each instrument fulfilling their roles. "Natural Instinct" shows what reggae is about, with the bass and drums leading with a loud constant beat maintaining a repetitive groove that drives the music. The lead guitar and horns in the background interject but are much quieter in comparison, yet just as clear. They don't compete with each other, and since the bass and drums are constant, they don't compete with them either, so you can follow the horns and guitar as if they're in charge, constituting the personality of the song. Having these contrasts in volume and the filters (like the echo effect) add a third dimension to the music, something very rare for its time that isn't prog. With "So Much Things to Say", the audience moves its attention to Marley's vocal performance, lyrics, and the back vocals. Now that the foundation of the music is established, we carry on with a catchy pop song with a traditional chorus and verse structure, highlighting Marley's passion and vocal capabilities, and thus making abundantly clear the political discourse. This smoothly transitions to the darker "Guiltiness" which stresses horns, synths, and dramatic vocal styles to add a mystic atmosphere and sense of urgency. "The Heathen" continues this theme with strong guitar riffs and synths that storm the background. With the simple and repetitive lyrics and beat, the emphasis is more on the environment it creates. This cultivates to the intensity of the epic "Exodus", which goes on for 8 minutes. It's fast and busy with a serious vibe that invites the audience to chant along. The story is told in the first few minutes before the rest of the song goes off in all sorts of interesting strong directions. Great ending, I'm always a fan of that delay effect. The second half contains all his greatest hits. It's simple, relaxing, bright, and optimistic with lush instrumentation and Marley's enthusiastic vocals, again with many moments to invite audience members to sing and groove along. Only song I don't like is "Turn Your Lights Down Low" cause it sounds like generic adult contemporary pop, too slow and boring. But the rest consist of great simple feel-good pop songs of Marley at his greatest. I don't feel to go into detail because they're just that simple and well-known. I can't really complain.

Looking at the track list, I’m very familiar with a fair few songs on this album, and I love each one of them. I don’t think I’ve listened to the album in full before, so it says a lot that I’ve come across so many of the songs organically. I’m really excited to listen to this today. I love Bob. Songs I already knew: Exodus, Jamming, Waiting In Vain, Turn Your Lights Down Low, Three Little Birds, One Love Favourites: Jamming, Turn Your Lights Down Low, Three Little Birds, One Love There is honestly so much on this album I love that it’s hard to know what to say. The overall laid back vibe of it all, the positivity and themes of love, the subdued yet fantastic bass lines, it has it all. Although there were songs that I didn’t recognise, I found that they were all in par with the ones I did know. The only critique I can really say is that if reggae just doesn’t click with you then you probably won’t enjoy this, but I personally found this to be pretty much perfect.

Awesome! The second half of the album is like a greatest hits compilation

Fantastic album and so fitting to get on 4/20!

Great album with some really incredible songs on it.

A classic! 5/5. Great music to dance to, feels like you’re in the carribesn on a warm beach with a drink hanging out with friends. Love bob marley

Obvious five. When the deeper cuts are better than some monumentally famous songs, you know the album is good

just an excellent album. some great hits and some songs i didn’t know about, and everything was amazing.

Brilliant, beautiful album. Spiritual without being preachy. Wonderful performances and production.

Bob Marley is amazing. Some of his best songs are on this album. Each song is an a great listen. Shortly after his assassination attempt, he goes to London and records this album. A mixture of politics and love.

I was expecting this album to be one where I would be looking for more variety, like "ugh, not another reggae beat! Change it up!" I was pleasantly surprised how much variety the album had and I liked it much more than I expected I would. What a great ending - Three Little Birds and One Love/People Get Ready were both fantastic. I think I'm going to listen to Three Little Birds every morning to get in a good mood for the work day ("Don't worry...about a thing...cause every little thing...is gonna be alright"). It's interesting to note how positive and hopeful the last few tracks are considering how dark and political many of the earlier tracks are (like "Guiltiness" and "The Heathen." "So Much Things to Say" also has dark lyrics, but the music is so upbeat...guess that's reggae for you). Very clear why this album is on the list. I'm going to call it a 4.5 rounded up to a 5.

I mean, can this get anything short of 5 stars? Marley is transcendent, and this album is no exception. This album gets 5 stars off of Jamming alone, and that's before you get to 3 Little Birds. I listened to it straight through and then just listened to Marley all day.

Definitely some 5/5 songs on here, and I do want to return to this. Nice and mellow Saturday listening. 🤙

I don't like reggae. It currently sits as my lowest rated genre here. This was my most positive experience with the genre. I'm not nuts about it, but it was pretty enjoyable. I'd give it a 3.5, bumping to a 4 because it's pretty obvious even to a non-fan like me that this is a very well made album that is important to reggae.

