Catch A Fire

One of my favorite Bob Marley albums. Several classics!

Where Bob Marley and the Wailers stopped being a Jamaican phenomenon and started becoming a global force. It’s the first reggae album packaged like a Led Zeppelin record. Raw roots, Western rock sheen, and Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer still in full force.

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!

Not a lot to be said to be quite honest😂 I will never be able to give a Bob Marley album less than a 5.

Absolute reggae classic with themes that are still relevant today

Amazing album and extremely influential. I love the songs that I already know and the songs that I didn’t know very well. This is just terrific music 5/5.

Anger, rage, sadness, happiness, love, this one has it all. Bob Marley & The Wailers include funk and soul in their sound but this album even has rock and gospel. It’s a phenomenal reggae masterpiece.

As good as reggae gets. Some of his darker material on this album which in my opinion is his best.

So good. You forget he's so much more than the overplayed tunes sometimes. At least I do. Subtle and direct. Not just stoner music but i was high when it was on

Such an easy 5 bag, I like it more than exodus, just slightly less than Kaya

NOICE

Album Nr. 75 Bob Marley - muss man einfach gehört haben.

Loved

Masterful!

Great reggae

No notes. I have heard many of these songs on other albums but 1st listen to this album. Obviously this man and band is Legend.

A vintage classic, I feel like I’m listening to the imax 70mm version of a 35mm print from 1973. I bet this was felt like a classic from the beginning of the first song back in 73’

Had not heard any other album than Exodus. In my opinion, even outside the hits on this one, this is a far superior album. The music is dense and flowing while still melodic. Less of a spectacle and more soulful. Loved it.

I've never quite got Bob Marley, but I think I do now. This album is just so immaculately consistent. Nothing about it particularly stands out, but there's nothing bad about it either. It just is. It exists to function and functions to exist. But somehow brilliantly so.

This album exemplifies that Bob Marley is more than just a reggae musician. This really feels like reggae/soul. Some of his albums are more reggae/funk. Either way this one is a solid throughout, packed with excellent vocals and songwriting. Probably my second favorite reggae album after Uprising which didn’t make the list for some reason

"Catch a Fire" is the fifth album by Jamaican reggae band the Wailers (aka Bob Marley and the Wailers). It was their first album on Island and was produced by Bob Marley and Chris Blackwell. A majority of the lyrics deal with political injustice towards Blacks and poverty. Besides Marley (guitar, vocals), the Wailers include Peter Tosh (organ, guitar, piano, vocals), Bunny Wailer (bongos, conga, vocals), Aston "Family Man" Barrett (bass), Carlton "Carlie" Barnett (drums) and Rita Marley and Marcia Griffith on backing vocals. Producer Chris Blackwell also used a number of other musicians including some on the overdubs. Commercially, the album hit #171 on the US Billboard Top 200. Critically, the album is considered one of the best reggae albums of all time. A plodding guitar and organ open "Concrete Jungle." The reggae beat kicks in. Some great guitar overdubs especially the solo by Wayne Perkins. The concrete jungle is an area in Kingston where Marley is stuck in the song. Peter Tosh wrote and sung two songs on this album (Marley the rest) including "400 Years." The speed is slowed up and there is a haunting vibe. Backing vocals repeating 400 years. It's the time that his people has spent in slavery both physical and mental. Tosh takes the lead again on "Stop That Train." The organ gives this soul. A sad song since I think he's talking about contemplating suicide. The scratching and strumming guitar start their hit "Stir It Up." There's a fantastic swirling background sound which I think is guitar (but could be a synth). Anyway, a great song with musical layers and it's, of course, easy going. Marley is pretty straight-forward with lyrics here as he's going to stir it up with his woman. The sensuality gets kicked up a notch in "Kinky Reggae." A gentler reggae beat and the great female backing vocals. Marley is in kinky reggae town. What's he looking for or at? Drugs, sex, poverty? This is a fabulous album. It's achingly beautiful with some of the song's lyrics about poverty and slavery. The music and production are great; you have the base reggae beat and groove and then there's layers of instrumentation beneath that. Not a bad song here and an album everyone needs a listen to.

