Catch A Fire

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

Surprisingly ahead of it's time, great lyrics and vibes, very good album.

Strong start but last songs could not compare

7/10

Sometimes all you need is some cool vibes.

Really enjoyed diving deeper into Bob Marley's music, cuz his greatest hits have always been a major part of my life. Really good album. Concrete Jungle was my fav song and first listen of the album. Midnight Ravers and No More Trouble were my other highlights

Still not my Fav Marley - but like every Marley Album a good time with so many classic tracks. Stop That Train, Stir it Up, Kinky Reggae...just put it on..relax and enjoy life for a moment and listen to the social message.

Great album, love the lyrics and the guitar

Third Bob Marley album so far and it’s another fine piece of work. Sharp playing, crisp production, great tunes.

the best vibes. really dug "High Tide Or Low Tide - Jamaican Version" and "Stir It Up"

24-Apr-2026 4/5 Catch A Fire (1973). Bob Marley & The Wailers I listened to this one over the course of the day. I've been listening to more reggae in the last couple of years (during woodworking in the garage) and have gotten accustomed to reggae other than what I now consider to be more "popular reggae". Stuff we used to listen to years ago, Bob Marley's Legend, UB40, even some of the Peter Tosh stuff kind of sound so commercial to me now - but perhaps only because they are sometimes overplayed? This album definitely had a more authentic/traditional feel to it - very low key and relaxing.

A little strange that this album is here instead of Burnin'. Catch a Fire and Burnin' are basically 1.0 and 2.0 as far as I'm concerned. They tightened up the production and arranging a whole lot on the latter I think. Like, Natty Dread and Exodus are also on this list and I think those are 5s without hesitation. And I love this album too! But Burnin' is a 5 to me cuz it takes what this album has and expands on it. So I guess 4 for this one, like a 4.5.

I’ll always prefer Exodus which just grows and grows for me but this has the feel of a song cycle, rather than a collection of material plus singles.

kinky reggae is my unexpected pic I love reggae now

What a vibe. Very socially conscious and groovy at the same time. I have very little experience with reggae but really enjoyed this one!

Smooth, groovy, political, and psychedelic. A couple really great guitar solos and of course his iconic voice. Really good stuff

one thing you can't deny about this album - the instrumentation is tight beyond belief, but then do you expect much more from peter tosh and the rest of the wailers? i do think this album still has filler on it, even though its been tightly cinched, but i'm always glad to hear bob's voice.

I feel I'm biased right off the bat because I listened to this while gaming in the summer. Couldn't get much more fitting than that. Anyway, I'm chillin'. Faves: Concrete Jungle, Stir It Up, High Tide Or Low Tide, Stop That Train

I thought this was "just fine" at first but the more I revisit it the more I like it. Favorite track is Stop That Train.

Strong 8

So I guess I've like reggae this entire time. It's probably the heightened focus on male vocal harmonies and spicier guitar tones that make this one for me. Catch A Fire doesn't feel like the same song in the same style 9 times, but a fluid translation of the style on every track. This is a fancy way of me saying that it's a very solid Wailers record, but not the absolute greatest work by them or Bob. It's might be the most rock-flavored I've heard. Stir it up (8/10, 4/5 on this scale)

Very relaxing and soulful.

Great album all the way through. Favorite songs: Midnight Ravers, No More Trouble, Stir it Up

it was very summery and i liked it, it just didn’t match the vibe of the current season i’m in.

Good album of downtempo reggae. Classic sound with Bob's voice and female backing vocals.

Very relaxing, more dynamic and chilled reggae, thoroughly enjoyed. Good reminder I need to listen to more Bob Marley.

Also liked it! Probably between a 4 and a 5.

Iconic Bob Marley, reggae rhythm, exotic

was very good! its gonna take me a while to get used to it because its just far away from anything i usually listen to. good album

Some of the best Bob, ja man.

Seems more important in terms of influence than quality. Nothing wrong with it and some quite good songs, but doesn't really compare to some of his much better later albums

Such a tight band and a great groove. Love the sound of a clavinet through a wahwah pedal

Some good ones. But his later LPs are better.

Très beau reggae, cool, belle ligne de basse très présente.

