Reviews (page 14 of 14)
Half of the songs on this album are true classics! The rest are just damn good! 4/5
I'm woefully unfamiliar with Marley's work and Reggae at large (FOR NOW)—loved this album on first listen. The performances are striking and backed by a truly wonderful layering of rhythms.
I'm not sure how anyone could not love Bob Marley. There was something really special and magical about him. This album is an absolute classic. 5 stars.
Stone cold classic no doubt but not my jam 3
Not bad, was never a big reggae fan and hoped this would open it up for me but not yet!
Good to put on and forget the problems of the world. But that's not enough to merit a high regard.
Perfect
I really enjoyed this, have listened to BM over the years but never a complete album. Was pleasantly surprised that so many of his well known hits were on one album, one I would listen to again
Already knew this would get a 5 before the listen, just a fantastic album filled with a ton of classics. Great vibes throughout.
Today's Album: "Exodus" by Bob Marley & The Wailers - This is a very laid back and chill album, with most songs comprising of a steady reggae backbeat and hazy vocals from Marley. I think for me, a lot of it gets pretty boring and static, but I absolutely see the value of having it on in the background of a smoke sesh and the sound of the record itself is super warm and comfortable. However, other than the highlights listed below, I think all this album is for me is perfectly adequate background noise. Score: 5/10 Okay Highlights: Exodus, Jamming, Three Little Birds, One Love
It's fine, it's old school reggae, it's Bob. Easy listening for a Sunday morning, but doesn't get me going. Got Three Little Birds though, and that will always make me think of my Dad.
Ahh, another BM. I feel a kinship to this guy simply because of his unfortunate name used to indicate Bowel Movement. On my way to work I was listening to 'Jamming' on the radio. The station cut to a commercial break for Charmin toilet tissue. Did you know that Chamin's slogan happens to be 'Enjoy the Go'? I giggled a little when I heard that. Not sure about you, but I always enjoy a good BM. But reggae music is a different story. I hate reggae music, but this is somehow redeemable simply because of the unique mood it sets up. Like, let's all get high and relaxate, and who doesn't want to do that? All things can be facilitated with a little relaxation. Next time I go BM, I'm gonna take some BM with me.
I really like the guitar on "Natural Mystic." The next few tracks felt didn't deliver anything particularly special, and it turns out "Exodus" is a bit repetitive. But "Jamming," "Three Little Birds," and "One Love" do plenty to carry this album. To follow up on hellyeah, not only is it crazy that Marley died of melanoma, but that the kind of melanoma he got has an average age of onset between 60 and 70 years, and an 67% 10-year survival rate. Too many musical tragedies where we can only wonder how the artist would have evolved over a longer career. What would the 80s and 90s have been like if Marley, Morrison, Hendrix, Joplin, Lennon, and others had been alive? What would the 00s have been like if Cobain, Biggie, 2Pac, and so many others had still be around? For an even further tangent, because I started thinking more about the alternate world where Cobain lived to grow old... if Kurt stuck around, would there never have been the Foo Fighters. If Andrew Wood lived, would Pearl Jam have never existed?
My favorites on this album are Jamming (ironic because I rail against bands jamming), One Love/People Get Ready, and Three Little Birds. The rest of the album is listenable, but average to me. I prefer Survival to Exodus. I can’t believe Bob Marley died from melanoma found under his toenail. Damn what a tough break. How the hell is one supposed to find that? Life’s a bitch sometimes.
absolute classic
I can appreciate it for what it is. It’s good music but it is really not my thing.
Absolute classic
So many hits on 1 album
Three little things is really relaxing.
This is the ninth album from Bob Marley and his band, and was released from the UK following Bob Marley's exodus there to escape an assassination attempt. Exodus is another reggae album, but incorporates more bass as well as sounds from blues and soul music. This critically and commercially successful album propelled Bob Marley into international stardom, and is certified gold. A lot of Bob Marley's hits came from this album. This chill, but funky album has the perfect music for a laid-back occasion. Have to spark one up and take a listen!
