Catch A Fire

I came into this album mildly interested. I listened to Bob Marley a lot when I was younger, and my lasting impression was pleasant, political, fun. Good background, maybe. In other words… I was wholly unprepared for the 40 minutes I was about to get. This time, I decided to listen a little closer to the musicianship, get a sense of what is going on in the background. And let me tell you. These players are…. So. Fucking. Locked. They are locked like a locomotive. They’re not going anywhere. When you look up “pocket” in the encyclopedia it should be the smiling face of that clav player on Track 1. Unbelievable. This is how you start a reggae band, folks. You hear some music that is so unbelievably locked like this and you think maybe, just maybe we can pull this off. Well you probably can’t. Don’t let it stop you, but… the level of locked and loaded on these rhythm parts puts most other reggae and ska to shame. To shame. That’s how high the heights are here. This kind of rhythm is so infectious. I was having a hugely fun time. I am thankful this exists, and it is no longer background music to me. It is music music. I am going to evangelize to all my music friends. They’ll think… “Jacob, aren’t you’re exactly 50 years too late?” Fuck I don’t care. 5/5

What a great album. Marley has an uncanny ability to write scathing social commentary and put it to music that just feels good. There's anger and frustration here but it's mixed with enough joy to stay sweet. The result is so balanced that I find myself digesting the message without any of the jaded defensiveness that "message" albums often provoke. It's great. Marley and his Wailers were brilliant.

The only Bob Marley album I had ever heard before this was the greatest hits. And I have to say this album was on par with that. A great collection of songs that are political and beautiful. I really liked this one.

Not even close to my fave BMATW album but still worthy of full marks. So much political struggle coursing through this album, broken up by amazing love songs like ‘Baby we’ve got a date’ and ‘Stir It Up’. Love that Rita Marley and Marcia Griffiths are on the backing vocals of Stir it Up. Peter Tosh also deserves a notable mention. ‘Stop that Train’ is a tune. BMATW were by no means a one man band as many believe

I think this is an underrated one by Bob. High Tide or Low Tide may be my favorite Bob Marley that no one ever talks about.

I really don't understand how people can enjoy this drivel. Sure, it's not as aggravatingly painful to the ears as other 1's on my list. But it's soooooo boring that having it on drives me absolutely insane - as compared to silence which is massively more interesting. I wasn't able to stand half of any of the first five songs. Gosh, I really hate Bob Marley. Even if I were stoned out of my mind this wouldn't be anywhere near listenable.

I like Bob Marley but this was boring to the point of it being hard to defend.

This is sadly not the long-hoped-for revelation: most reggae bores me, feels lacking until the heavy dub effects and weirdness are pasted on top. The first track showed promise, which I now realise was because my rockist ears had picked up the overdub of Wayne Perkins guitar, transported from a different, funkier scene. This is not a bad record, just not for me right now. Perhaps never for me.

Believe it or not, when I was in my early twenties, I had dreadlocks and around five different Bob Marley t-shirts in frequent rotation. I didn’t even know much of his music, but I really leaned into that look. Bid odd that, innit? Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Concrete Jungle, Stop That Train, All Day All Night From the start of the opening track until the closing seconds of the finale, this album brought me happiness. I was swaying my head with a smile of my face and having a generally nice time. The songs all do sound somewhat similar to each other, so if you simply don’t like reggae then you won’t find much here for you, but if you’re open to it then this album is fantastic from front to back. There are catchy hooks everywhere and you’ll find yourself humming along to songs you may have never even heard before. Overall, an essential listen. I loved this.

🔥🔥🔥🔥

A classic album...but not my favourite. Concrete Jungle and Stir it Up are stone cold classics and the other songs are not far behind. You can't go wrong rolling up a fat one and putting this great album on the turntable. 4.5 stars

It's not painful to listen to but I don't get reggae. A lot of it is pretty samey to me. I don't understand what makes this album worthwhile, I really don't. Bob is an okay singer but nothing special. For a guy with such a cult following I'm just perplexed as to why. Not exactly horrible, but I just don't know why I'm supposed to give a damn.

