Exodus

Even though I don't listen to reggae muc, there is no denying that this is a flawless album. Great songwriting, incredibly lush arrangement and production, making every single track a memorable hit.

Don’t know that I ever need to hear a whole album of reggae, but it’s nice enough to hear in short bursts (The Story of Trojan Records is a great 5-disc set to shuffle through on a sunny day). This was all okay, ‘Waiting in Vain’ was the only track I didn’t know that really wowed me - beautiful guitar playing on this song!

Très chouette, des classiques et une bonne ambiance tout le long de l'album

Sunny chill classic reggae, to cook hotdogs somewhere at seaside veroiatno igraet v surfe

Can’t fault it.

What a great day for this

The Wailers’ “Abbey Road.” Or their “The Stranger.” Whether it is truly their best, it is deservedly their most popular, vastly so. It has their most iconic songs on it, “Jamming,” “One Love,” and “Three Little Birds” to name a few, and it overall is a really pretty album. I greatly enjoy it. It also spans across the two topics that Bob Marley sang best about: love and systemic injustice. Most of his albums, this included, eventually reach a sort of middle point between the two, with this one culminating in the complete merge of the two, in “One Love/People Get Ready,” one of the most beautiful songs ever and one of the best reggae songs of the 1970s. I confess, I will always remain partial to The Wailers’ swan song, Uprising, over this outing, because of my personal attachment to it, and my preference for a number of songs it features over any other Wailers release; that being said this is obviously more important, arguably the most important reggae album ever made, and for that it deserves perhaps more dues than Uprising. 9.1/10 DOES IT BELONG ON THE LIST: YES REASON: to some, the statement piece for not only one of the most important bands ever, but one of the most important genres ever.

Bob Marley is an important artist, I just don’t know if I would return to this particular album much. I do love the classic reggae found on “The Harder They Come” (soundtrack), especially as it showcases such diversity of sound. And if you want some pop fusion, with some wit and 80's nostalgia thrown in, try Pato Banton’s “Never Give In.” Thank you, and sorry.

Class

Natural mystic is a great opener song for an album. The way the beginning instrumental builds up and up really makes you excited for the album. It also sets the spiritual tone for the album. It starts with that to go into a sequence of events that are most likely biblical or representing some type of spiritual journey until the exodus. Exodus is fantastic movement and also where the album switches from a journey to what comes after. Celebration, love, and peace. Jamming comes in saying “we are free, let’s dance.” Waiting in vain and turn your lights down low for some good old fashioned yearning and loving. And then ending with two songs that we could show the aliens if they come to earth. Three little birds and one love being what it’s really all about with life. I was really excited that this album was generated today, as I grew up listening to a lot of Bob Marley. I already knew and loved many songs but got to listen to some fresh ones I hadn’t known before. Top hitters being natural mystic and waiting in vain. Incredible.

I know it's a cliche but it's a record you very clearly need to be smoking pot to enjoy fully. Weed gives me a headache so this record came across more like your standard Hits + Filler LP. Not a terrible experience but I won't return to it.

I enjoy reggae to an extent but it's usually too lethargic for me, and this wasn't an exception. Also, I think people are so focused on like "HEY MAN WEEEEEEED" that they don't realize how jesus-y this album is, which is also not my thing. Anyways, I was familiar with "Three Little Birds" obviously and also "Jammin" and "One Love/People Get Ready" going in, but "Natural Mystic" was enjoyable as well.

Class on grass

To be perfectly honest, I knew from the first song that this was going to be a 5 star review. Also, continuing with the theme of honesty, I have never actively sought out listening to Bob Marley, which in retrospect I find scandalous, because this as a project is just so good. It really is an album of two parts: the more technically advanced, spiritual, rebellious, reggae driven side A; and the more accessible side B, which taps into universal ideals like love, humanity and faith, whilst exploring the poppier side of ska. I personally enjoyed the front side more; there's more to unpack and engage with in a political and musical sense. The reggae melodies are simplistic in their own right, but when combined with Marley's glorious optimism and gorgeous harmonic interplay, the album becomes quite the masterpiece. It's complete in that there is not a single bad song. Further, it's not discussed enough how this album is probably tantamount to the success of the Ska revival wave in the UK a couple years on. The greatest part is you don't even need to be stoned to feel the calm, positive, relaxing engagement of this album. It's just that good.