One of the best records ever
Some of Bob Marley’s most well known songs are in this album. Aside from that, this album is a joy to listen to. The music is purposeful, catchy, and driving. Marley’s lyrics span religion, politics, sex, and love
5stars
Cool und unterhaltsamer als gedacht. Auch wenn es immer derselbe Rhythmus ist, nicht langweilig.
I was surprised, I actually quite like Reggae. This was a relaxing listen.
First listen to a reggae album, didn't give full attention so can't rate properly, but would listen again
This is such a good album. I remember dismissing it when it came out since my hatred for disco made me turn away from anything dance floor oriented. I fortunately got over that and have loved this album for a while. Bob’s move to London resulted in his music getting fused with music from the London club scene at the time. This set the stage and trajectory for reggae in the 1980s and 90s and allowed sub-genres of reggae such, as dancehall, to be more easily accepted.
So many hits on one album! Time Magazine named this the best album of the 20th century, so who am I to argue? A joy to listen to from start to finish.
This album bore 5 singles and three of them were monster hits for Bob so there’s that. But apart from those singles I found the songs to be too preachy and political and basically complaining about the same thing, ad nauseum, so it gets tiresome after awhile. However, there were those monster hits that must be acknowledged.
This was a pretty damn good album. I'm still learning to appreciate reggae more, and Bob Marley makes it super accessible, so I can dig it.
Really solid, legendary album. Had not previously heard the story about the assassination attempt on his life just before he recorded this. Makes the songs even more powerful in that context.
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.
Bob Marley is a tine and a place for me. Not my typical listening but when I am near a beach or when I was in Costa Rica on the Caribbean... yeah that was perfect. Some good tracks and I respect it but I wouldn't always listen to it.
Uno de los mejores de esta lista.
Reggea ist immer chillig. Von allen Reggea Songs sind die meisten bekannten/besten hier drin
Not my favourite Marley album but still a great record.
Not as good as I remember but still an absolute dime.
Never really connected with these guys despite their obvious talent and sweet sound.
Never really connected with reggae but this still sounds smooth nonetheless
Iconic album and great melodies
This is an album you can vibe to in most settings. Honestly the album sounded the same most of the way through. I still enjoyed his voice, the message, the music.. nice all around
Fantastic. Loved this album and hearing all the songs I hadn’t heard from Bob before. 8/10
Not a huge fan of reggae (ironic since I'm into ska) so this one is probably not for me. Definitely a good album (great talent involved), just not one that resonates with me.
OK
Reggae will def never be my thing, this album isn't bad, I'm vibing, but I don't think I'll listen to it voluntarily
First song gets you in the mood immediately
love me some bob marley
Very similar sounding songs
Classic Bob. Like musical medicine. Love it.
Starts great with Natural Mystic but it drags in the first half where it starts to build up to a climax at the end.
Classic album. Loved it, as always.
Pas de grosse surprise, du bon Bob.
Reggae isn't my favourite genre, but it's mostly because it gives me vibes of people who hang out in seedy backpacker hostels in SE Asia, of sitting in 40 degree heat drinking warm beer at beach bars, that kind of thing. This album isn't too bad - it has a happy enough little personality going on, and the music is pretty inoffensive. It does drag a bit though, it's pretty slow-paced, similar throughout, and goes for 50min.... but for some reason I got more into it towards the end? 3/5.
Some real classics in there. Very revolutionary type vibe. power to the people.
Relatively enjoyable - A good lacked vibe
Great
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.
While I am not a huge fan of reggae music. This album undeniably creates a great vibe, brings joy to the soul and doesn't outstay it's runtime. Full of songs that have become extremely iconic and well known.
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
Let's get together and feeeeel alright
Marlie can pull off some great vocals, but the LP as a whole is overwhelmingly repetititve.
Very good, possibly their best album. I know there is a lot of historical context with this album, and I believe that adds to it. It's a pretty political album.
The quintessential Bob Marley album. Some great songs on here
Loved listening to the entirety of the album. Its a journey from such an influetial and all star artist. LEGEND
Solid reggae album. Not a huge reggae fan, but recognized the songs, which were good.