70's reggae from the king of the genre. An early album with the whole Wailers crew before Tosh and others went to do their own thing. Very high quality musicianship across the board -- the guitars, rhythm section and harmonies are all super tight -- every number is interesting with just the right amount of ska beat. Stir It Up and (to a lesser extent) Concrete Jungle are the highlight tracks on this record but it's top notch all the way through. Every track has that feel-good rhythm, even when the lyrics are addressing serious issues (which is often). High Tide or Low Tide, 400 Years, Stop That Train, Kinky Reggae are all excellent. Not the best known Marley songs but absolutely worth listening to... repeatedly.

Outstanding. This music tends to all sound similar, but like country music it’s the message in the lyrics. No one was better than Bob Marley.

Ready for the beach?

Good solid reggae. Doesn’t include some of the bigger hits that we’ve been inundated with over the years and is better for it. More collaborative and free.

We are jammin- ok that song may not be on this album, but Bob Marley’s vocals and immense song writing skill are on full display.

Awesome

Can't argue with the love of Bob. I don't know this album but I'm won over. This is going into the essential collection for when everyone needs to calm down.

Marley belongs in the top five artists of all time. Everything he did was amazing and timeless. This record is fantastic.

I mean classic man. Will never not hit. Island and weed vibes fosho

💫

Such a smooth record that truly melds together. The songs are great and you can’t beat the grooves here. The kind of album you put on and let play from the top

Das Original! Reggae at its best!

Absolutely wonderful record!

BOB MARLEY LETS GOOO, this is gonna be another biased review for obvious reasons (im so fked rn) 1- i love it so chill 2- amazing okay im on song three but i already knwo this album is gonna be good so immediately 5 stars im gonan chill to this now and mlfoat

THIS WAS SO FUCKING GOOD i need to listen to this while driving to the beach in the summer saved: slave driver stop that train baby we've got a date stir it up high tide or low tide all day all night was going to give this album a 4 before getting to the last 2

Classic songs among the many spawned by Bob and crew.

Classic! Superb album

Terrific album. He died far too young.

Great album, great songs and great mix. Blueprint for how it should be done. Incredible bass. 5

THIS WAS SO GOOD. Didn’t know bob Marley has so many bangers. Loved everything. This is the stuff I heard in Portugal!!

If there is ever a definitive Bob Marley & the Wailers album, it's this one. Regardless of which version is preferred (the intended Jamaican version or the international release), one can get into it and come away from it knowing that what was listened to is a classic in not just reggae but in all forms of music. In terms of getting the group, and Bob, over to a international market and interminable recognition and lionization, I guess it can best be said that it really did catch fire.

Absolutely fantastic. Loved every song.

You can give me a Marley and the Wailers Album every single day to move my world. Great choice, great album.

enjoyed this! liked how boppy it was.

It really is one after another. Over before you know it. No contrarianism here. Just respect that is due.

Wish I could have spent more time through the years with their music. I did when I lived on the island and one or two other times

Great reggae that helped make Marley and his crew icons.

Iconic and deservedly so.

Amazing record

BIG UP A TOUS LES MASSIVES

Ja gewoon goed. Dit album is niet t album wat je opnoemt als je bob marley zegt, toch lekker genoten

Ochtend in trein met een boek. Chill

Elk nummer genieten

This Marley album is much better than the ones that have been wafting (along with smoke) out of college dorm rooms for the last 50 years.

I really enjoy Bob Marley, and this album was no exception. Great work as expected.

Feels disrespectful to do any less than 5 stars for Bob Marley. I've always felt kind of weird listening to him though, since I've mostly heard him at beach parties and in a freaking resort in Jamaica but lyrically it can be so heartbreaking and touching that I want to smash the speakers and tell everyone that this isn't a cute jam for white people to smoke weed to ok I'll shut up now

epic album so chill, will listen again for sure love the vocals, love the producing, love the grooves

10/10 reggae album that I will listen to till I die

Genres shift and change. Bluegrass slid into country & western, and that morphed into nu country, etc. In each of these major groupings, there are a few artists you can point to and say, "Yeah, this *is* that genre." Bob Marley is Reggae.

hell yeah man

Love this album, fantastic calming songs to put on when you are hanging out or trying to get some work done