A moodier, more downbeat Bob Marley album, but absolutely timeless and beautifully done. The songwriting is excellent, as always with these guys, weaving political themes into beautiful, soft melodies. The production is amazing, and these guys were such good musicians. An underrated album and a pleasure to listen to. 5/5

Reggae arrives back on the list and demolishes my nitpicks about the other records. There are undoubtedly imperfections to listen for here, but Catch a Fire is my clear favorite Marley project so far. Its genius lies in the constant synthesis of something else by the band, a different something for each track. But the cribbing isn't because the core is bad: Mood comes across the wire perfectly; The album is a gem.

I presumed all reggae sounded the same - I was very wrong, this album is coherent and full of individual crackers. Brilliant rhythms and artistry on display. Lots of complexity in the lyrics. Reminds me a lot of Tabac in Liverpool, they had reggae on repeat but at the stage of the evening we ended up there, I wasn't using my ears. Concrete Jungle, No More Trouble, High Tide or Low Tide - all great. Despite Kinky Reggae being a misstep, 5 stars feels deserved.

Excellent album(s). I had listened to the original 1973 a few times before. But theres a 2001 version with a different track listing. Both are extraordinary. Greasy, groovy, moody, cool. The music is tight, era defining and unparalleled as far as reggae goes anyway. The lyrics are incisive, precise, enigmatic. Very listenable and there's nothing quite like this album, even in the Wailers back catalogue. A unique, edgy, exciting album I would always always recommend.

Classic album. Timeless production.

the zippo lighter album (which you can open!)cover puts this in the same genre as TLT Scratch n Sniff EP! Love how there is a bit of R&B/Motown in a few songs (High Tide/Low Tide) - also dig Tosh's lead vocals on Stop that Train.

Initially, I thought this record was mediocre compared to his output, and then I realized I was listening to the original studio release. Once I heard the Jamaican mix without the excessive overproduction, I was impressed with the deep groove, liveliness, surround feel, and Marley's ferocity. There were some things I did like in the original studio mix, like the guitar solo in "Concrete Jungle", or the steel guitar(?) in "Rock It Baby", which I think made the less than repetitive and more adventurous than the Jamaican mix. But overall, the original studio mix sounds so much more muddled and less lively, which made me a boring listen, and some of the fluff they try adding in sounds so forced and disjoint from Marley's intentions. This album could be produced better. The Jamaican mix still suffers from some problems that could be improved, but its generally much better. To avoid the repetition, I think they could incorporate some better ideas to spice up the tracks. This would especially benefit the weaker songs. Nevertheless, I usually like the start and end of every track. It's usually the middle that drags on without offering much besides lyrics and a chill groove. Favorites: Concrete Jungle, Kinky Reggae

Боб Марли - это наш слоняра

How do these crazy talent-vortices spontaneously form? A bunch of kids get together and shortly are defining some swath of a major genre. And then again tragedy is so often looming over it, and is that some dark part of it. It’s a bad old world.

It's 11º outside as I listen to this. This Marley album takes me to the beach for a warm respite from reality. The only song from BMs Greatest Hits whose picture hung on every college student's wall - Stir it Up is one of Bob's better known songs and pairs well with the rest of the album. It's nice to hear some Bob Marley I'm unfamiliar with. 4/5