I could really feel the vibrations through my earphones. A great reggae album. There's "the lick" in the 5th track 'exodus' btw lol
Rating: 10/10
This is Bob Marley and I'm very happy to see it on the list. This is not the best thing that I listened here, but for sure it fits all the characteristics of a classcial.
Samaa kategoriaa kuin koko genre, kuuntelee hetken ihan jeekkis, mutta yliannos tulee kovin vauhdilla. Pari kovaa biisiä tälläkin levyllä. 2,5*
No tää nyt taas floppas
perfect Friday album
5.0 - To me, this is the definitive Bob Marley album, more so than "Legend." Most of my favorite songs of his best songs are here. Such an awesome record that I can easily play on repeat.
One of Bob Marley's best. Exodus is an incredible powerful song. I'm lucky I have a pristine Mobile Fidelity vinyl copy of this record and it sounds incredible. Deep powerful bass and excellent balance overall. Thanks for the reminder on how great this album is. Side one starts out great and just keeps getting better until it gets to Exodus. Side 2 might be even better - it has the better known songs; Jamming, Waiting In vain, Three Little Birds, One Love. 5 stars
Classic album - didn't realise how innovative it was.
Very strange to hear these songs in order rather than individually on the radio
Классика реги
This album is awesome. I had always liked reggae and lover's rock but had never actually listened to a Bob Marley album, and I'm glad I finally did. All of the songs perfectly encapsulate the reggae vibes of the 70s and 80s and all of the singles are still bangers. Fav songs: so much things to say, the heathen, exodus, three little birds, one love/people get ready
I could listen to Bob albums all day. Jamming!!!! One Love, a song that completely barnstormed the entire world, just barely over 3 minutes. All of these tracks are a pleasure to listen to, i wish there was more of it.
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.
This is good. I think Marley does this type of music about as well as anyone could, but it seems to me a simplistic art form. Not that simple music can’t be great, but there just isn’t much to this in my opinion. The song Jammin’ sums it up. They’re sitting around, jammin, riffing lyrics. It’s good.
Brilliant, beautiful album. Spiritual without being preachy. Wonderful performances and production.
Liked everything about this. 4.5+
Exodus, Natural Mystic, Jammin', One Love.... a great, mellow album.
Probably merits a 3-3.5 because it's light outside of the hits but based on influence and my own enjoyment I'm feeling like a 4.
This was a pretty good listen. I suppose it's a testament to Bob Marley but this didn't grate on me like a lot of reggae does after the 3rd or so track. It deserves a 3.5.
Some strong songs, but rather slow and sludgy to start.
Great album, and nothing beats Jamming. I just get tired of reggae after a bit.
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.
nice cheerful reggae with 3 bangers and the rest is good too
I always enjoy Bob Marley’s stuff. Very masterful and a cut up above in reggae. The only real problem is that after him, who is there? Very few other reggae stars you can think of off the top of your head. I have heard most of this in collections or live performances, so it was nice to hear a couple imof tracks I had missed.
It's amazing how these guys can take that simple beat from Jamming and use it / transform it across a bunch of different songs (Natural Mystic, So Much Things to Say) and have it sound new / not tired every time. Whatever the beat or the sound, there's so much energy every time. Marley's lyrics (on the politically charged first half) are second-to-none. And when the lyrics are lighter in tone on the second half, the whole experience of the songs ramps up (and there are still some great lyrics). Of the lesser knowns, I really enjoyed The Heathen (some edgy guitar work). Just an incredible album. As an aside, I hate when they remaster albums and add stuff to it (e.g., tracks 11 and 12). There was a certain feel and seamlessness to the original album, and although Punky Reggae Party is fun, it doesn't fit with the rest.