A handful of my favourite tunes are on this album.

Awesome album …love

Like a blind squirrel, Bob Marley wanders around this inane collection of soundalike nursery rhymes until he stumbles across the acorn called "Jamming", the only half-decent song here.

I've listened to a few Bob Marley albums in my time and mixed is always my outcome. I think here are always a few great songs and then a lot of songs that just blend together, and not in the good way. But this, this is really strong. A great collection of hits we've all heard a billion times like One Love and Three Little Birds, held together by a collection of gentle casual reggae tracks that are with you for such a short time they remain charming. A short 37 minutes, this is an insanely easy listen. In the same lens I had Coldplay under, I've heard so many of these songs growing up and so many will say the same and yet it ages wonderfully. I'm glad to see this has one of the higher scores of the albums I've heard, it's a real testament to how easy it is to just throw on and vibe through. Best song(s): Exodus, One Love Worst Song(s): N/A Rank compared to everything else so far: 47/86 (above Play, below If I should Fall from Grace with God)

I don’t like reggae

Wow, listening to this elicited some strong nostalgic memories. Mostly happy, a few sad. Definitely a calming, rhythmic vibe. A great collection.

So good! Enjoyable music, crisp engineering, and the layout of the album from political to joyful. It all works!

Love, especially new discoveries: - Natural Mystic - So Much Things To Say - Turn Your Lights Down Low And the classics, like Waiting In Vain, Jamming, etc

I've always enjoyed Bob Marley in small doses, but reggae is one of those genres I really have to be in the mood for, so I wasn't sure how I'd feel about an entire album. The first half was a bit of a struggle, with several songs settling into repetitive grooves that didn't do much to hold my interest. Fortunately, the second half is considerably stronger, with familiar favorites like Jamming, Three Little Birds, and One Love. There's plenty to enjoy here, but ultimately I think Marley's music works better for me mixed into a playlist than listened to as a full album.

Have I listened to this album before No How familiar am I with this album Sort of familiar, I know a few songs How do I feel about this artist? It's not my usual genre but I enjoy Bob Marley Pre-Listen Thoughts: I already know a few songs on here, I think this will be a nice chill listen Favorite track(s): Three Little Birds, Jamming Post-Listen Thoughts: Reggae is not really my thing, but that does not mean I can't enjoy it and recognize when it's good, and this is a good album.

6/10

Kind of impossible to dislike Bob Marley’s music. It just grooves and jams and is completely unpretentious in any way

jam

Not the type of music i usually listen to wouldn't put it on but not bad at all

I mean you just want to move your hips. Some ones that are universally loved like ‘three little birds’ and ‘one love’ but I really liked the punky reggae party too

Very groovy, felt very good listening to this. Still feel like there's much better Bob Marley songs outside of this album. 4.5

I can't lie, this album was pretty awesome. A smooth and genuine representation of reggae and the associated themes of empowerment, unity and love put together masterfully. It has a very human made feel, nothing synthetic or digital, and for that reason I think that it deserves it's perfect rating. I think that a 5/5 is exactly what this calls for. Something that you point to and say, hey, you should definitely listen to this before you die, because as a representative of reggae, it's up there. Some of the most iconic songs land on here as well...Jamming, Three Little Birds, One Love...yeah it's deserving of it's praise. It's somewhere around a 9.5 / 10

Not more Bob Marley. Reggae is just so boring and repetetive that it drives me up the wall. Oh well I'll give it a try. Ugh it's so annoying that I know almost every song on this album even though it was against my will every time I've heard those songs.

4/5

não faz tanto meu estilo, mas é um clássico.