I didn't finish it but it was awesome, love this guy and the way he makes me feel

Uno de mis favoritos de Marley

I'm not very excited about reggae but I decided to enjoy the art of Bob Marley and I was surprised. Very good.

I enjoyed this record more than Natty Dredd. Great vibes all around and maybe more political. Stir it up crushes

I only have listened to The Greatest Hits and outside of "Buffalo Soldier" those are a pretty lighthearted affair. I grew up in Florida and God knows most of those songs, along with Buffet's greatest hits, were on repeat to the sunburned tourists getting drunk on their rum punch and pina coladas. That is all to say that the lyricism, in particular, is a revelation in this album. Slave Driver, Concrete Jungle...those are far from the tourists ears. Sonically incredibly sophisticated. Great album!

Muy buenos los primeros temas sobretodo. Relajante. Para escuchar con auriculares sobretodo para apreciar el bajo

it’s interesting - didn’t expect the commentary on slavery and my fav has to be 400 years for sure

good album 4/5

You know what you’re getting with Bob Marley. And while reggae as a genre is not something I regularly reach for, this album was quite engaging and well mixed - it might be because only one song was familiar. (In truth one reason I do not seek out reggae is because played out in high school. This album sounded great on my APP3s. I would listen anytime. 4/5

i just love a bit of reggae it’s got a nice vibe and the music is sick

Wow -- this is fantastic. Stir it Up is the only song that I've heard before, though every track has a vaguely familiar quality. Exquisitely performed -- bass and drums are in lockstep. Vocals and harmonies are tight, and Marley's guitar has a dry staccato sound that gives that quintessential reggae feel. Apple music has a deluxe version of this album that includes a 'Jamaican' version of each song, which are essentially stripped down and demo-like. The finished versions include more production like organ flourishes, backing vocals and studio effects like reverb, adding depth to the sound. It's fun to hear the evolution in the different versions. Discovering this is exactly why I wanted to do this!

Similarly to Exodus, enjoyed this more on return than I did a couple of years ago. Great stuff. 1 listen Favorite Track: Stir It Up

Expectation: -> More Bob. After listening: -> So so good. Polished, refined, solid production. Lacks the big timeless songs of Exodus and a bit repetitive sounding (similar intros). I need to be cooking with Marley in the background. Solid-4 Track ranking: Stir Concrete Train Baby Trouble Slave 400 Kinky Midnight

not as good as the other bob marley album but still excellent

Me gustó, hace mucho no escuchaba a Marley. Lo escuché mientras estudiaba 4/5 canción favorita "No More Trouble"

lovit

Sooooolid music to work on wow

Concrete jungle Jungle JUNGLE I love this album. I've never studied Bob Marley's life enough to understand how was he able to pivot to such a cohesive style that defined his carrer down the path that this album took him on. Kinky Reggae, the opener and No More Trouble are some of my top top Marley songs. It's the only album IMO that compares in quality with Exodus, this is a 4.49 stars.

essential reggae listening, but not sure i would relisten all the way through bc it leans towards lovers rock still at times. love tho

Honestly better than exodus. Stir it up a top 5 song and it doesn’t reach the heights of exodus with three little bird but it stays much more consistent in my opinion.

Sometimes I just canNOT with reggae, but this one hits different.

i unfairly overlooked bob marley for being "stoner music" but his notoriety is justified.

It's hard for a Bob Marley album to be anything below a 4 for me, but also hard for it to be anything above a 4.

Prior to this project, my exposure to Bob Marley's music was limited to the Legend greatest-hits collection, which I frequently played during my deeply mortifying Bob Marley phase. I was grateful to hear another slate of tracks that were new to me—save "Stir It Up," of course—and particularly enjoyed the first half of Catch a Fire. "Concrete Jungle," "Slave Driver," "400 Years," and "Stop That Train" are all great, and of course "Stir It Up" is a classic. The back half faded for me, and I found "Kinky Reggae" kind of annoying, but the great outweighs the not-so-great.

I'm not sure I can take a full album of reggae. This is the second Marley album that started strong and went to a bit above average. If I'm rating Bob Marley a bit above average I guess reggae isn't my genre. 3.5

fabulous way to start the day

This is the first non-compilation album I've ever listened too by Bob Marley, I had a couple of greatest hits records. Very good.