This is the first original album by Bob Marley and the Wailers I've heard (aside from "Legend".) While the band don't stray from their formula musically, there's some really strong material here with a broad range of emotion behind it. "Concrete Jungle" shuffles forward, with the clavichord effectively adding to a sleazy atmosphere and searing lead guitar rounding off the mix. Alluding to the slave trade and racism, the lyrical material is much more politically charged than the side of Marley's work I'd heard before. But throughout, the Wailers prioritise a laid back, mellow feel, with Marley's vocal never rising into a rasp, howl or bellow. They allow the strong social conscience of each song to play itself out, coming to the fore with lyrics like "No chains around my feet but I'm not free" and "today they say that we are free; only to be chained in poverty." It's powerful content and sadly hasn't aged a day. In contrast, the middle of the album shows the band at their most romantic: while "Baby We've Got A Date" presents the carefree joy of being in love, "Stir It Up" is the real classic. One of the band's best known songs, it is sublime: a slow burning, slow dancing beauty. Following "Stir It Up", none of the songs really lived up to those in the first half of the album, though I'm prepared to give them more time. It's an enjoyable album, particularly for a certain mood, and has made me keen to explore more of the Wailers' work.

Classic really. Seriously groovy baselines from “Family Man” and, even though there’s only so much you can do with reggae, the songwriting and production on this album keeps everything fresh - there are 3 or 4 proper ear worms on this album.

Ok Bob Marley. As I am a New Zealander, the entire oeuvre of the Wailers are practically the national anthem of this fair country. Yet despite that, the only song I knew prior was "Stir It Up", a conception song. The album was a lot more varied and interesting then I was expecting. The side A songs that delve into slave history were particularly powerful. But there is also the side B reminder that Bob Marley was quite the rooter. I get why this album is on the list. It feels like a record that is both influential but holds up as an artwork, and also enjoyable.

I don't like reggae as a rule. Partially because I attach it to some potheads I knew as a kid that I never really understood. And also because I didn't have a terribly struggle-filled upbringing, so I was attracted to darker stuff - or at least stuff that wore its darkness on its sleeve. But also because reggae tends to sound very samesy to me, probably the way hip hop sounds very samesy to someone who doesn't listen to it much. That being said, this album got to me. Stir It Up is a great song.

Always love me some reggae! Bob Marley is the king of cool, the sultan of swag, the regent of relaxation. Him and his wailers are perfect for any outdoor setting or even indoor if your main objective is to relax and feel like you are close to an ocean or beach or beer.

Enjoyably relaxing vibe to this one; impressive to think it's from 1979 and must be a precursor to so much of what we currently know as reggae. Lovely lyrical content about struggles with oppression and pain, using love and light to be strong in the face of these challenges. Great smoking/relaxing/conversation tunes. Far prefer the second disc with it's more full-band sound to the stripped-back first disc. Many of the same songs gained a whole new colour and character with more players on the track.

Highlight of this album came when I was listening to the last few tracks while driving two angry cats to the vet, and my partner turns around and says "Oh, are you the wailers?" Otherwise a fine album but indistinguishable from their other two albums on the list.

Robert réussit l'exploit de nous servir un album de Bob Marley ne contenant aucun tube. C'est déjà difficile d'écouter du reggae, alors quand il s'agit d'un projet dont on a rien de particulier à attendre, c'est carrément l'enfer.

Pot has never been my thing. It doesn't agree with me. Neither does Bob Marley. I'm more of a coke person. Don't judge.

Favourite songs- High Tide or Low Tide, Stir it Up

Reggae, ugh

Didn't hate this as much as the other one. Still sounds juvenile and boring as hell. Never want to hear it, or anything like it, again

This is music, so I have to allot one star for that but ... really, "I hate reggae music, I hate it..."

good one

Gran disco. Reggae con buenos músicos, buenas vocales de Bob Marley y solos de guitarra muy buenos. Algunos temas como No More Trouble tienen algo un poco funk en los bajos y teclado, se nota cierta influencia, pero con la cadencia rítmica del reggae.

I only listened to the Jamaican Version. Someone let me know if I should go back and listen to the other half.

Yo maybe reggae is actually really good

Absolutely wonderful. Politically engaged, sharp lyrics accompanied by good music and the soothing voice of Marley. Can't get enough of these songs.

Mi quite irie with this selection on the platform, and even further in the cannon of Marley albums, this one always lands. Great mix of tracks from good ones that have been used and abused over the years to deeper cuts. Those "Legend" tracks that are on every college jukebox really sound better in the album experience. I'm glad I have this one on vinyl, praise be to Jah.