Good stuff. Maybe his most consistent album? It all gels, even though the big hits are so much more famous than the other tracks. Most underrated track: The Heathen.

sounds like what you think a trip feels like very similar sound throughout, happy and distant - simple concepts :/

good intro. base is insane. 21_10_2026 22_27_argentina Natural Mystic 5/10 nice sound but kinda boring. like the vocals. So much things to say 7.5/10. Liked this one better. Love the phrasing, and the backing vocals. synth is funny. Guiltiness 6/10 it´s like natural mystic. backing vocals add up tho. nice ending. The Heathen. 5.5/10. Funny. Like the guitars. Exodus. Ok this is the shi i thinkkkkk. SEVEN MINUTES THIS IS DEFINITELY THE GOOOODD SHI. EXEDAS. 7.5/10. starts slow but builds up very nice. Ended up dancing. wtf daft punk came in. jamming 8/10 I think this sounds like the bob marley we all know. it´s got charm. more groovy than exodus. waiting in vain. 10/10 Love the title. definitely a love song. Nice mood. gave me chills. looove the vibeee. turn your lights down low. 8.5/10 nice mood. backing vocals are back lets gooo. very chill. three little birds. 9/10 ok this is his second most famous song, let´s see. instantly know it lmao. didn´t know the name of the song tho. not the best in the album. but it sounds great. one love/people get ready. 8/10 know this one too. did i say i love the backing vocals? lmao.

Not my type of music

essential listen for me

Är inte särskilt välbevandrad inom raggae, men mina förutfattade meningar slogs ändå sönder lite med det här albumet. Bra variation, catchy, good vibes.

First reggae album rolled? This was really nice and injected some warming vibes into my cold, dark commute. It's quite samey and slow, maybe just by nature of the genre, but it's a good sound and still has some standouts (like the title track).

A change to hear some reggae and nobody did it any better. So many good songs on this one - almost a greatest hits collection!

Aside from the hits really not for me I’m afraid.

4.5 stars.

Not new to me but a great album - essential reggae.

Staying for the vibes

THE Reggae album of all time. It's the most accessible, the easiest to listen to and has some of the greatest reggae hits of all time. Marley's voice is beautiful and the production quality is through the roof. Extremely high-quality sound whether you like the genre or not. I'm personally not a huge reggae fan, but this album was very good. I understand it's importance on this list and so should you. 8/10.