Wow. I'm actually not a huge fan of reggae but this album is amazing. It was clever of Bob Marley to split it the way he did too by putting the spiritual and political songs on side 1 and the songs about sex and relationships on side 2. This is my favorite Wailers album (even though technically they broke up but he kept the name). There was one track (on side 2 I think) where you can hear his influence on some of Sting's singing as well. I also enjoyed this enough to listen to the bonus tracks and bonus live disk and can't help but wonder if Sepultura's "Roots Bloody Roots" was a lyrical homage to Marley's "Roots".
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.
So much better than I expected, remastered version, awesome.
One of my favorites, close to a 5
Excellent album full of bangers
It contains Jamming
Enjoyed
It’s Exodus- what else is there to say. All the songs are good, and the album sits well as a collection of them. The production is also spot on. Only 4 stars because, though like every Bob Marley song is good, One Love always seems to hog the spotlight. Bob Marley at least to me has been played to death, but I still respect his musicianship and songs. Still, play something else god damnit !
i know this is supposed to be bob marleys masterpiece album, but its just not as good as kaya. some monster bangers on it, but just a bit lacking.
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 know I should care more, but I just can't even
SHACKY don't worry about a thing, because every little thing is gonna be alright (this is my message to you).
Solid
Some nice music there, including some that were stuck in my head for years
I never had them down as much of an album act but this is very strong. Lots of recognisable songs and the album tracks are decent too
Gotta love Bob. First track and off to a great start. I imagine it'll be a 4. Oh man, ALL the bangers on this one 🙏 at LEAST a 4. Maybe a 5 cos it's his best Stuff IMO
It's fine. Not really into reggae.
Excellent album. Waiting in Vain and Three Little Birds are some of my favorite songs.
July 19, 2021 I think reggae is just not for me - there are some songs on here that I can tell would be classics but I just can't get into it. Very repetitive to me and since I'm more of a music than a lyrics person I don't think I'm getting the messaging as well as would be intended. Also, I'm pretty sure we used to play this album when I worked at Starbucks and anything to do with that hellscape is ruined for me now.
Fff
Love it
Enjoyed it
Solid album. Lot of songs I grew up with. (8/10) Favorite Tracks : Three little birds, One Love
EXIDUS! Movement of Chariba! BOO!! —or something along those lines... the heavy, hypnotic beat had my otherwise reggae-resistant joints wagging to and fro. These lyrics: /'Tis he who fight and run away/ Live to fight another day/ ----So much for what doesn't kill you :D Definitely an album to be listened to in certain calm situations under low pressure. Not while washing the dishes or running. Crocheting is better. Aids in clearing your mind completely, if that's what you're looking to do.
Prefereer Legend, mer toch tof album.
Easy listen. Full of great tracks, Jammin’, Three Little Birds, One Love, Exodus. The rest of the album supports those hits and is calming and enjoyable.
Really enjoyed this album as I wasn't sure when I hit "play" this morning
funky beachy Christian music
defining reggae album
Came out years before I was born. Has there been anything better since?
Great album from start to finish. Hard to say if there’s even a bad song on it. Many reggae classics on this. Listened many times before and will continue to listen to it. 9.2/10
Top album, mer prefereer Legend op de platenspeler.
Ok, not that into reagge though
Classic album 4/5
I've never listened to this album in it's entirety before. I probably wouldn't have in general. Not because I thought it was bad or anything, but just because I feel like I have heard most of them. Jamming, one love, 3 little birds. Literal classics and over all a very solid album. Just a classic.
always great..my start to summer album
Bob Marley is an absolute legend, and this album contains a few of his most well-known songs.
Bob’s best... and he’s one of the best
so good. so very good
mellow dramatic, repetitive, but nice sound
Really enjoyed it surprisingly. Not big on reggae but this could be a future purchase! Thoroughly enjoyable album! Who knew I’d like it!
The only artist I know who’s albums are so over shadowed by his greatest hits album. I too am guilty of this and intend to rectify this from today.