9/10

Erstes vorgeschlagenes Album - wie angenehm sich das anfühlt. Entlastung! Auch durch, vorallem durch, dank des Sounds. Mega schön und smooth - kann nicht sagen, worin genau der Unterschied liegt zu den (wenigen) Reggaestücken, die ich sonst ab und zu höre, das hier hat aber eine ganz andere Qualität. Befreiend, irgendwie. Bei High Tide or Low Tide kommen mit die Tränen, während ich in der Küche stehe und darauf warte, dass das Wasser für meine Tortellini kocht

I recognize a few of the sounds. its calming

Goat reggae mon

9/10

Bob Marley is always a 5

Words cannot describe my love for Bob. Every time I listen to a new song, I am shocked that I have not heard it before. Catch a Fire is a prime example of this exact phenomenon; with only a couple of uber-famous tracks, the remaining songs on the album are left to provide the actual integrity. Thankfully, the structure they provide is lightyears ahead of whatever they built the north tower with.

Very chill

I simply believe it is perfect. The way I see a 5/5 album is even if you’re not a fan of the genre you could throw this absolute masterpiece on and just chill like it was meant to be listened to. Rest in piece to the king.

A great album that keeps grooving through even the most hard hitting songs. There were no duds for me, just a wonderfully crafted, cohesive gem.

5/5

great simple music

Every song on here is a classic. Great album.

Best so far

Love classic Marley

What an album, what an artist… A timeless classic that marked the group's transition from local Jamaican popularity to international acclaim and remains a cornerstone of reggae music, delivering a message of hope and unity while featuring the signature rhythms that define the genre

The vibes are immaculate

Bob Marley is the best, always a 5, forever

I never thought Reggae was actually this good, and magical. My heart rate slowed down, all my problems went away, and I am in awe of this music

Favourites are Slave Driver, Stop That Train, Kinky Reggae & No More Trouble.

classic

Classic Marley.

w music

This one is all about the Wailers. The ensemble performance on Catch a Fire is perfect and the production/arrangement is amazing. There's so much space within each of the songs, making room for a big band and massive range of instruments who each add something to building up the texture, rhythm, and harmony on each track but never sounds cluttered or overly busy. The root of this is the sparse but bedrock bass that leaves tons of room within its melodic phrasing and big hits on the 2 & 4. This lulls you almost hypnotically while the other parts float around. The clavinet sound throughout is really distinctive, adding funky synchopated counter-melodies and melding in with the edge-of-break up guitar chord stabs. The dirty slide guitar brings an ethereal country sound to Baby We've Got a Date and the wah-wah guitar gives Stir It Up's chill groove a psychadelic edge - both of these are Wayne Perkins overdubs. The reverby guitar parts on Kinky Reggae give it a dub sound as it fades out. Obviously Bob Marley is the star vocalist and his performance on all these is at once richly emotive and smoothly controlled. Peter Tosh brings his own unique, edgier, angrier, delivery and tone to his songs. The the backing singers perfectly occupy the space between the organ and the lead vocal, doubling the downbeats and doubling down on the lyrics. None of the songs on here are as burned out as the mega-hits from Legend so this feels fresher to dig back into. All bangers, but favorites: Concrete Jungle, 400 years, Stir It Up, Midnight Ravers

Great album from a great band

i love Bob

Great album. Favorite songs are Stir it Up, 400yrs, Stop that train.

Such a vibe. There are others I like more but enjoyed it

Classic record. Very familiar with all of these tunes, as there are several live recordings that circulate from this era that were recorded off FM radio. Excellent stuff!

Absolute masterpiece of Roots Reggae. Everything down to the Zippo album cover. Perfect mix of political songs and love songs. Every member of the band here is on point. The Wailers are not the one man show that people may believe.

Theres just something about Marley's voice and jams that can make my day better.

Genius

Classic. Nothing better than a bit of reggae.

Classic reggae good stuff

Own on Vinyl

It's almost impossible not to tap your foot along to this. I love the bass. I absolutely love the clipped, zero reverb guitars. Bob Marley and the Wailers may not be the best ever example of reggae, but they sure are the most popular, and that helps bring people to the genre.

Great listening. Lots of layers give each track a rich, full sound. So much better listening to a full bob Marley album than all the singles.

Can’t beat the vibes on this one.