Nice, classic Rastafari

Marley is such a greatest hits artist for me. Always feels instrumental to actually dip into the real discography.

Standard Raggae Album - Jamaican Version Banger

I gotta listen to my brotha

classic reggae. very mellow, good stuff.

exactly what I needed to lift me up

Très bon album, pour ma part c'est le premier de Bob Marley que j'écoute en entier sans conter "Legend" et franchement qu'est ce que ça fonctionne bien !!! C'était une ambiance à la fois tellement agréable et transporteuse. Le son d'intro "Concrete Jungle" est vraiment un de mes préférés avec un ton plus incisif et un rythme de guitare qui rentre dans la tête, c'est vraiment sympa sachant que c'est poursuivi peu après par un titre à l'ambiance complètement différente dans "400 years", beaucoup plus calme, MAIS qui repart direct avec "Stop The Train" pour encore s'arrêter avec "Stir It Up", nan franchement je trouve le sequencing vraiment extrêmement bien géré c'est excellent.

What a mood. The transition from side one to side two was perfect. The Wailers knew how to cook with poignant lyrics and beautiful sounds.

It's Marley....funny to see what a mess the band was....writers, names, money. Easy to see they just loved the party and dint know how to make it a responsible business or company.

it was pretty good, reggae jamaica

I wonder how this was received in 1973. Makes me think of the "grocery store effect," that it was probably pretty radical at the time, & now so many of us are so familiar with it from film/background that it's anything but. A deliberate listening (especially of the Jamaican Version) teases out the revolutionary character.

I didn’t like this one quite as much as Exodus but it’s still really good. I keep meaning to listen to more of their studio albums, I tend to just stick on their Greatest Hits if I’m in the mood for a listen. Top Track - Stir It Up

Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: Slave Driver, 400 Years, Stir It Up, Kink Reggae Love a good reggae album. Seriously underrepresented genre on the List. Songs written and composed by both Peter Tosh and Bob Marley. What's not to love!

I had a bit of a Bob Marley phase in middle school. I really only listened to some of his biggest hits that I downloaded from Limewire. I should’ve dug deeper into his discography because I haven’t heard a single song off this album but they’re all pretty good

I don't think it's fair to classify Bob Marley & The Wailers as Reggea, it sets the bar far too high for other Reggea artists.

Done

Probably the tightest rhythm section I’ve heard on this list. Any musician who wants to learn what playing in the pocket means, this is your record. On top of that, the lyrics, subject matter, emotional delivery and backing harmonies through out are so genuine and real. Really loved this. No one else should attempt reggae, because it won’t be as good as this. Not quite a 5 for me, because by the end I had hit my reggae limit. 4/5.

Swagggg

7/10 Fav Tracks - Concrete Jungle, Stop That Train, 400 Years Was already a Marley fan so no surprise the king of reggae has a banger album.

Just lovely. Low 4

🌟 Some old favorites and some new ones too

Bob Marley is a legend, the album was so pleasant that I didn't even feel the time passing as it played. Great for slow friday mornings!

Hadn't heard most of this before, I liked it more than Exodus I think. So maybe it;s the addition of Tosh. Not as many hits, but strong nonetheless. 4 Heard before? Some Owned: No 57/230 (24%) Will I get: Maybe

makes you feel like you shouldn’t take anything too seriously

I liked this album; Bob Marley is guaranteed to produce good music. not my favorite style of music but as I was working and listening to the album, it gave me a good sensation of working in a calmed environment

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this as I prepped and cooked dinner. I literally did stir it up, though given I used an induction hob there was no fire to catch. Solid stuff.

Solid reggae album, would listen again!

This is the record you make people listen when they insist all reggae sounds the same. This is fundamentally Bob Marley, the most heard reggae music the world has to offer, and each song feels different than the last. It's still the bass forward genre we all expect, but The Wailers (and friends) take the opportunity to represent talent and dedication. We can argue about the quality of production but if you feel it's anything less than exquisite, you're wrong. I really feel the power and emotion in Bob's voice here, those few tracks where you hear the other Wailers stick out a bit. And regardless, the lyrics, the love songs are great and all but the woke messaging really has the capacity to make change. If it's not making sense to you, play this on a set of speakers with a decent subwoofer and crank the volume on a track like Concrete Jungle or 400 Years. I'd pay a pretty penny for a copy of this LP, and it doesn't even have to be the original swivel Zippo case. This effort works without skipping a track, though the singles hit particularly hard in comparison to the whole album. 4.3/5

eventhough I've listened to a lot of Bob Marley, I never listened to this particular album. I enjoyed it very much, easily a timeless classic.