10/10 Hot off the heels of an assassination attempt against him and the subsequent performance at the Smile Jamaica concert, an attempt to reduce political tensions in the country, Bob Marley moved to England and began to record this album. By this point, only Marley remained from the original Wailers, and was the sole credited writer for the first time. The album takes an interesting approach, in that the first half has a more religious and political focus, with a slightly darker tone and theme. The second half flips that and explores themes of love, sexuality and peace, leaning more into hooky melodies and a lighter, more mainstream approach to songwriting. In many ways that split is a perfect summary of Marley as a man. On one hand you have the activist and social justice icon, aiming to promote pan-africanism and standing on a platform of unity and peace. On the other, you have the more relaxed, weed smoking, peace and love focused guy with a penchant for catchy melodies and up-tempo grooves. I actually think that, with that in mind, the first half of this record is actually more interesting. There are the expected top-quality grooves and layered rhythms, but things are often delivered with a bit more subtlety and production flair. There’s interesting use of effects and reverb to build a darker vibe, with an almost sinister edge in places, while Marley’s lyrics call out guilt, wickedness and deliver a message of religious righteousness. There’s some fantastic bass work, and the careful use of the I Threes’ backing vocals works really well to add depth to the work. The second half on the other hand, leaps straight into one of Marley’s most well-known tracks, latching straight on to brilliant melodic hooks, infectious reggae grooves and brilliantly balanced production. And it doesn’t let up from there. He touches on moments of pop-reggae magic, dips into some sultry and sexy grooves, particularly on Turn Your Lights Down Low, and then delivers a one-two punch of Three Little Birds and One Love that again epitomise the sunnier side of Marley’s talents. There is simplicity to a lot of the instrumental parts, but the magic comes from the layering of those parts into a body-conquering groove that somehow feels brilliantly fluid and almost forensically tight at the same time. The band are superb, knowing exactly when to push forward with moments of flair and virtuosity, like the piano at the end of Jamming, the guitar on Waiting in Vain and the superb drumming work on One Love. And then at the centre of it all, you have the immense charisma and laid back swagger of Marley himself, who throws out hooks like they’re nothing at all and elevates even the simpler elements of his work with an almost perfect balance of control and freedom. It’s really masterful stuff. For me, I think the combination of the relatively short run-time and the tonal contrast between sides one and two make this the ultimate expression of Marley’s range and the two sides of his character and musicianship. Sadly, the lasting caricature of Marley, at least in mainstream society, has minimised the serious political side to his work, while elevating the more surface level message of peace, love and smoking weed. I think it’s fine to uplift that message with one hand, but I think it’s important to use the other hand to highlight his more political work, and his belief in promoting ways in which to build the world of peace and love that he ultimately wanted to see. Natural Mystic - The slightly dark edge to this, especially through the bass line, adds an interesting edge to the reggae vibe. It does lift up in various places, but the depth of the production, use of reverb and considered pace make for a great blend with Marley’s lyrics and vocal performance, which has a more reluctant, tired edge to it. Because of that, there feels like there’s a good emotional heft to the track, though it also doesn’t lack in groove, which makes for a tasty blend. A solid opener. So Much Things To Say - This takes a more upbeat tone, but lyrically continues discussing darker topics, though through the eyes of Marley’s faith, which gives justification for the more upbeat delivery. The rolling groove is delicious, working beautifully with the descending bass line. There are some lovely moments of lead guitar that tickle their way out from the shuffling rhythmic layers, and the bridge is a delightful variation on the central theme, especially the backing vocals. A gorgeous track that does an awful lot in a short time. Guiltiness - Back to something that wallows a little more in darkness. The groove is more withdrawn and the spread of the rhythm across the instrumentation a little thinner, but it works brilliantly with the theme of the track. The transition into the chorus is lush and the vocal hook in the chorus is excellent too. It’s perhaps one of the simpler tracks on the record, but the vibe is super strong. The Heathen - It’s another with that dark edge, but it plays a bit more with production and sonic experimentation, with the distorted lead guitar and synth bass particularly giving this a different flavour to the more straight reggae work of the previous tracks. It works with repetition to punch in its message, but there’s enough musical interest that dances around that repetition to give it range. It’s not what people would often associate with Bob Marley’s music, but I think it shows a broader appreciation of production and a willingness to bend his music in different directions than he’s often credited with. Exodus - We’re back into the shuffling, layered grooves that are contributed to by each of the different instrumental parts. The bass line is great, with its beefy low presence that climbs up here and there to inject a bit of lightness. As an almost 8 minute track, there are similarities in this to the work of Fela Kuti, working with repeating central patterns, but dancing around them and pulsing with an organically shifting centre that naturally occurs as musicians circle around a pattern. There’s so much to pick out from this that I think you could have a great time just following a specific instrument and how it interacts with everything else. The production is dense, but there is space for interesting effects use and bits of sonic trickery, and it has a great hypnotic feel to it. Quality. Jamming - On to side two and we get the other side of Marley. This is overplayed, no doubt, but you can see why. It’s super hooky, has easy to remember lyrics and the vibe and groove are absolutely first class. I think my favourite part of this track has always been the lead guitar, which dances around Marley’s vocal and pokes its head above the parapet now and again with a fun little fill when he has a pause for breath. The piano towards the end is lush too. A banger of a track. Waiting In Vain - It feels like we take a slightly quicker and more front foot approach to rhythm here, but the general vibe is a bit more subtle too. It’s deliciously produced and the bouncing rhythms have got great punch, despite the leant back stylings of the songwriting. The bridge out of the chorus into the guitar solo is gorgeous, and the solo itself perfectly delivered to gel with the vibe of the track. This is a perfect balance of vibe, groove, hook and charisma. Beautiful stuff. Turn Your Lights Down Low - Bob settles in for something even smoother now. It’s slick and sultry stuff and he’s backed up by some incredibly soulful performances from each of the instrumental parts. It always amazes me when musicians sound like the work is flowing out from their instrument as if for the very first time, so natural and effortless is the performance, and this track does exactly that. The backing vocals are superb and Bob himself wraps it all up with a performance so full of character and charisma that it’s all but impossible to resist. Lush in every way. Three Little Birds - Another classic. Yes, it’s been co-opted by part time weed smokers on their trips to Amsterdam, and has been sung in way too many cod Jamaican accents for it to ever be comfortable. But it’s still fucking brilliant. At its core, this is so simple that it’s one of the first songs that gets wheeled out for kids to learn in school, but there’s a lot of bits of lovely playing from the lead guitar that give it extra musical interest. The grooves are impossible to ignore, and the backing vocals are superb. It’s cheesy as anything, at least in part due to the way it’s been used since, but there’s nothing wrong with cheese now and again, is there? One Love/People Get Ready - So many classics stuffed onto a single album. This second half has been hit after hit. The drumming on this track is actually one of its strongest parts, and I bet a lot of people barely notice it. The fills, rolls, punches of cowbell and off-beat rim shots that are scattered across the track are fucking gorgeous and give so much life and movement to the groove. Melodically and lyrically, it’s super hooky, and the backing vocal work from the I Threes are exquisite. The whole thing is just such a vibe and a perfect way to bow out. Beautiful.