Bob Marley & the Wailer's major label debut belongs on this list if only for the fact that it helped introduce reggae to the world. The songs here (especially Bob Marley's) touch upon racial injustice and poverty (themes Marley would return to often). Peter Tosh's contributions are significant as well. A classic.

Undeniable genius on wax. Pure joy. Loved this.

Bob Marley siempre es grandioso

Chill and relaxing

I thought I disliked reggae until I heard this. It's wonderful. Such chill music and great lyrics.

really fun album!! never listened to bob marley very much except from his hits but this was amazing

A real classic. Lovely for a slow afternoon/evening ;)

no need to listen. excelsius . roots rock reggae

Really funky album, my first foray into reggae. Loved it!

Very nice album, beautiful music

Truly great stuff

Five stars

so good

Best listened to in a dark room.

This made me happy.

Stir It Up - song pantheon everything else is also mastery

I was going to give this a lower score because it just feels so basic and simple, but the fact is every song was soothing and enjoyable despite hitting on some very heavy topics. Only knock is that it starts to sound a little same-y after a while. 4.5 stars.

catch a fairaa

Great album. Just perfect as an example of raggae.

Classic! Love Bob Marley. Concrete Jungle, Slave Driver, Stir It Up, kinky Reggae, no more trouble. The list is endless.

The tenderness in his music is so stark

Beautiful album. All of the songs are so good. Reggae has a tendency of reminding me of my childhood and putting me in a good mood. My dad would take me to work with him and sometimes reggae songs would play. Specifically Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Gregory Isaacs etc.

Awesome album

These are GORGEOUS, especially "No More Trouble" and "400 Years"!! The lyrics/melodies are soulful yet foreboding, and the Jamaican rhythms remind me of sunnier days...

A classic. Can't wait to hear it again

Excellent

Bob Marley goes hard. Some of these are really good others are mid.

Just supremely chilled and groovy. I was surprised to find this was as late as Bob Marley's fifth album - other than Stir it Up, I didn't recognise any of the tracks. But Bob Marley does what Bob Marley is best at, making awesome reggae

Another first listen to a Bob album. Another 5*s for a Bob album

Album is solid, with a number of standouts. "Stir it Up" is a top 2 Bob Marley & The Wailers song.

Peter Tosh's songs stand out along with "High Tide Or Low Tide" on the expanded version.

I love it! short and beautiful - except for the obvious, I especially enjoyed the guitar playing throughout the album, with interesting chord progressions. Will definitely play this one more often. 4.5/5

WOOOOOOO

Top tier stuff

Un disco increible, como todos los que grabó Marley, sin dudas hay que escucharlo antes de morir!

Bob Marley, nothing else to say. Legend

Me gusta mucho el reggae y Bob Marley es una leyenda por una razón.

Solid Bob album - maybe his best

打开了新的领域

Super chill. Not boring.

Great classic reggae from Bob Marley and the Wailers. Every track is a great example of reggae.

First 5 star, great listen

База

I'd never listened to a Bob Marley album, and I'm glad my first was this one. What a glorious, gorgeous record. I'm going to play it every morning of my vacation next week. Added with pleasure.

Bob Marley is love

Marley/the Wailers have better albums, but this is still a great collection. Musically it's just so rich and soulful. The mixture of the personal and the political is always interesting in the band's work. They always give you food for thought, delivered so sweetly. Although I prefer political Marley to love songs Marley,, "Stir It Up" is just one of the loveliest songs I've ever heard. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite, "released album"): No More Trouble, Midnight Ravers, Stir It Up, Kinky Reggae, Concrete Jungle, Slave Driver, 400 Years, Stop That Train, Baby We've Got a Date (Rock It Baby)

Классика жанра. Ямайская версия альбома просто супер!

As good a reggae record as I've ever heard. The Tosh songs are faves among almost uniformly excellent tracks. Nothing not to like here.

this album is too good to rate Bob Marley has gotta be on of my favorite musicians and listening to the deluxe version of this amazing album should make him one of your favorites too I actually enjoyed the jamaican versions more than the originals with my favorite probably being No More Trouble (Jamaican Version) like they really just made a song (an album, really) that slaps as hard as modern hip-hop way back in the early 70’s

Though my favorite Wailers album is probably "African Herbsman," this and "Burnin'" are really well recorded and have such a rich and spacious sound. An incredibly talented group. I only wish they could've lasted longer together. The Beatles of Reggae.