Bob had a great energy flowing when he wrote all these songs and put this album together. So enjoyable
I'm not the best reviewer of reggae as I've never been much of a fan of the genre; I find a lot of it too repetitive for my taste. Having said that, this album i've found to be at a minimum excellent background/work environment music (which probably sounds insulting to Marley fans) - there's a hypnotic aspect to many of the songs ("Exodus" for one example) that has almost an inherent internal build. I went into this one not too excited about listening to it but honestly have enjoyed it more than I expected to. The minimalism of many of the arrangements is a big plus factor for me, but I've found this to have more of a sneaky variety than I'd mistakenly assumed; there are some great instrumental passages that catch the ear, and simply - there are really good *songs* here (as opposed to something else highly-revered but to me lacking in songwriting, the album I've most recently-listened to by "Love") I usually give 2 to something that I can acknowledge has artistic value but isn't something I'd listen to again, but clearly this exercise is doing its job in exposing me to my previously-unexplored genres/subgenres - the fact that I'm replaying the album definitely boosts this to a strong 3 for me - really enjoying it.
Marley er altid godt, men et helt album er måske lige i overkanten, medmindre man er i "humøret" ;)
Good vibes
idk
Classic.
I love Bob Marley and The Wailers so I knew I'd love the album. And I wasn't disappointed. It was a solid album, although my favourites off the album are the most known tracks - Three Little Birds and One Love / People Get Ready. 5/5 stars.
I like Bob Marley, although I've not heard much of his stuff. 2 songs in and I'm liking it alright, although it does all sound about what I expected so far based on what little I've heard of his before. Overall I liked it. I think most of the songs sounded similar. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Giving this a 3 overall cuz I think it lacked a bit of variety I was wanting.
yes yes yes
Hits of Bob Marley
Bueno para relajarse/estudiar
Reggae is such an underrated genre, wish more people would take it seriously. Rip Bob Marley, you would've hated Israel.
Chill/smoke/beach album supreme
I liked this a lot, some big songs.
It’s good. But it all had one dynamic. Also important lyrics for learning how to peacefully resist.
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.
Damn, who knew that 3 minute songs can take so incredibly long. It's a very easy 1, but at the same time still much better (or less bad) than I had expected. Nonetheless, it's sooooooo boring. I didn't last 3 full songs.
Great
1st half great, then it goes into a lot of the songs that I don't like so much - seem really childish...
Didn't think I liked BM, but thought this was great.
I know nothing about reggae but this is a lovely album that transcends the genre (probably, I dunno). Some fantastic songs on this.
Jamming, THREE LITTLE BIRDS <3
I'm not vibing with Reggae. Like not at all. Sorry in advanced for all the Reggae records I'm not gonna appreciate. Gonna give it 2, because just because it's not for me doesn't mean it's bad.
Surprisingly nice, buzz kill party album though.
An enjoyable listen with a couple of classic tracks - will never be a go to genre for me but appreciate what I hear
very mellow and fun. also a little plunka plunka which spiked my stress response.
a msm solidan rege jbg
I hope you like jammin' too
Good fun, only criticism is the tracks can get somewhat samey. *and I hope ya like jammin' too*
Like the length, funky and soulful, political and personal at the same time, probably best reggae album ever, second half is fantastic Saved: Waiting in Vain, Three Little Birds, One Love / People Get Ready - Medley
Saved Prior: None Saved Off Rip: So Much Things To Say, Three Little Birds, Punky Reggae Party Cutting Edge: Waiting In Vain Overall Notes: Not particularly a reggae fan but this was clearly very good, no bad songs, a clean 3.5 stars but had to round down
Ok album
Iets minder repetitief dan het vorige.
Relaxed listening. nice for a while.
Eerste helft zagerige politieke liedjes. 2e helft is beter met 'Jamming' en 'Three Little Birds'.
I was dreading have to listen to Marley again, but this album was a lot better than the previous one. Still not great, but I can bear to hear it again :P
Jabbadabbadoo
Chill, relaxing and good background music
The album that broke Marley to the masses. While I prefer the earlier, skankier shit it's an undeniable classic.
Superb album. Roll up a fat one and smoke da reefa!
A great introduction to Jamaican style, and Bob Marley! Cool religious references. Good pool side music.