Reggae clásico, Bob Marley el mejor, le doy un 9 🙌🏼✨

Listened to Exodus a lot years ago but really enjoyed this album.

A solid listen. Calming and made me want to light a massive blunt.

Classic

I give it a 4 to counterbalance the stupid note my two friends will give it

Heerlijk album, classic

BOB 4/5

i fucking loved the jamaican version more. i shouldve just listened to that the whole time.

Smooth and fun

Amazing introduction to reggae as a genre and to Bob Marley as a musician. Definitely a good listen and one to consider purchasing on vinyl.

If you don't like Bob Marley I don't kike you

bob’s best. “concrete jungle”, “midnight ravers”, “slave driver”, and “kinky reggae” are the best among a slew of other great songs.

Saved? ✅ Would listen again? ✅ Would recommend to anyone? ✅ Would buy on Vinyl? ✅ I love Bob Marley & The Wailers. This album was on so much as a child it just brings me back to happy simple times.

Standard Bob Marley. A staple. Very good. Easy listening. Non-offensive. Mustn’t really grumble about the man Bob.

2026.02.27

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Nice and chill album, I love the vibe... It takes me back to growing up on a small Caribbean island.

Love a bit of Reggae, this album was new to me. I guess Ive listened to a lot of best of...so this album didn't hit s much as I was expecting... that's my theory. some fav's Stir it up, Kinky Reggae, All day All night and Midnight Ravers

Loved the message, my first introduction to the RASTAS ;p

Proper reggae. Good old fashioned reggae. Loved the guitar work.

This makes the first reggae album I've given a listen to now, and it pleasantly surprised me. The band can lay down some nice grooves, and I'm a fan in particular of the how core the bass guitar is in the mix. 8, maybe an 8.5/10.

Nonstop jam, favourite track: 400 years

8/10 Pretty good album! I don't have much to say other than that I'm looking forward to listening to more from this band.

Classic Bob. If you like him, you'll like this. If you're in the mood for BMATW they absolutely rip. If you're not in the mood, yeah it all kinds runs together.

Enjoy reggae as a general rule. Kind of coming to the realization that it isn’t just chill music, it’s more spiritual, and even political at times than I thought. 400 years: is a pretty good track, same story different day 50 years later :/ . Baby We’ve Got a Date: another banger. Less spiritual, or maybe more spiritual in a different form. Kind of like a Rasta version of an old 50’s love song. Kinky Reggae: this band fucks. We Don’t Need No Trouble: Kind of just exists I guess. High Tide Low Tide: Probably my personal favorite track. Felt really personal. Really sweet.

Good album, but nothing too much special. Although I really like reggae music

Quite enough to comprehend, liked it

This album was all vibes. By that, I mean I got sucked into the vibes of each song and completely forgot to listen to any of the lyrics. Look, I normally try my best to listen to the lyrics, or at least pay some attention. This album just kind of took over as I made breakfast. I felt thoroughly consumed by the instruments and beat as I cooked. Time slid away and a zen-like state overcame me until my breakfast burrito was ready. I know Marley’s lyrics are often about struggle and perseverance, so I’ll assume the same of this album. But I’ll definitely be back when I’m looking to feel the music!

I am not a big fan of reggae, but Bob Marley is an exception. I love this album. Bob was heading our way and I had tix. Alas, he passed before finishing that tour. We still have his music though. 4 puff of smoke stars.

Reggae right is brilliant ✊🏻

You’ll never have a bad Bob Marley listen

Bob Marley goes down easy. Those island grooves, disarmingly chill, lull you until your ear tunes into the politically-charged and conscious lyrics. Goddamn. The man was funneling the realness into all that reggae swag.

tiptop

Solid, transcends the genre, which I don't love so much as some. Muscle Shoals guitar overdubs intersting.

Amazing!