You can't say you like reggae music and not have heard this album and rank it in the top 10 reggae albums of all time. Must listen: Concrete Jungle Slave Driver Stir It Up 5/5

Reggae

My second Marley album, I think I prefer Exodus but fantastic album nonetheless. Just puts you in a good mood, which is especially impressive considering the weight of some of the subjects it deals with. Peter Tosh's tracks on this are excellent too, especially Stop That Train. Accidentally listened to the deluxe edition, which has two disks with different recordings of the same songs in a different order, which is confusing if you're not expecting it.

So great - lyrics, music, vibe. What Reggae means to me.

yet another good album from the king of reggae music, catch a fire gives listeners an all-you-can-listen buffet of reggae tracks for every part of the day. from moving songs about manmade dilemmas, to rastafari history, to some feel-good anthems, to... getting a little frisky? whatever the case may be, bob marley further emphasizes his free spirit and wise words in his music.

A great album!!! I don't know why I got me thinking about why I stopped listening to reggae but this has helped remind me to put it back into my playlist rotation.

Now we're talkin'... Bob is a god among men. "Concrete Jungle" may be one of the coolest songs ever and that's followed by the classic reggae super hit "Stir It Up"! You then roll into "High Tide", "Stop That Train", "400 Years" (with Tosh on vocals) & "Baby We've Got A Date", it's practically a Best Of, not a single weak track. It's so loaded with tracks that anyone who appreciates reggae can attest to, "All Day...", "Kinky Reggae" & "No More Trouble" are all fan favorites that get airplay today and have each been covered by other artists. Bob's message of positivity and fighting for your rights is universal and still brings light to people in need 50 years later. There's a Jamaican version and the US pressing. The US version is a bit more polished and sounds newer, the guitar work is much better as well. If you're streaming you'll see the deluxe version, try that, Disc 2. This is SO deserving of a 1001 spot for it's insane lineup of Mt Rushmore reggae tracks, his influence on reggae & song writing, the radio friendly songs that still get airtime today. It's Top 50 in my book! I listened to this two complete times I was enjoying it so much!

epidemy of reggae

Bob. 5

Cant go wrong

The legend Bob Marley! Here's an artist who has been on my list for a long time. Not that Bob wasn't very familiar to me. Because anyone who never heard Three Little Birds or One Love in the last 5 decades was certainly living in the catacombs where Judas lost his boots. The album contrasts with the mainstream super productions of the time. While hard rock bands were exploring the weight of the most distorted guitars, progressive bands were extracting as much revolutionary sound effects from another world as the studios and technologies of the time could put into their songs, Bob Marley and The Wailers arrived bringing a completely different vibe, with its relaxed grooves, and lyrics that, despite being politicized, also spoke of peace and in fact brought peace to those who listened and listen to this day. Bob Marley is one of those pop culture icons that is hard to believe actually lived on the same planet as us and joins other names like John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and others, in a group of legends that change the history of music and the world.

Listening to this hen it was released must have been a revelation. Growing up, my understating of Bob Marley was mainly based on Legend. When I heard the live album I got a glimpse of him that wasn’t so refined and this album furthered that. After some digging I realized there was a Jamaican version of the album that wasn’t mastered in London and that was the one I listened to. Stir it up feels fresh and new as does Kinky Reggae. Love it.