Every reggae album thus far has left me disappointed and I dread having to listen to it, honestly. I find reggae to be boring because the tracks on the album tend to just blend together. This albu, had a tinge more flaire than what I've heard so far though. Exodus was pleasant, the second half was much more entertaining. I wouldn't be upset if this was on, but I would never seek it out myself. Favorite Tracks: Waiting in Vain Three Little Birds Exodus

Movement of Jah People 1001 Albums Generator 374 (10/19/2026) Definitely the best reggae album that we've had thus far, but it still doesn't do anything for me for the most part. The "every little thing is gonna be alright" song was pretty good. Favs: Exodus Waiting In Vain Three Little Birds Least Fav: The Heathen

In Exodus, we get the typical Peace and Love Bob Marley, but not before a reflection on suffering, struggle, and the necessity of striving for personal and spiritual freedom. The ominous start of Natural Mystic leads us perfectly into the front half of this album, with sharp messages abound. It culminates in the titular track and its discussion of diaspora, displacement, and a return to Egypt (figuratively); probably the best of the "political" songs on this album. Jammin' serves as something of a thematic interlude between the two halves of this album, acting as our flywheel as we change gears from the political themes that dominated the first few tracks. The lyrics take a noticeable tilt towards the romantic, with a strong one-two punch of Waiting In Vain followed by Turn Your Lights Down Low. I'm a sucker for ooey-gooey love songs so I personally loved these two tracks. However, we've got the two most recognizable Bob Marley tracks waiting for us to finish out the album in Three Little Birds and One Love. I hate to throw around the term masterpiece loosey goosey, but this album is one of them. 10/10. Favorites: - Natural Mystic - Exodus - Jamming - Waiting In Vain - Turn Your Lights Down Low - Three Little Birds - One Love

Bob Marley is the ultimate feel-good artist. The genre as a whole has such a high floor so you can always look forward to a good time when listening. I will say I think I enjoyed the first half of this album a bit more than the back half. Bob tastefully giving his outlook and opinions on the political unrest in his homeland resonated with me. The more lighthearted back half delves heavily into the peace and love flavor. This is where I recognized a few of the songs like Jammin, Three Little Birds and One Love. The latter two are as good of a outro duo as you’ll find in any album. This is an LP I could listen too over and over again such is the beauty of reggaeton. Favorites: - Natural Mystic - Guiltiness - Jammin - Three Little Birds - One Love/People Get Ready Rating: Low 9/10

Okay, the songs do get a little repetitive, but they're so singable and fun with great lyrics. This album is also very nostalgic for me.

Ganja and politics

Outstanding

A clean 37 minutes of excellence, political in the most stunning way that this is the album and he sings Marcus Garvey and Paul Bogle, damn right he was one of the best.

Ganske nice, men blir liksom ikke det helt store. Litt ensformig, men er vel sjangeren. Kan også være det er fordi jeg er en hvit, priviligert mann og ikke kan reletere til "the struggles". "Three Little Birds" og "One Love" er bra. En sterk 3er.

Mye av albumet er på det jevne, chill å ha i bakgrunnen, men det er "Jamming" og ikke minst "Three little birds" som så vidt vipper dette opp til firern.

Tydelig inspirasjon fra Jah Wobbler på flere sanger som trekker opp. Treffer meg ikke helt på sjangeren i dag

Dette er skikkelig bra til å være reggae-musikk, men det er fortsatt reggae-musikk

Syntes dette var veldig bra! Hadde jeg likt reggae bedre hadde den kanskje snust på 5ern

Not for me at all.