Essential.

My favorite Bob Marley and the Wailers album.

Excellent reggae classic.

Bob Marley feels like home.

Lendário demais

Amazing album. Reggae by the master.

Good stuff. Jsuis pas fan de reggae, d'ailleurs je préfère sa période "rock steady" encore avant 1974, mais ça passe crême.

Great vibe music

Absolutely iconichill

Classic album. Great songs -goes way beyond its genre and probably one of the best albums ever made.

Oooohh. Ótima pedida!!!

very pretty and cool

Love it….saw him live 1979 Honolulu(got pics)…just great feel good music with a message..

When it comes to reggae, you can't be Bob Marley. Right from the first notes to the end of the album this record rocks. The bass lines and rhythms are infectious and the guitar solos have real feeling, as does the singing. This album also has Peter Tosh, another great talent who died too young.

Very fun to listen to this while getting ready for a New Year's Celebration. It's somehow both upbeat and relaxing. Stir It Up will always be one of my favorite songs of all time.

This is our Hogmanay listening! I really enjoyed this and have added it to my playlist. I can’t believe I’ve never listened to it before.

All time great!

Un dels millors discos de reggae de la història. He escoltat la versió jamaïcana, no la més comercial publicada el seu dia. Té un toc més chill, més laidback que encara fa més justícia a les cançons. De tant escoltar-les algunes han perdut una petita part de la seva força, i fer-ho un 27 de desembre (2021) sembla contradir l'esperit del disc, però encara en aquestes condicions continua sent un 5 estrelles

Good album

Fire

An absolute classic album. Defines reggae for me. 4.75 🌟

High tide or low tide was always one of my favorites.

Loved it!

Concrete Jungle and Stop That Train are solid Bob hits, even if they arent the cultural juggernaut that some of his other songs are. Stir It Up is in that pantheon of greatest grooves ever conceived. Midnight Ravers kicks ass.

пушка

- surprising variety of beat / melody - genuinely making me smile - lots of solid songs, this one is going into the rotation

Timeless

Great album. I don't listen to a lot of reggae, but I could definitely appreciate this one.

cool

Best one yet.

Amazing reggae album. Bob Marley is a legend, no doubt.

Love Bob. Good music for cruising or hanging out on the beach. High Tide or Low Tide is probably my favorite.

muito show of ball amigao

Ya Mon

Loved this. Listened twice in the sun. So much vibes.

Excellent album. Not sure if it's the best Bob Marley album. If it isn't, I'll give that album 5 stars too. 9/10

So many classic songs on one album. And then you think of all the ones that aren't on it.

Mellow and easy to listen to

Fantastically classic. Bob and Pete have incredible songwriting synergy. Very great.

Me ha encantado, con ritmo y tranquilas para trabajar.

One of my all time favorites

One of my personal favorite albums of all time. Can’t wait to re listen.

Classic. Always love to listen to Marley

Better than the colonizers want you to know.

love it - the production is so clear and songs are so upbeat and stirring.

Fire Album

a classic

mama mia

I liked this album a lot, surprisingly. The music itself sounded so rich and beautiful. I found it easy to relate and empathize with what they were talking about. All around just a really chill yet moving album.

I loved this. I love Bob Marley and the Wailers. This is a classic. Something I will listen to again.

Not the first Bob Marley album I've gotten on here, but definitely my favorite so far. I didn't dislike any of them, but this is the first that's clicked for me. Maybe its the bass.

There are no songs on this album that I skip. It's definitely a vibe that you need to slow down for and surrender to, which is hard for me to do in this day and age. The songs take me somewhere and I appreciate that; I'm not thinking about the songs, I'm thinking about where they take me. Amazing.

Perfect summer soundtrack….

A surprisingly very good LP from this reggae master. Strong songs with Stir It Up, 400 years, Kinky Reggae and the bonus track Low Tide High Tide.