**Album Review: *Catch a Fire* by Bob Marley & The Wailers** Released in 1973, *Catch a Fire* was the first international album by Bob Marley & The Wailers, marking a pivotal moment in reggae music's global spread. While Marley had already gained significant attention in Jamaica, *Catch a Fire* introduced his music to a wider, international audience. The album blended traditional reggae rhythms with elements of rock, soul, and blues, allowing it to appeal to listeners who might not have been exposed to reggae before. With its powerful lyrics, rich production, and thematic depth, *Catch a Fire* remains one of the most important records in reggae history. This review takes an in-depth look at the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also addressing the strengths and limitations of the project. ### 1. **Lyrics** Bob Marley's songwriting on *Catch a Fire* delivers a deep sense of social consciousness, spirituality, and personal reflection. The album’s lyrical themes draw heavily from Marley's Rastafarian beliefs, political views, and experiences growing up in Jamaica. Marley weaves themes of resistance, unity, and redemption into a series of narratives that not only resonate on a personal level but also speak to broader social and political struggles. **"Concrete Jungle,"** the opening track, is a somber reflection on urban alienation. The lyrics convey a sense of entrapment and disenfranchisement in an industrialized, oppressive environment. Marley's imagery of a "concrete jungle" evokes both the harsh realities of poverty and the psychological toll it takes on those who live within it. Lines like "No chains around my feet, but I'm not free" reflect the systemic forces of oppression that persist even without visible shackles. **"Slave Driver,"** another politically charged song, condemns the legacy of colonialism and slavery. Marley’s voice seethes with righteous anger as he critiques those who continue to exploit the descendants of enslaved Africans: "Every time I hear the crack of a whip, my blood runs cold." Here, Marley draws direct connections between the historical injustices of slavery and the ongoing oppression faced by Black people. The song is a cry for justice and empowerment. **"Stir It Up"** is one of the album's few love songs, offering a brief departure from its heavier themes. Its sensual lyrics and laid-back groove showcase Marley's ability to write intimate, romantic songs while maintaining the soulfulness of reggae. "Stir it up, little darlin', stir it up" is a simple, yet effective refrain that contrasts with the more complex political and social messages on the album. In **"400 Years,"** written by Peter Tosh, the focus returns to the African diaspora’s struggles. Tosh’s lyrical refrain "400 years, and it’s the same philosophy" underscores the long, unbroken line of suffering endured by African-descended people. The song points out how, despite centuries of supposed progress, the forces of oppression remain entrenched. **"Kinky Reggae"** and **"Midnight Ravers"** explore themes of freedom and rebellion, touching on aspects of Rastafarianism, street culture, and resistance. These songs, while lighter in tone than some of the album’s heavier tracks, carry undercurrents of rebellion against societal norms and expectations. Overall, the lyrics of *Catch a Fire* are a major strength. Marley (and Tosh) expertly blend political messages, personal reflections, and spiritual insights, creating songs that resonate both emotionally and intellectually. ### 2. **Music** The music of *Catch a Fire* is rooted in reggae, but it incorporates a range of influences from rock, soul, and blues, which helped make the album accessible to international audiences. The album opens with the melancholy **"Concrete Jungle,"** which features an atmospheric guitar intro by American guitarist Wayne Perkins, who brought a rock influence to the recording. The guitar work throughout the album, notably on tracks like **"Stir It Up"** and **"Slave Driver,"** demonstrates how rock and reggae were successfully fused. Perkins' bluesy, wailing guitar solos added a layer of depth to the otherwise minimalist reggae arrangements. **"Slave Driver"** is a quintessential reggae track, driven by a steady, syncopated rhythm and deep basslines that provide a strong foundation for Marley's impassioned vocal delivery. The interplay between the bass and drums, a hallmark of reggae music, creates a hypnotic groove that feels both urgent and timeless. **"400 Years"** stands out with its slower, meditative tempo. Peter Tosh's vocal delivery and his rhythmic guitar strumming embody the roots of traditional Jamaican music while still appealing to listeners outside Jamaica. Tosh’s contribution to the album is significant in both lyrical and musical terms, as he helps to balance Marley's distinct style with his own. The album’s production features heavy use of organ and clavinet, which add to the richness of the sound. On **"Stir It Up,"** the laid-back rhythm is complemented by subtle keyboard embellishments, giving the song a soulful texture. The rhythm section, led by Aston "Family Man" Barrett on bass and Carlton Barrett on drums, consistently delivers solid, deep grooves that define the sound of the record. Their playing gives the album a steady pulse that is quintessentially reggae, yet layered enough to appeal to non-reggae audiences. Despite the seamless fusion of reggae with other genres, purists might argue that some of the more rock-infused elements detract from the authenticity of the sound. For instance, the electric guitar solos, while impressive, might seem out of place for listeners seeking a more traditional reggae experience. ### 3. **Production** *Catch a Fire* was produced at Island Records in London, and its