See Bob Marley performing at Snoozefest! 3/5

All-time favourite

I think if I personally loved reggae as a genre more I would give it 5 stars as it is clearly one of the its best albums, the most loved release by its key protagonist and the reason that reggae became such a popular style in the ensuing years. In waiting in vain, Jammin', One love and three little birds the album has four examples of how Marley was such an intuitively melodic songwriter - simple but timelessly effective music. He was definitely heading for a different spiritual plain......

Reggae is not my vibe. However this album is very good. It is one of those iconic albums where it just sounds like they are having fun. I would listen to this again. 7/10 Top song... Three little birds

A very solid listen. A great collection of songs that holds together very well. Bob Marley the album artist (rather than just a greatest hits artist) is one of my favorite discoveries of the 1001 challenge.

it’s just a great reggae album

Fire

Great tunes and lyrics, thx!

Chill, tropical, reggae

Greatness

Yes. I know it's repetitive but something about it is nice

5/5

Listenable. Inoffensive

This hits are better than the filler, but great overall.

Great album, not the biggest fan of Reggie but this I could listen too all day!

solid few bangers on this , rock/reggae fusion a good 6/10

You ever have a band or person that you have moments of your life you binge their stuff over and over again for months then just stop listening. No reason to stop you just do. Then years/decades later you do it again because you realize you haven't listened to them in a while.... I'm gonna do that again.... I could try and put into words why I just love listening to Marley. Yet listening right now I will just tell you to, go find a nice spot out of the way, give yourself some quiet time, get the good headphones and give it a listen. It's just great.

Meh Not a big fan of reggae

rym 3.98 Roots Reggae/Pop Reggae 雷鬼无与伦比的感染力！可惜在我听来缺少了些变化 pick: Exodus

I don't genuflect often. But some catalogs sit beyond all that, and this record is the altar itself. Five stars, three ways. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions - Natural Mystic - Exodus - Jamming - Waiting in Vain - Three Little Birds - One Love/People Get Ready

8/10… reggae / beach music / *1977

Awesome album not hos best thou. Still better than 85% in this while list

Creo que es el segundo disco de Bob que me toca en la semana y voy a decir lo mismo que en el último... Sólido disco de reggae, Bob no falla. Este igual me gustó un poco más que el anterior que me tocó. Además, agregué una canción a mi playlist, que hacía mucho no me pasaba con un disco del reto.

5/5

Definitely my favorite of the reggae albums that have popped up on this list.

Not my favorite but no complaints on here. I won’t skip a track from this album as long as the mood is right.

Reggae hasn't been my top genre, but there's no denying this is one of, if not THE reggae albums. The sound production is fantastic. Another example of the genre where you associate the sound with chill vibes, but when you take a moment to hear the lyrics you take away a lot more as the messages are much more dark and serious than the vibes lead to believe. Three Little Birds always tugs at my heartstrings for a personal connection. Jamming and One Love/People Get Ready were known favorites coming into this, but the whole album was great front to back. Might end up being my only 5 in the genre but I look forward to stumbling on it in a record bin some day.

i respeck dis soun fi real bredren

Chillest fire and brimstone sermon ever?

4.5⭐️

Wow. Just absolute magic

Beautiful record

Truly legendary album by a legendary artist. Could be the greatest reggae album of all time, certainly the most impactful. Beautiful songs and lyrics and a great vibe throughout the tracks. You can really feel Bob Marley's soul in his music

We all know by now how much I love Bob Marley; I’m willing to admit that this love is deeply tied up in nostalgia but I think I can confidently say objectively that he is one of the greats, and certainly the greatest of the genre. The back end of this album is home to some of my favourites (Jamming to Three Little Birds).

I think my expectations are often too high going into these albums just by virtue of them being on this list. This album had pleasant vibes to listen to in the background but wasn't grabbed by much

As good as Raggae gets. Highlights are Natural Mystic, Jamming and Three Little abirds with a honorable mention of Turn Your Lighta Down Low.

What a chill, feel good album

This one took me by surprise in the best way. Not that I didn’t already know and enjoy several of these songs. But I had no idea that I would respond so strongly to this album as a piece. I just keep wanting to replay it. It was also perfect timing on the generator’s part. I’m getting over being sick and this was the exact vibe I needed today.