Though I am more of a fan of his earlier work, especially his recordings with Lee Perry, Marley's music is consistently good throughout his entire career. The production on this album has some real nice touches and flourishes throughout that separate it from more standard reggae recorded in Jamaica at the time. Such a clean sound. Some real classics here. Bob Marley always feels so deeply genuine and authentic no matter the subject matter. So committed to every song. Can't even imagine how captivating and electric it must have been to see him perform live.

Exodus was recorded at a time when Bob Marley was learning about the unexpected costs of international stardom, but it hadn't yet sapped his creative strengths, and this is one of the finest albums in his stellar catalog.

This is one of those records that’s just burned into American subconscious for anyone in my generation, these are lullabies. Legends from an,,ancient time”. Two Little Birds >>> just about everything

Beautiful, classic, perfect Sunday afternoon cozy music. Also, I once heard someone misquote Exodus as "Taxibus! / Movement of the people!"

I know I haven’t commented on an album in quite a while. A family thing is going on and I am having a lot of emotions. I was very worried and jumping to the worst conclusions. Once I listened to this album, all of that washes away. I’ve learned a lot from bob marleys music and this album, like live in the moment, love conquers all and of course be positive in attitude and outlook.

One of the best reggae albums from, probably, the best reggae artist there ever was. I’ve never met a single person who didn’t enjoy Bob Marley. I don’t really think it’s possible to hate the music. The lyrics are insanely profound and the instrumentation is fantastic. Every song on this album slaps. They don’t all slap the same, but they slap. 5/5

Este disco es un clásico de la música, es imposible que nunca hayas escuchado alguna de las canciones de bob marley dentro de este proyecto. La realidad es que se toman las bases del reggae típico y se pasa a esta especie de reggae universal y más simple en los ritmos que se cantan, todo es más melódico y las letras abusan de la repetición por lo general para bien. No lo hacen por falta de contenido, sino por la necesidad de expresión de mensaje. La protesta social está, el ritmo fiel está, las letras están, las voces solo hacen que te den ganas de mover al cabeza 28945 veces y las vibras son hermosas durante todo el proyecto. Es el magnum opus de marley, no hay dudas, todos los temas suenan más que bien y los hits te hacen saltar de la silla. Turn Your Lights Down es el único tema que baja un poco el ritmo y la consistencia de este discazo, pero tapoco sale mucho del aura de lo que venía siendo, por eso le poongo un 9/10 a esta obra maestra.

Bob Marley was nothing short of a beautiful human being, with a beautiful soul. Even beyond the music, his impact on the world through his actions and words made him one of the brightest figures of peace and love, which is what he always spoke for. He was a positive force of nature. And especially with this album, those feelings are portrayed perfectly. This album wraps itself around you like a warm hug. It really is the most essential reggae album. If you were going to pick one to be the only reggae album you ever listen to, it should be this. Such a soothing, pleasant, and relaxing listening experience. It's easy to just get lost in the music the band is playing. I would say personally I enjoy the B-side more, as I think it is more consistent and has the best songs. It has the three big hits on it, which are all absolutely amazing tracks, that on their own portray every good quality of the music on this record. Rating: 7/10

I quite enjoyed this, amazingly, a bit more varied and interesting (darker?) than the standard reggae cliches. Good background music for a late night data analysis, even listened to it three times. You're alright, Bob

Highlights: Natural Mystic, Guiltiness, Waiting In Vain, Turn Your Lights Down Low. My initial interpretation of reggae was “protest songs with backing singers, groovy bass and subtle percussion”. Today I learned that it is, and also more than that. Albums like “Exodus” weave themes of celebrating progress, unity, love, socio-political commentary, understanding one’s existence, repatriation, optimism, “downpression” (a variant of oppression) and Rastafari life. Seamless transition between songs on Spotify. Overall: 7/10 Reviewed on 1001 Album Club: 4+ Not reviewed on 1001 Album Complaints (yet)

I'm not a huge fan of Bob Marley but I will willingly admit that he played a crucial role in putting reggae at the forefront of popular music. It's well done and all, it just does nothing for me.

The album that broke Marley to the masses. While I prefer the earlier, skankier shit it's an undeniable classic.