production quality reflects the desire to reach a global audience. Chris Blackwell, the owner of Island Records and the album’s co-producer, played a key role in shaping the sound to appeal to Western listeners. He emphasized cleaner production techniques, making the album sound more polished than earlier Wailers recordings. One of the most significant production choices was the decision to add guitar solos, keyboard overdubs, and background vocals to tracks that were originally more stripped-down. Blackwell’s vision helped bridge the gap between reggae and rock, making *Catch a Fire* more marketable. His decision to release the album in a Zippo lighter-shaped cover was a marketing move that further reflected the album's international ambitions. The production is sleek, with clear separation of instruments and a focus on Marley's vocals, which are placed front and center in the mix. This clarity allows for Marley's lyrical messages to resonate more strongly. The use of reverb on both the vocals and instruments gives the album a spacious, almost atmospheric feel, adding to the introspective mood of certain tracks like **"Concrete Jungle"** and **"Midnight Ravers."** However, while the polished production helped *Catch a Fire* gain international recognition, some reggae purists argue that the slickness compromised the raw energy of the Wailers’ earlier work. Albums like *African Herbsman* (1971) presented a grittier, more authentic sound, while *Catch a Fire* feels tailored to suit Western tastes. This divide between authenticity and accessibility is a point of contention for some critics. ### 4. **Themes** *Catch a Fire* tackles several key themes: oppression, resistance, and spiritual liberation. Marley’s Rastafarian beliefs, which emphasize a return to African roots, spiritual unity, and rebellion against Babylon (a term used to describe oppressive systems), are central to the album’s thematic core. **Oppression** is the album’s most pervasive theme. Songs like **"Slave Driver"** and **"Concrete Jungle"** vividly depict the hardships faced by marginalized people. Marley doesn’t just offer a critique of material poverty but also speaks to the psychological and emotional toll of systemic injustice. The metaphor of Babylon is central in many of the album's songs, serving as a symbol for colonialism, racism, and the corrupt forces of global capitalism. **Resistance** is another crucial theme. In songs like **"400 Years"** and **"Slave Driver,"** Marley advocates for revolution—not necessarily through violence but through spiritual and cultural awakening. Marley’s brand of resistance is tied to his Rastafarian faith, which sees Jah (God) as the ultimate source of liberation. **Love** and **spiritual unity** also play important roles. Tracks like **"Stir It Up"** and **"Kinky Reggae"** demonstrate Marley's belief in love as a form of resistance and resilience. His view of love is not only romantic but also communal, emphasizing the need for unity among oppressed people. In many ways, the album’s more intimate songs serve as a reminder that even in the face of immense struggle, love is a sustaining force. ### 5. **Influence** *Catch a Fire* had a profound impact on both reggae music and popular culture. It was one of the first reggae albums to receive substantial international attention, bringing Marley and reggae into the global spotlight. The album’s fusion of reggae with rock and soul made it accessible to audiences outside of Jamaica, helping to broaden the genre’s appeal and influence artists in a wide range of musical styles, from punk to hip-hop. The album also solidified Bob Marley’s role as a global spokesperson for the oppressed. His socially conscious lyrics resonated with people worldwide, from African liberation movements to the civil rights struggles in the United States. The spiritual and political messages of *Catch a Fire* helped cement Marley’s reputation as not just a musician but also a revolutionary figure, making him one of the most iconic and influential artists of the 20th century. ### 6. **Pros and Cons** #### **Pros** - **Powerful lyrics** that address political, social, and personal issues, creating a multi-layered listening experience. - **Strong musicianship,** blending reggae with rock, soul, and blues in a way that feels organic and innovative. - **High production quality** that makes the album accessible to a global audience, with clean, polished sound. - **Themes of resistance and spiritual liberation** that resonate across cultures and time periods. - **Influential album** that helped introduce reggae to the world stage, elevating both Marley and the genre. #### **Cons** - **Some loss of authenticity** due to the rock-infused production, which may alienate reggae purists. - **Polished production** could be seen as overproduced, lacking the raw energy of earlier Wailers' records. - The album's attempt to cater to a global audience may have diluted the original sound and intent of some songs. - **Short tracklist** (nine songs) leaves listeners wanting more, though this is more a limitation of the album format at the time than a flaw of the music itself. ### Conclusion *Catch a Fire* remains one of the defining albums of Bob Marley & The Wailers’ career, marking a crucial moment in the internationalization of reggae music. While its polished production and rock influences may divide some listeners, the album’s lyrical power, musical innovation, and thematic depth make it an enduring classic. The balance Marley and the Wailers strike between resistance and unity, oppression and hope, ensures that the album continues to resonate with new generations of listeners. Its impact on global music culture cannot be overstated, and it remains a testament to Marley’s vision and artistry.