I love Bob Marley and The Wailers, but unfortunately I'm poisoned with the knowledge of just how good Exodus is and I always thought Catch a Fire never could reach those heights and, in fact, I even like Burnin' more than it (especially the deluxe version including the live tracks). That's not to say its anything other then incredible, Concrete Jungle and Slave Driver are such a strong one-two punch starting an album and especially with the lyrics of the latter, make for my favorite songs of the album. Whilst I usually like the more socially conscious songs, Stir it Up is a lovely song that deserves a mention too. The production on this is great, but its almost a little too clean for my taste. It definitely constructs an atmosphere, but I think it results in a lacking of rawness sometimes which are present on other Bob Marley albums. I know that's a bit of a hot take however, and this cleaner production does end up working great for Exodus. I think if this was the first album I was coming into Bob Marley with, it'd be a 5, but I've listened to pretty much the entire discography and I just think that, despite this often being seen as one of the groups absolute best, it doesn't hit the highs of some of the others.

The first album adapted for the rock market by Islands Chris Blackwell, this started Reggae's emergence into the mainstream but with such tight fone beautiful songs and playing the experience wasn't so much of a dilution as to be unpalatable for the roots reggae fans. I went through a big reggae binge around 10 years ago and of course Bob was a big part of this. I loved the upbeat defiant nature despite the serious messages often being communicated. There's not just Bob here, there's the marvelous Peter Tosh (who wrote two of the songs and was arguably the coolest man alive at the time) and Bunny Wailer of course (check out his Blackheart Man album it's wonderful). This was originally listed (& printed) as the Wailers but got attributed to Marley later on when his brand went through the roof. But this was a true Wailers album.

This is the first Marley album I've heard with the full original Wailers still in place. The sound is tougher here, and having Tosh as an independent songwriter adds to the diversity nicely. Even with those factors stirring things up a little, the more conventional mellow Marley numbers are the ones that stuck with me the most. "Stir It Up" and "Baby We've Got A Date" are my favorites here, and overall this is just another solidly excellent Wailers album.

NICE

Favorite Track: Concrete Jungle

Not quite the greatest reggae album ever, but it's pretty close. Favorite track: Stir It Up

Great tracks from the legend

I, too, smoke weed

Knew I would enjoy this. Enjoyed even more than I expected.

This is my first reggae album of the project. And who better to start with than the legendary Bob Marley? A common criticism of reggae in general is that it all sounds the same, which is true here. However, this doesn't preclude songs from being good, especially if it's a good sound(which this is). The lyrics are good, especially on songs like "Stop That Train" and "Concrete Jungle". Really, it checks all the boxes except for being sonically varied and interesting, which is a pretty big flaw. However, it's inherent to the reggae genre, so I can be more forgiving with this.

Incontournable même si on n’est pas fan de reggae

Not enough Reggae I’m thinking in the 1001, Marley is obvious, but what else? This has the album version of “ stir it up” absolute banger, Peter Tosh🙌 - I have this album with Marley and the spliff, plus the T-Shirt🤭

so perfect, a classic album from a genre i don’t really listen too and i need to chill tf out dude

4/7

Excellent but not the best Marley album imo.

I feel I throw this on a lot now, slowly becoming a five

Great fucking album. I own a physical copy, but not the one with original zippo cover. The wife and I spent a few weeks in Greece awhile back. The small beach side cafe called Relax that we went to every day after a swim played a lot of Bob Marley tunes. Wish I was there now and not stuck behind my work computer. 4.5⭐️ because not every day is a reggae day

Bobby McBobson, da hesch mi vo allne Siite überrascht und guet eh chilligi luhne ih min verregnete ziistigs-mood inedruckt! 3, 4 Absolutely Bangers! Da überraschi mi grad selber als ned zu grosse Reggae-enthusiast - aber da gibi gern 4 puffs vo dere Chrüterrackete ab

scho sehr sehr guet gsi spliff it up bredrens, das git 4 kush vanilla ice haze

Not the top tier of all Marley's releases, but not far off. A great album from Peter Tosh/Bunny Wailer iteration of the group.

me dan ganas de fumarme un porro

Favorite Tracks so Far: Stop that Train 400 Years Baby We've Got a Date

Enjoyed it a lot! Groovy stuff.