Maybe one miss on this thing

Going into this, I hadn't heard any reggae that I liked and the Bob Marley that I had heard in particular I found to be really annoying (especially the saccharineness of the peace and love lyrics). I did quite like this album though and I think it helped me get the appeal of reggae, the musicianship was tight and it was lyrically good too. I might have to listen to more reggae and I am glad that this list pushed me into that direction

It's a hundred degrees in Chicago, I'm heading to the lake, and this hits

I’m not really a big fan of rasta music in general, but this album genuinely shook me. It’s so damn good. While listening I felt this dark, revolutionary energy mixed with something deeply encouraging and hopeful. The album makes you think — it pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Especially the first half is incredibly strong, with that perfect balance of smooth grooves and serious message. The whole record has this raw yet polished roots reggae sound that feels urgent and timeless. Even though I usually don’t reach for this style, Catch a Fire is on another level. It carries real weight and emotion from start to finish. Bob and the Wailers were clearly onto something special here. One of those rare albums that can convert someone who isn’t even into the genre.

I am not a big Bob Marley fan. I tried to get into it, listened to all the songs and my brother also gave his best by listening to him in the room next to mine for years. A lot of it feels too repetitive and similar. On the other hand, I cannot deny that this is really warm and comforting while talking about important topics.

A classic from Bob Marley. Enjoyable to listen to every time.

Bob Marley albums are always good. This definitely isn’t my favorite, although Stir It Up is one of my favorite songs by The Wailers. Overall a really good album.

Didn't think i'd like it but i did!

a classic jammer, defs good to listen to doing anything

Good reggae

Very chill, not my personal cup of tea but great production for the time and clever instrumentation and well complementing vocals. Needless to say, it has piqued my interest and. Im done (lol Im an edge lord) this is kind of a public journal type thing, anyway very enjoyable and agreeable noise.

Amazing album again. Love him!

Tolles Album mit ein paar Klassikern von Bob Marley, schöne Abwechslung zu dem ganzen Dreck der hier zuletzt random reingespült wurde

This is a great album.

Cool, assured, classy

Lovely

God, feels like I had to hear every other reggae album on the list before I finally got to Marley. And wouldn't you know it, this is my favorite reggae album so far. I love the use of harmonies, the real rich warmth to the music itself (bass tone on this is glorious)...this is what I should've heard to start my path into reggae, not whatever this generator threw at me first.

Premier album de reggae, très très sympa

A good album representing the reggae rock sound of Marley & The Wailers. Stir It Up is the classic here, encapsulating a sound that is laid back, but still showing lyrical seriousness. It perhaps didn’t grab me as much as I was expecting, but still enough for 4*.

A very enjoyable collection of songs. The first two tracks ‘Concrete Jungle’ and ‘Slave Driver’ are probably the best tracks, though ‘Stir It Up’ with its atmospheric keyboards represents a nice change of pace.

Not my favourite Wailers album, but a fine example of their output prior to becoming a purely Marley-centric affair. Peter Tosh’s two songs (‘400 Years’ and ‘Stop That Train’) are certainly the equal of Marley’s offerings. Of those, ‘Concrete Jungle’, ‘Slave Driver’, ‘No More Trouble’ and ‘Stir It Up’ are the best, with the latter my overall favourite. The titles sum up the album’s lyrical themes: a mix of political and more love/sex-based songs. Instrumentally, the rhythm section is the highlight as expected, but there’s also some great keys/synths and guitar work throughout. Just enough for 4 stars.

Goated - Bob Marley has such a distinct and versatile discography, and this project falls nothing short of great. This project has a more matured sound as this was pretty late into his career, but it still manages to sound new and unique Best song - stir it up

Not the same caliber as Exodus but still an album filled with amazing songs. Very nostalgic.

I really like the soft vibe from the álbum, and i also like reggae sooo im a little suspect for saying its pretty good.

4/5 Very laid back listen.

This list is teaching me that I have to be in the mood for a full reggae album, which only makes sense as its vibe is so distinct. And in the mood I've been for the last two albums I've received, namely "Natty Dread" and now "Catch a Fire" by Bob Marley & The Wailers. Apparently they were originally just plain Wailers at this point. Peter Tosh is lead vocalist on 2nd and 3rd tracks (inlcuding the quasi-famous "Stop That Train.") I'm giving this a 4, just as I did with "Natty Dread" which came out a year later than this. "Natty" is probably just a tad stronger. But more knowledgable fans of the genre can be the judge. Suggestion: Listen on a laid back Saturday.