The harmony is unbelievable and I don’t think there’s one bad song in this album. 10/10

This is great, it just totally puts you in a relaxed and positive state.

Fabulous album!

5 stars. Absolute classic.

A classic reggae album by Bob Marley and the Wailers, Catch a Fire expose a joyfull rythmic album with the pronounced sound of Jamaica.

Loved this classic album! Has all the awesome groove of an original Bob album plus all the classic message of activism, overcoming oppression and persevering! Loved it!!

Fiery, episodic, realistic

That was wonderful! I like reggae but don't love it. However, the obvious genuine genius of Bob Marley lifted the whole album for me. I can't explain it better than that

All the classic Bob Marley tracks, ahead of its time, Bob is one of the GOATs

It's Bob Marley & The Wailers! Not much more to say! Just amazing! My head was bopping throughout the whole album! The lyrics are great, the music is fantastic as are singing! Great rebel/protest songs Fantastic album!

Absolute gem. Essential listening.

Classic

Love Bob Marley. Great ALbum. Underappreciated album.

Deep, melancholic and relaxing

Sublime.

Super chill music. The rhythm automatically makes your legs bounce to the beat.

Yea more Bob please

Excellent music.

The king of a genre

Pretty sure this is my favourite Wailers album, including all the stuff the members put out individually afterwards. This just hits so hard, every track is great. I don't think Marley himself came even close to this again until Exodus, and this is still better than Exodus.

I love Bob Marley and the Wailers so much! This album had a few songs I hadn't heard before, which tells me I need to stop just listening to anthologies and essentials lists.

Chris Blackwell is a sly fox. When the Island records boss signed (Bob Marley &) The Wailers, he knew he had gotten his hand on a Jamaican phenomenon, just as the world was slowly starting to discover the music from this former British colony. Even shrewder than that, he made the astute move have the band record *Catch A Fire* while they were still in England (a way for them to pay the ticket back home with the advance they got for the recording of the album). And after the first sessions, he had a few cuts tweaked so as to add discreet yet pivotal rock flavours in the instrumentation. The end result was, simply put, a timeless record, both authentic to the bone and yet palatable to the wide world outside of the Carribean island. With a stellar sound to boot. Of course, Bob Marley was about to become a "legend", with most of his subsequent albums displaying its string of iconic reggae cuts as they integrated different sorts contemporary sounds (always very subtle additions) while never losing the mandatory "roots" feeling in the picture. But that conquest of the planet started here, in tandem with other promising figures in that genre, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. To this day, this is probably one of the most fascinating reggae records, with lush instrumentation, all sorts of fascinating guitar or organ licks, and a rebellious spirit that would be explored further in Marley's other masterpieces *Burnin'* or *Exodus*. "Concrete Jungle" is a perfect opener, thanks to its smart chord changes. Wayne Perkins's slide guitar arrangements on "Baby We've Got A Date" bring unexpected Hawaian or Country-like colors to the song. "Slave Driver", "Kinky Reggae", "No More Trouble" and "Midnight Ravers" are excellent cuts as well. All those tracks might not be the most famous songs written by Marley but they're certainly among his very best. "Stir It Up" , introduced by a phasing effect immediately sending you to reggae heavens, is both a world-famous hit and an excellent track, though. And Peter Tosh's "400 Years" and "Stop That Train" are topical jewels. The incredible clavinet arrangement on the first, along with the soulful vocals backed up by those airy guitar lines on the second, makes those cuts musical gems as well. Finally, the Zippo lighter design of the original release is, simply put, a genius idea. 5/5. Number of albums left to review: 152 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 366 (including this one). Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 214 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 272