Like the sun came out today just for this album. Honestly so lovely listening to this sun coming through my window cooking some scrambled eggs.

Like a cool breeze on a warm summer day, it's hard not to be in a good mood listening to this album

Bob Marley is always a treat. His music and reggae in general does have the tendency for me to bled into the background. To me it isn't really music to actively listen to. That's fine however as his music always puts me into a good mood and this album is no exception.

A great reggae album. It is weird how he can sing in such a happy way about such heavy and dark parts of society, his heritage, and life, yet still make it feel fitting. 8/10

Classic reggae album.

vibe 🍃 💨

I’ve been known to grumble about reggae. Mostly something about musical repetitiveness. With that on my mind, this album ruled.

Listened ~8am in the morning, off YT Music on the Sonos.

I hadn't heard any of these songs before, but the whole album felt very familiar in that you just know when you're listening to a Bob Marley song. There were a lot of intertwining themes throughout this album (anti-capitalism, faith, anti-slavery, to name a few) and it feels powerful in that way. I'm sure in the context of 1973 some of these songs were a huge middle finger to society and they still are today. I wish I could speak more eloquently to the music production but it slaps. I read someone say it has a 'thick, smoky reggae' sound, and that is incredibly accurate. 'No More Trouble' makes me want to put on a long trench coat and walk around a black & white city. 'Concrete Jungle' has so many layers to it. On the other hand, you also have songs like 'High or Low Tide' and 'Baby We've Got A Date' which is such a lil bop - though, even in these lyrics, there is a level of uncertainty: 'Baby, we've got a date, don't you remember? Baby, baby, don't you be late (please don't forget).' There is a whole other version of this album as well - the original Jamaican version, I gotta go listen to that!

Great relaxing background music, would own the record.

Used to listen to this album all the time as a teenager, super chill and calming. Wouldn't really be a repeat listen or a go-to, but still classic album.

It’s chill and enjoyable, I don’t know if I’ll listen a great deal but rating it high for the vibes.

Never really been one for reggae but this is a good album Despite the poor timing listening in the middle of winter, I can tell that listening to this in the middle of summer would be an absolute vibe 7.8/10 but will edit after a full listen in summer I will definitely be coming back to this in June-August time Really realise how subjective music is, with timing and seasons

Smoke em if you got em

Relaxt naar kunnen luisteren.

Oui, c’est chill.

Chill vibes and easy listening

Imagine je noemt dit saai. Niet ieder album moet een adhd tiktok brein aan spreken. Dit is gewoon laid back, funky met hele vette lyrics en een boodschap die tijdloos is.

Smoother sound than expected for the genre, artists really seemed to enjoy the jam sessions

Lowkey like this album more than the previous one I listened to

Liked this a lot - but my unfamiliarity with reggae means it all washes over me a bit, and just gives me a warm mellow feeling rather than inspiring critical opinions. On this listen, nothing leapt out as being a classic like 'Redemption Song' or 'Get Up Stand Up'.

Groovy

One of those albums that if you're in the mood, it is sublime. Really enjoyed this one and was more than halfway into another BWM album before I realized it. Great music.

Big fan of this album. Can’t beat some Bob and his Reggae tunes

Another surprise for me. Would not have listened if not for this challenge. Won't be one that I return to probably but am glad to have listened.

Leuk maar begint aan het eind van het album wel een beetje hetzelfde te klinken.

The record is monotonous in a good way, creating a haze similar that that which I suspect inspired it. I knew "Stir It Up" and "Stop That Train" but surprisingly, there's a lot of Bob Marley I somehow haven't heard.

I like hearing reggae that I havent heard hundreds of times already.

easy listen - very relaxing

3.5. Beautiful melodies, various vibes - somber and happy - but reagge seems a bit monotonous for me

Listened to this coming back into work after holiday break. It’s amazing how emotional and political this record gets for how relaxed it sounds. Ominous sure, but when I think of how revolutionary Bob Marley was and when I think about revolutionary/political music in general, I think of something much edgier. Not even like this is THAT political a lot of these songs are spiritual. I think it’s that combination that really makes me feel understood by this music. The bass lines and rhythm section should net this album a 5 by themselves, and I think some of Marley’s best songs are on here. But, I know I still have to do some more listening before I can truly understand this to be a 5. I don’t think reviews can be objective. I’m rating it in relation to the experience I had with it today.