Dude, it’s Bob Merley. How could it be anything else but the right vibe? His live album was the first record I ever bought. Seen the documentary, the movie. I love Bob. His music, his image, his movement. Just a chill dude trying to do right by people. I haven’t listened to every album top to bottom, but I might. It’s just anytime he comes on, my shoulders relax a little bit, and I don’t worry bout a ting. This album was lovely, some really good picks, will be repeated and possibly end up in my crate. No notes.

pinnacle of music bro

Great album!

perfect for chill summer evenings. good performance. liked id and will listen again:)

Cannot say I am a fan of the double album. Not really sure I need two versions of the same song. I mean if I am doing a deep dive, absolutely, but in terms of albums that are great AS albums: yeah, no. I Am a big fan of Bob, but even roots reggae gets fatiguing at over an hour. 4 Boolean: yes, I do suppose so

Such a great b side. Great groove. Brilliant set of rhythmic musicians locked in. Slightly sleepier for me on the first side, but the second half is absolutely brilliant

Thoroughly liked this. Great lyrics and music.

Enjoyed this. I'd listen again.

Another Bob Marley another great jam session definitely an upgrade from his previous album on his list When you listen to a Bob Marley album kind of rejuvenate your soul man forces you to slow down and think that’s why I appreciate about his music. Definitely coming back to the album one song away from being a perfect five star who knows maybe that last song will grow on me and I will change this rating to a five star album but right now we’re gonna stick it with a four damn good album good job, Bob and the waiters

Not the biggest reggae guy but it always plays and has a very high floor. This of course is no different.

About as good as Exodus, which was released a few years later. Some definite weaknesses – especially compared to the best of the juggernaut year of 1973 – but pretty enjoyable nonetheless. Concrete Jungle acts as an excellent first track, presenting the very best the reggae genre has to offer. The massively over-repeated guitar pattern saturating the genre to no end, a fat, groovy bassline, a laid-back, meandering vocal line... Here's hoping, though, that Marley can offer more than just this. A couple tracks later: 400 Years is pretty cool. Makes it statement in a short, sweet 165 seconds. And those backing vocals stand out nicely. In modern music, even modern reggae, you don't hear too many secondary voices that repeat the main lyric a few beats later. This sort of style hearkens back to the 60s and 70s. Still a little underwhelming for the 1970s – when I think of that decade, I think of stimulants, of electrifying guitar solos and explosive drums and studio experimentation. In comparison, Catch A Fire feels like it doesn't take many risks. Stop That Train and Baby We've Got A Date (Rock It Baby) both take absolutely zero risks, so they're a little unsatisfying to listen to. The latter has a nice hook though (as I hear it, "rocket baby, rocket baby, toniiiightt"). Stir It Up is a solid mid-album track – I completely understand why it's the single – though again it doesn't take musical risks. Like, at all. The most interesting thing it does is include a spacey synth that does a sort of melodic back-and-forth with the wah-wah guitar. (Also, this group doesn't know how to pronounce "stir". The hook sounds like "Syria".) Then we have Kinky Reggae and Stir Up Trouble, two solid, straightforward tunes with decent guitar lines. Midnight Ravers is another forgettable track on paper. The texture is busy with percussive rhythms and organs and interacting vocals... but it's missing a creative spark for me. What a darn relief it is to have a tonal switch-up in High Tide Or Low Tide. A ballad, Beatlesque backing vocals, and something (anything!) other than reggae. Whew. All Day All Night is somewhere between. Again those backing vocals and chord choices work absolute wonders. 4/5 Key tracks: Concrete Jungle, Stir It Up, High Tide Or Low Tide

Haven't heard most of these. Was pleasant. 3.6/5

Nice to listen to a full album and not just the greatest hits. Some known bangers and some new ones

8/10 Kinky Reggae

me name bob

i can see how marleys reggae stands out, with some songs adding new textures. really enjoyed this one

Really enjoyed this one. TOP Songs: Stop That Train, 400 Years, Midnight Ravers

I can see why people like this. It's not anything that I could listen to repeatedly and get a lot out of it, but it is iconic sounding. For sure.

Essential, of course. The title track and “Stir It Up” are swoon-worthy.