I like it! Very chill and I will likely listen to more from them.

Is there even anything to say, it's just a masterpiece.

Sheer pleasure! 10/5

top tier reggae, one of the few actually worth listening to. Excellent musically, lyrically relevant and i mean its Bob Marley, how many people can name another Reggae artist?

Introduced to reggae music by this album. A life time of music pleasure followed.

Very-very good!

5 doobies.

Another 5-star reggae masterpiece

This was my first experience with both Reggae and Bob Marley. A very groovy album the whole way through. The calm nature was delightful and the message of needing to overcome and love was appreciated overall a great album, and will be listening to more soon.

Wonderful reggae

After a disappointing tour of the UK in 1972, Bob Marley and his band were broke and didn’t even have enough for the air fare back home to Jamaica. Chris Blackwell of Island Records advanced them £4000 which got them their tickets and enough left over to put this record together in a decent studio. The result is one of the greatest reggae records of all time, mixing songs about slavery and oppression with gloriously blissed out love songs. Simply gorgeous!

It's overplayed, but a true classic nonetheless.

One of my favorite Bob Marley albums. Several classics!

I've lived this album for a long time. Stop That Train may be my favorite Wailers song ever.

Definitely caught a 🔥 on this one. 4.5!

A damn good album, it was nice hearing so many songs that I didn’t know by him. True legend.

🔥🔥🔥

I never thought I liked Bob Marley, but I stand corrected. I really enjoyed this one.

A lot to say about this classic, but I will focus on the rhythm section: Aston "Family Man" Barrett and his brother Carlton on drums. Their minimalist grooves are unreal. I would be mesmerized by this record even if Bob Marley and Peter Tosh had nothing to do with it. Suggest focusing on the bass and drums next time this music comes on. It might sound simple, but actually leaving a lot of space in the music like they do is incredibly hard and requires an amazing sense of time. My only complaint is that the Spotify uses the censored version of the album cover. Kinda off brand for rebel music like this!

II have said now probably in as many reviews as I have done here, that I have a wildly eclectiic music taste, and while I do have my go to favorites, I can listen (and enjoy) most genres. Reggae is no different, although it does that thing that specific genres do to me naturally, and make me visualize a scene where I might be listening live, or simply place me in a kind of narrative I connect with the music. Reggae and especially Bob Marley's style, smooth and mature, make me want to chill out and walk barefoot in a tropical forest, just off the beach and sit around getting high with a few like minded strangers that become forever friends wiithout a thought about it. And that is a really nice thought I think...

I only know reggae by way of Bob Marley, but it's so good.

Honestly was not expecting to like a Bob Marley album where I was unfamiliar with any of the songs before as much as I like this. Best reggae album I've ever heard, probably need to listen to him more. Fav tracks: Concrete Jungle, 400 Years, Stop that Train

Wonderful

Fantastic album, not one weak track on it. It has a raw sound that I absolutely love. It made me want to roll one up and spark it, but it's been too long since I last did that and I'd probably kill myself doing that!