Already heared Natty Dread and Peter Tosh's Legalize It... Wow, this one's even better, more fun and the arrangements are even more colourful.

i love bob marley so this being my first album suggested i’m grooving babyyyy

Bob Marley? Again? Good as this record is, I can't help thinking that if my days were numbered (which, thinking about it, I suppose they are - great, thanks for that) and I had 1,001 albums to wade through, I wouldn't necessarily want them all to be by Bob Marley. Yep, he was good, and this is another good album, one that in fairness, I'd never heard before, but shall we move on? And I don't mean to Bob Dylan.

I have to say listening to this on a grey and freezing, damp day seems all wrong. Perhaps it is this but I find while it is a great album it just doesn't hit the spot like say, Exodus or Natty Dread. It has Stir It Up on it watch is wonderful. I have no idea of the history of what came first or wahtever, but something about the vocal delivery across most of the album seems a bit lacking somehow - but that is in comparing it with some masterful albums. As it stands it is still a fabulous record.

Nice & warm Roots Reggae. I find Reggae albums in general to turn kind of dull when listened to in full and that applies to this one too, despite that it is more diverse in its general sound than other Wailers albums so it feels like less of a slog to get through; Overall I enjoyed it more than I did Exodus.

I've really been enjoying reggae this year as I've needed an upbeat, grooveable, but still rebellious and anti-establishment alternative to angry, angsty punk. This album was a little smoother, a little more chill than I was expecting, but it was a great listen that had me nodding and swaying along. - Heard before? No - Will I listen again? Definitely - Does it inspire me to listen to more of this artist? Yes

Rock Steady reggae. Several good tracks from Bob and the band. The only complaint I have is that the version of Stir It Up on this one is not as good as the original, it has a wacky psychedelic wah-pedal guitar that contributes to the chill vibe, but sounds out of place. The bonus track High Tide Or Low Tide is a pretty lullaby. The original release of the record had additional overdubs by the producer Chris Blackwell - according to Wikipedia, they were applied to make the record more palatable for rock audiences in the US. A deluxe addition has one disc with the basic non-overdubbed versions and the original release with Blackwell's overdubs. The non-overdubbed version of Stir It Up and the other tracks are better than the original overdubbed version IMO.

8/10

Not a single song I wouldn't listen to again.

я себе відчуваю наріком на ямайці вайб присутній мені здається міші твердохлібу сподобалося б

Great reggae album. Beautiful tracks and vocals are Bob Marley's vocals hard to beat

Hell yeah. So many great tunes, classic album.

👍

Interesting to see a Jamaican version was included that was before additional mixing. It's more stripped down and I found the bass was straightforward but did more than one the final. Good sound and balance to everything.

Bob Marley's voice as I have said before is captivating. Obvious why he captured so many hearts and minds. Not being a classic pure reggae album does make this more accessible. More layers on the tracks, more meat on the bone. Stop That Train was hitting for me.

come fare un tuffo in piena estate durante l’inverno

I listened to it while trying to fall asleep (but still couldn’t sleep) and I really enjoyed it, I’m gonna have to listen again tho to get a better opinion on it

Great Marley

First time listening to reggae. I liked it.

Best songs: Concrete Jungle, 400 years, Slave Driver, Stop that Train Good album, some bad songs, some great songs. I am surprised that I enjoyed this album. I came into it not interested at all. 4/5

Another solid album from Bob I think I actually liked this considerably more than Exodus.

I’d listen to this again

When listening to this album it strikes me how everything about the sound is very «rhythm-based». The bass is really cool, along with the drums. Even the guitar and organ are mostly about the rhythm. My two favourite songs are Concrete Jungle and Stir it Up, but it’s a good listening experience all the way.

There is more than one version of this album, but it was no hardship listening to both! The version recorded in Jamaica is my preference. I have to admit that I prefer the older Wailers, produced by Lee Scratch Perry. The Marley albums created for American and European audiences feel a little watered down, not tuff enough, hence a one star reduction.

Gran disco pero faltaron más canciones iconicas. Highlight: No more trouble Kinky reggae

Love.

Pretty sick, love the first half more than the second.

loved this album and the instruments used!