El bob muy cool

Chill de cojones Las letras merecen más atención Get up stand up será siempre mi canción favorita de este álbum.

Great easy listening for me. Listened to it a few times through. Perfect concentration music for me.

i liked some of the songs, overaal it was good but i dont think taht i will listen it on loop more like i need to be specific mood

I'm not generally a reggae guy, but this album was a very nice listen for me. There's a real feeling of relaxation that comes from listening to Bob Marley sing and the instrumentation on these songs. I still don't think I'm too big on reggae but this was very pleasant for what it was.

I'm always up for some Bob Marley! Chill, thoughtful lyrics, over an uplifting reggae beat. Looking forward to more albums as my education was limited to the Legend Best Of so far.

great, soothing, heartwarming, lovely dependable Bob Marley

Favorite track: No More Trouble

There's not much to say here. Very familiar with everything on here, even if I'm not sure I ever listened to this exact record. I wouldn't say I love every song on here, but it's still just so good.

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes YES thank you. 4.0/5.0 Best Song: Stir It Up

A lovely listen, a lot of fun. He really was a cut above from everyone else. You could just listen to this all day. Best Track: Stir it up

Another artist who I only really knew as a symbol, so it's nice to see that there's a reason he's so iconic. Rock solid album, some really excellent tracks. Fav track: 400 Years

Je crois que l’algorithme savait que j’étais avec mon père ce wk

Pretty chill album, nice experience.

A strong 4. I love this older, more grainy era Marley. The songs are all fantastic and district, while displaying all the reggae trademarks. It’s the classic reggae sound with Marley’s exceptional songwriting added.

I think it's definitely a "mood" LP, elevated by excellent vocal production and lyrics.

Such an easy listen.

Not a big reggae fan, however this surprised. Only ever heard the greatest hits. This was decent and will get played again.

Reggae classic. Social commentary with happy background

Mellow and sweet

Love the message. Not a huge fan of reggae. But it’s good.

Love that bass

This is the third Bob Marley entry on the list - the list maker must be a fan. I listened to the original release (nine tracks). Johnny Nash covered “Stir it Up” in 1972 and his version hit the top ten. This album is better than the earlier Marley albums - each instrument is distinct and the music is tight. A good reggae record and good enough for four stars.

We all know this is very much my speed. Not my fave Bob Marley but was delightful for my morning walk (Stir It Up is #1 for me)

Veľmi dobrá muzika

Hab das Album so zu Teilen gehört, find's echt gut

está bueno, pero no es mi estilo

good, chill and vibe

La mejor vibra, clásico. Genero que disfruto mucho y los mejores en lo suyo. Buen álbum.

Сара 4,5 Марко 5

Enjoyed this way more than the hits-laden album of theirs that's on this list.

I really like this - hadn't listened to much marley before. Great feel, like the lyrics a lot too.

I wasn't familiar with this particular album, but I know the majority of the tunes. Marley and band were such good musicians, songwriters, singers. Love this so much.

i den rigtige setting er det simpelthen genialt, men uden sol og strand falmer det lidt. Holder bestemt stadig og altid bonuspoint for at lave et album med noget på hjerte

I really can't complain about a Bob Marley album to kick off the weekend. I was only fully aware of Stir It Up before this listen, but so much of it is fantastic. Bob will always have a special place in my heart.

Went into it thinking I wouldn’t like it, but yeah this was actually really good. Just a really nice vibe all the way through. Favorite track(s) Concrete Jungle Stir It Up Kinky Reggae

Really like Bob Marley. This album is laid back and cool, regardless of the lyrics. Stir it up is a great track. Probably not his best album, but still very good.

Oh we're groovin' and chillin' with this one! Important political commentary too. Really nice, considering this is one of my first exposures to reggae as a genre. I had a constant little grin on my face while listening.

To me Bob Marley is the music for the afternoon after a big night out the day before. Relaxed and chill. Social commentary when you listen to it. The earliest of three Bob Marley albums on this list. Only one song I really recognise. I wouldn't have put the album on but good to broaden my listening, that's why I'm here.

I'm not really a massive reggae fan but Bob and The Wailers are just great. A couple of well known ones and the whole album was chill and good listen.

A classic, it's great to hear so many songs that aren't just popular singles