I'm not a huge Bob Marley fan. I'll happily give his records a spin occasionally, but my humble opinion is that he is far from the greatest reggae artist. He was the most accessible and commercially successful, which is a very different thing. This one is one of the better albums in his discography, and I don't mind the bluesy/rockish elements. But it's fairly lightweight compared to a million other 1976-78 reggae albums, including solo records by his former Wailers (who I think had been replaced with session musicians on this record?). I don't know how many of these are on the 1001 list, but I would definitely rather recommend albums from the same period by Yabby You, Augustus Pablo, Bunny Wailer, Max Romeo, Junior Murvin, and others. When you consider that a masterpiece like The Congos - Heart of the Congos was released in the same year, it basically blows Marley out of the water, in my humble opinion. Another example of an album that made the 1001 for being famous/successful rather than being on par with countless superior albums that didn't make the cut. 2.5 for this.

I am not high enough for this. I used to listen to this a lot as teenager...but somehow gets boring after a few songs. I still think that Bob Marley was an iconic artist and a legend...despite the fact that I no longer enjoy this music...

How does Bob Marley like his donuts? With jam in. That's the best thing I know about reggae. I can't stand this genre. I'm sure someone finds this album important, slow dirges over the same rhythm, but I don't want to meet them. Let's face it they're either 13 year old vicar's kid or some twat on a gap year. Best Tracks: Jamming; Three Little Birds; One Love/People Get Ready

Oh dear. I lasted 3 songs.

GOD

The fade-in on Natural Mystic is one of my very favorite album beginnings. Amazing band in top form playing some classics and near classics. Side one is in the streets and side two is between the sheets.

9/10

How does Bob Marley like his donuts… From the first fade in it provokes an emotion that’s hard to describe, musically and when you listen deeper into the lyrics. It just feels timeless. you could only pin turn your lights down low as an 70s/80s song. Truth is probably 4.5 stars, there’s a couple of slight filler tracks, but very happy to round up!

This started as a two then became a 3 then after another listen a 4 and finally I’m going with a 5. Fuck it.

Bob is a legend and his music is timeless

One song after another on the album is fantastic. First time I listened to this album in its entirety and I couldn’t have enjoyed it more. Beautiful, thought provoking, and filled with blissful memories (2013 Red Sox).

Classic after classic 5/5

A feel good, timeless album. One of the greats in my book.

THE BEST Bob Marley album, especially title track onwards 5/5

Classic.

Some of his best like Three Little Birds

Det ultimative reggae album ever

It was a good album, liked the songs on it.

This isn't an album, it's a party.

Really one of the all time great albums

I definitely can't claim to be an expert on reggae but 'Exodus' is a fantastic album. Written against the backdrop of political turmoil, an assassination attempt on Marley, and his departure from his native Jamaica for London, there's loads to focus on here. This is very likely the most famous reggae album internationally. Purists may say that it's not a true reggae album and that it incorporates elements of other styles. Maybe Bob Marley was ready to branch out, or maybe the sounds of London seeped into his music. Very likely, the album's popularity comes from these influences. But most people would agree that the album works. From start to finish, it is still the best reggae album out there for legions of fans.

Awesome stuff

A great album froma great man

Great album, so much better than just a collection of big familiar singles

Yes! I was waiting for dinner Bob Marley on this list.

A true 5!

Absolutely love Bob. And this is some of his best writing. Absolutely deserves to be on this list.

Just totally listenable, both engaging and comforting. “Waiting in Vain” is an all-time love song, with a near- perfect blend of beauty and longing (plus the required touch of sadness). “Jamming” is (obviousness alert) completely infectious while avoiding insubstantiality. “Exodus” is as serious (even grave) as “Turn Your Lights Down Low” is chill and sexy. One's 19-year-old reggae-listening self might have overrated the genre’s ability to drive social change, but probably underrated its staying power as pure music (at least when executed at the highest level, which this surely represents). In other words, the record continues to work on multiple levels including the most cliched (that it's smile-making – a quality that’s easy to underrate but shouldn’t be). 4.6

Best album yet.

I’d never actually heard this in full before so am very glad I checked it out. I’ve enjoyed Bob Marley albums before but this was the first one where every single track really clicked with me. Just a fantastic collection of songs front to back

5- Stars (13/15)

Lovely album to start this with.

Absolute reggae perfection. Such a chill record. Three Little Birds is my favorite Bob Marley song. Always puts me in a good mood. Favourite songs: Three Little Birds, One Love/People Get Ready, Jamming, Natural Mystic, So Much Things to Say, The Heathen, Exodus, Guiltiness, Least favourite songs: Turn Your Lights Down Low 5/5

Exodus, Bob Marley & the Wailers' ninth album, is regarded as their best work. It is arguably the most influential reggae album of all time, and sits near the top of many "best albums of all time" lists. The group had had already found international fame - but Exodus made Marley and the Wailers into superstars. Marley had a mythical status in Jamaica, and after an assassination attempt, Marley left Jamaica for more than a year. Exodus was inspired, in part, by Marley's exile from his home. The songs on this album have become some of the most famous reggae tracks of all - "Exodus," "One Love," and "Three Little Birds." For many, Marley's anthems are what people know of as reggae; Marley defined the genre, and this album is a central element of it.