Ik was hiervoor nooit echt om voor Bob Marley, maar ik vond dit album heel goed eigenlijk!! Volgende keer moet ik misschien wat beter op de lyrics letten, denk dat hij wel wat goeie dingen te zeggen heeft. Maar er zal zeker een volgende keer komen! ik heb nu alweer zin in de zomer

Great reggae album. Wonderful songs and story telling about injustice. Not quite Exodus but still great

Good vibes, want to smoke

One of the best reggae albums

another good Bob Marley album; thought not my favorite it’s certainly the defining moment of his early career deserves to be one of the 1001? yes!

Aside from Radiohead and Hendrix, there’s probably not another artist I’m more biased towards. I love Bob Marley’s entire catalogue and it’s usually the playlist I throw on when I don’t know what to listen to or when I’m in a rut. And I know there are a lot of folks who might respect Bob Marley but don’t really seek out reggae, which is understandable, I remember when my good friend in middle school introduced me to him, I was like “you listen to reggae?” But it didn’t take long for me to become a fan as well. I realize this makes Bob Marley more nostalgic for me, I acknowledged my biases here, but this is another I can listen to all the way through with no skips. He makes political songs, spiritual, good vibes, and the elite music accompanying it all makes this special. And it tends to always bring a warm vibe.

Exactly what it needed to be.

Stir it Up is great, and the other songs are fine Bob Marley songs, but probably not my favorite album of his. I think his vocals are what makes the band great

Love the vibe of this - even though it doesn’t have as many hits, some great playing and unique sounds to his catalog here (Concrete Jungle, etc). A very good late-night listen.

Great Stuff

Wonderful

Such a classic, so many fun songs and interesting ones I didn’t know. This sound never gets old and his voice sounds great. Top Songs: No More Trouble, Concrete Jungle, Stir It Up

You play Bob Marley in the morning and all you want to hear for the rest of the day is reggae music. 4.5

This was a more downbeat album than a lot of the Bob Marley songs I'd heard before. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but not enough to give it the full five.

I like to play Bob Marley for my kids- so C'est la vie! I am not sure I liked this album as much as Exodus. Still, both are a whole vibe and a great way to start the day.

Perhaps not their absolute best, but I enjoyed it.

Exactly what one would expect, with a nice cover thrown in.

Solid album, couple skips but bob’s voice is like butter

viiiibes

fine bob. I liked exodus better

Alright, it's time for my final album of this project from Bob Marley and the Wailers! I'm not 100% sure if they need three albums on this list, but, like, if any reggae artist or band is going to have three albums on this list, it would be Bob Marley and the Wailers. There's no doubt about that. Catch a Fire is a pretty good album. It's not my favorite album of theirs. Kinda hard to beat an album as excellent as Exodus, isn't it? I do still have things to appreciate about Catch a Fire though. In terms of tone, this album feels a bit darker than other Wailers albums, specifically in the musical department. It's not as lively as an album like Natty Dread, but this actually makes the album stand out in a way that I think is pretty neat. It creates an interesting and unique atmosphere. I like it. Lyrically, this album has what you'd expect from a reggae album. A few pleasant love songs, a couple of political pieces. Good stuff. "Stir It Up" and "Concrete Jungle" respectively excel in being one of those two categories. The instrumental talent here is as good as ever. The sound is a bit repetitive, but when the songs sound as good as they, it's hard to complain. I've always kind of wondered why Bob Marley specifically has become the worldwide symbol of reggae. Is it the timing of his career? Is it that his music is more accessible? Is he really just that good? I don't think there is one answer. I think there are a lot of factors, including the ones I just posited, that played into this. Whatever it is, I'm glad that he and the Wailers were able to allow reggae to become a recognizable and important part of the musical landscape. Good album. 4/5.

Fully formed “debut” this is one of my favorite albums Bob Marley was associated with The Wailers include Bunny Wailer & Peter Tosh.

People in 1973 did not know how good they had it. Bob Marley and the Wailers released Catch A Fire in April. The compilation album African Herbsman came out in July. Then, in October, Burnin' was released. Also, I was born in December. Now, one of these things is not like the other. Still, it was a great year for Marley and a pretty good one for me too.

Not my favorite from them but still an all timer