Onhan tämä hyvän mielen musaa keskelle lonkeron harmautta ja syyssateita. Kirjaimellisesti pilviverhon välistä alkoi aurinko paistaa työhuoneeseen. Were jammin', jammin' jammin', jammin'... Hittien myötä helppo antaa nelonen ilman Bob Marleyn ikonisuuttakin.
Really interesting to hear these songs in an album context, and not just random singles. Not a bad way to start a Friday.
Canonical Bob Marley. Hard to not view this as a dated cliche, but there will forever be times and places for this sound
Clean sound, amazing music, better feelings than I suposed. High quality master.
Ihan ok pilviveikkojen musaa. Tää reggae on mulle kuitenkin vähän liian chilliä kamaa, varmaan pitäis olla enempi pössyissä. Ei häiritse, mutta ei kummemmin innostakaan.
A couple good hits on this one & I enjoyed it
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.
Good
Not really into reggae but this is definitely a good album. 9/10
This one gets a full 10 from me. The songs were different enough that it didn't feel too samey and it didn't go too long. Groovy beats and just made me feel nice and chill
This is a classic album for sure -- great music, great vibes. I definitely liked it a lot
Very solid, sounds so great and lush
a classic, obvi!
BOB!
7. Wanted to give a 6.9, but it's definitely on the high side of 7 so that would be unfair
Good Album.
Solid album but like all reggae gets a bit samey
Story of my teens
Bob Marley & The Wailers is chill to listen to. The vibe and rythm feels like vacation.
Não curto o gênero
Ist was es ist: Bilderbuch Reggae Monochrome 2.3
Onkel Bob - der allgegenwärtige, dessen Odem mich trotzdem nie erweckt hat: Ich hab Roots-Reggae immer noch weniger verstanden als Funk und Soul, und im Gegensatz dazu reizt er mich auch bis heute nur wenig. Trotzdem (bitte nicht steinigen, Wursthaareträger der Herzen!): schönes Pop-Album, gefällt mir ganz gut!
“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
Reggae music con la calma
Excellent
It's alright but hard to care about a reggae album for more than 4 minutes. 7
this album was really good and had tons of hits. I just can't quite give it a 5. I like Bob Marley but this isn't really my style.
Only good reggae
Amazing album. Loved it.
Jammin in the name of the lord
Legend. That's why his greatest hits are named that.
Great memories have been made while listening to this album. From childhood to my teenage years to my youth (which was primarily sent at home crying because of the pandemic), this album was always there. Love Bob Marley.
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.
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 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.
Tres bon. Il est lalbum avec plein de classique. Un plaisir a ecouter. 4.5*
Yes, a classic
Okay, this might be the biggest surprise on the list for me. The first Marley album on this list, "Natty Dread" was the first album I gave a 1 rating to: I found it legitimately unpleasant to listen to. Because of that, I was (natty) dreading this one, expecting it to be another trainwreck where I just couldn't "get" a popular/famous album. Thankfully, no such problems here: this was a very enjoyable, entertaining album and I can completely understand why people like it. It's an album that tackles important issues without losing its upbeat, positive attitude and doesn't come off as preachy. If I have one complaint, it's that Marley's drummer seems to have a clear favorite drumroll and uses it on basically every track: it's not bad, but it feels kind of silly hearing it for the one hundredth time in a row.
Probably the best Bob Marley I've heard
Great album. So nice to sit through :)
one of the best
I mean, this is THE reggae album as far as mainstream taste in the UK goes, I think? Pretty much inescapable, but I think it's a testament to the songs that that much forced exposure to them never sent me into a strop. Fave track - "Jammin"... No, "Three Little Birds"... No, "Exodus".... No, "One Love"... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
ja ist ja gut, die hits sind dabei. schön und gut. 3
Great classic reggae
Best Bob album. Good vibes only.
I’m really loving the BM on this. There is just so many songs that deserve to be popular.
Beautiful music, rhythmic and almost hypnotic. A new genre for me.
Quality. I remember this well from parties at college
LOVE
Super chill
Stone cold classic.