Great album. Should listen to Bob more often!

It would be easy to focus on the hits but the album as a whole is outstanding. No filler or duds, it shows why Bob Marley is such a legend.

What a poignant album to get on Wednesday with the US staring down another trump presidency. Many more will have to suffer. Don’t ask me why. The one Marley album that will not remind me not to worry and be happy. Despite the depression and this kinda adding to the melancholy of the day, this is an astounding album. Adds so much interest to a genre I normally find a bit one tone.

Strangely, the lesser known tracks stand up really well against the more well-known tracks. A fantastic album. It's nice to finally get another genre-defining album after the recent dross I'd been served up.

Exodus was one of the first records I truly loved. My dad had this CD in his truck, and I immediately enjoyed a lot of the songs. The tracks that I didn’t enjoy as much have grown on me over the years. I think part of the reason for favoring some tracks to others was my lack of understanding of the meaning behind some of the deeper more political tracks.

Horny

There’s a reason this album has billions of streams. It’s timeless. So many great songs about life and love and journeys. Bob was one of a kind.

Classic

My second Bob Marley album in this list, and just as good. As memorable and influential Three Little Birds and One Love are, I think the beginning of the album is even stronger. It's darker and bluesier in So Much Things To Say and Guiltiness through Exodus. Maybe a little more consistent than Natty Dread (Rebel Music is still the best of both though).

I am very familiar with this album, it was a big part of my soundtrack during my time at college. Wonderful record.

One of the best

Fuck yea Bob! Natural Mystic Exodus Jamming Waiting In Vain Three Little Birds!!!!!! One Love!!!!!!!!!! The combo of those two bangers is insane together

Perfect for a Monday morning commute

I don't think there's ever a bad time to listen to this one.

Great album. Oddly, I don't like the first and last tracks but everything in between is sublime. It isn't perfect but I'm going to give it 5 stars for what it is able to accomplish in terms of renovating my whole mood today. Thanks Bob and company.

One of the best albums of all time

Amazing. First song hooked me. This album has emotional highs and lows, and each are fulfilling and resonating in their own way. Love this project front to back. I’m thankful to listen to it, and will definitely go back to it in times of love, grief, and just life being experienced for all it entails.

Consistently solid album. Bob Marley holds a special place in my heart, and both instrumentally and lyrically this album is transcendent.

I must be getting old, never had the patience for this in my younger days. But today it made me feel all right.

Beautiful beautiful album. These songs are so familiar but this must have been a revelation to people who heard it for the first time.

An absolute vibe.

Awesome album! Such a vibethat few other albums can achieve. 'Natural Mystic' takes my fave slot.

Delightful.

Never disappoints.

Well, I feel like I can official say that I have now been doing this project for an entire year. I started on October 5th, 2023. It is now (as of when I'm writing this) about 8:00 PM on October 4, 2024. Every day on the calendar can be associated with me listening to an album from this list. I can hardly believe. Fortunately, I get to celebrate this occasion with an amazing album. This is just a phenomenal album right here. Bob Marley is a legend of music. If anyone gets to be called "the Reggae Guy," it's him. I already listened to Natty Dread and liked it quite a bit. However, there's something about Exodus that just makes it a special listen in comparison. Perhaps this album feels more varied, because it does. While the songs do generally have the same feel to them, it's more so in a "this is just what the artist sounds like" kind of way and not a "these all feel like the same song" kind of way. The writing is perhaps the biggest source of variety in this album. Some songs really hone in on the feel-good aspect of reggae. Songs like "Jamming" and the absolutely iconic "Three Little Birds" just make me happy. The whole album does bring great vibes. However, some of the songs on the first half in particular really have a lot of depth to the writing. I mean, the opener "Natural Mystic" has the line, "Many more will have to suffer / Many more will have to die." What? I did not expect that from this album, but it adds some depth to the music that is not a bad thing in the slightest. The sound is great too. The reggae style has practically been perfected in this album. Again, there's a similar feel to the songs, but each song has its little quirks and features that make them stand out from one another. I really have no complaints with this album. It's perfectly paced, it's got a great blend of emotions, and the sound is amazing. This is an essential listen to anyone who is even remotely interested in reggae. I'd even recommend this to people who aren't that interested in reggae just so they can hear how amazing it can be at its peak. Light 5/5.

I absolutely love this album. Always makes me feel good and do my "chair dance"