I don't like reggae and this did not change that at all
Wonderful sound
I like this
From what I read, this album has the highest number of songs that ended up on the best of Bob Marley. I'm a fan of reggae as everyone should be, the rhythms take and transport you to a time and place far and away from my office cube. The music is great, and the attention to social issues are always welcome. Growing up, I was more familiar with Marley's music from his greatest hits album. Which I think I ordered through the Columbia House CD club. It was everywhere. From posters on the wall at college, to every stoner kid ever taking on Bob Marley as their favorite music. It all feels embarrassing to me now. I've spent a lot of time recently with Catch a Fire, an earlier album recorded in 1973. I would have to say that would still be my fave so far. But I'm still working my way through this one. It's always a joy to hear this music, and it never gets old.
Fucking love bob and the wailers waiting in vain is my absolute favorite
I've got nothing against raggae, but it's just enough to listen to in while working
Peak reggae, not much else you van day. Listen to the subtlety of the singing in Jammin, Marley was a true genius.
Classic for its time and even now
A reminder that Marley is as important as a religious figure as he is a musical figure. Love the production and bass playing.
Should give this more of a chance but gets a bit repetitive
I don't know if it rules because of Bob Marley or because I listen to reggae so rarely that it's a lovely change of pace. Either way, great listen.
I'm sure this is good as far as it goes, but I hate reggae, truly.
5
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!
can't do it
Rediscovered Jammin’ which was very nice. Reggae is not really my favorite style of music so no 5 stars, but it’s otherwise a great album
Letkeätä Jamaikan meininkiä joka useasta kuuntelusta huolimatta jäi hieman taustamusiikiksi. Biiseistä suuri osa oli entuudestaan tuttuja, ja olen kyllä aina Marleysta tykännyt. Tuskin reggaeta voisi juurikaan tätä paremmin tehdä.
Great first album all the way through. Bob Marley is a genius.
Not really my style but good in a mellow mood. The repetitiveness of the music is the downside. Some good songs “three little birds” and the back half of the album gets really good. overall I’m glad I heard it. The backstory around the album is even more interesting.
It's Bob fuckin' Marley, you can't hate this, it's impossible.
Mejor que Natty Dead, un estilo menos serio, un reggae mas para el resto
Beautiful stuff. 5/5. Waiting In Vain is probably Marley's best song?
Classic. Three Little Birds as well. Noice.
3.5-3.75 first full reggae album listen, a classic but a lil slow, also its winter time probably a better summer album
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
Chill. Half of the album was only bangers!
Not a fan
Pretty good. I'm not a big fan of reggae but I still enjoyed this quite a bit
It was very good, and deserving of its 'iconic' status in my opinion.
Great album, highly recommend it.
Decent but can't help to feel a bit underwhelmed given his legacy and the expectations that come with it. Not a bad album, good for the background but nothing more
A classic from an inspirational man
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...
Oh dear. I lasted 3 songs.
Top album.
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
They wailed lol! Also yesterday was a great day for an exodus
I feel like I get a contact high just from listening to this album.
excellent reggae masterpiece
v good reggae album obviously
Sunny and upbeat reggae. The antidote of a November Thursday in lockdown! Every little things going to be alright.
Nostalgic!
Очень легкий для прослушивания альбом. Создаёт атмосферу расслабленности, будто лежишь где-то под солнцем, даже если за окном дождливый петербургский день.
Chill AF
5/5
I'm afraid that I'm just as reggae-illiterate as I was nine months ago. Still, I had no problem enjoying this record, released during what I understand is the same period as Natty Dread. It's very strong as an album, like the aforementioned project. Some instrumentals, especially that of the title track, are absolute barn-burners. I think a little more dynamic range would elevate much of the music, but the groove's there and the more important thing anyway.
Their magnum opus. 8.5/10 F.T.: Exodus
1977: Exodus, Jamming, Three Little Birds, One Love/People Get Ready
It's Bob! What more needs to be said?
It's Bob Marely, eeeeh.
Good with some bangers but not really my ting
Classic slice of reggae from the man himself. Superb album!