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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Legalize It

Peter Tosh

1976

Buy At Rough Trade
Legalize It
Album Summary

Legalize It is an album and song by Peter Tosh. Legalize It was Tosh's debut album as a solo artist after leaving the Wailers. It was recorded at Treasure Isle and Randy's, Kingston, Jamaica in 1976 and released in Jamaica in the same year.Legalize It is one of the two solo albums released in 1976 by Wailers members, along with Bunny Wailer's album Blackheart Man. Bob Marley and his new Wailers also released Rastaman Vibration. The song was written in response to his ongoing victimization by the Jamaican police and as a political piece pushing for the legalization of cannabis, particularly for medical use. In 1977, Tosh backed this up by saying "We are the victims of Rasclot circumstances. Victimization, colonialism, gonna lead to bloodbath". Tosh also said "Herb will become like cigarettes", in an NME interview in 1978.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.07

Votes

11624

Genres

  • Reggae

Reviews

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May 12 2022
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3

Here's Peter Tosh calling for the legalization of marijuana in 1976 (in Jamaica). Tosh also said "Herb will become like cigarettes," in an NME interview in 1978. Yet here we are, 46 years later, and cigarettes have become much less common and marijuana is still not culturally acceptable at the level Tosh was pleading for. Five years after this album was released, President Nixon called for a "War on Drugs" as part of the tough-on-crime platform of the Republican Party, and countless lives have been ruined by this war in the years since. In Jamaica, possession of up to 2 oz. of ganja was decriminalized in 2015, and in 2018 the first medical cannabis dispensary opened after medical marijuana was legalized. In the United States, marijuana is legalized in 18 states, 2 territories, and the District of Columbia – but illegal at federal level. Decriminalized in another 13 states and 1 territory. Despite these recent changes, 8.2 million Americans were arrested for marijuana between 2001 and 2010, and 80% of those were for simple possession. On top of that, blacks are 3.73 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana than whites. The numbers improved only slightly from 2010-2020, mostly offset by increases in methamphetamine arrests. Over 40,000 Americans are in prison for marijuana offenses, and millions more have criminal records that impact their quality of life. The War on Drugs is a failure. Legalize It.

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Feb 24 2021
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3

Give me 85 degrees, a beach, and a cooler full of beer and this album is a 5.

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Sep 29 2022
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5

I opened the first legal aquaponic cannabis growing facility in Washington State. I ran my business for over 5 years, and then sold it. The profits from that sale bought me and my wife a farm in the county where we raise our now raise our two beautiful girls. I believe that I have lived Tosh's dream. I am so grateful to everyone who came before me and fought for our right to enjoy this plant. Thank you Peter!

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Feb 07 2021
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4

Legalize It cemented Tosh's position as a giant in reggae, and the album is one of the best albums of the genre.

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Jun 12 2021
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2

I'm sorry but all regge sounds the same THIS IS 40 MINUTES OF THE SAME SONG WH

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Jan 15 2021
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2

Was ok. Wouldn't really listen again

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Nov 22 2022
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5

Good to hear reggae albums not featuring Bob Marley for a change, though I do like his stuff. This was consistently great throughout as well which is an extra bonus. Love how there's meaningful messages and really good music to back it..Highly recommended listen.

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Nov 25 2023
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2

This was almost exactly what I expected it to be. Bloopy reggae jams that are criminally inoffensive, but generally boring. There is harmonies and stuff I like here, as they remind me of some great 50s and early 60s doo-wop, but otherwise this is stereotypical. Sure, albums like this had to be a thing for this sound to be stereotypical, but that doesn't make it any less so to a modern set of ears.

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Jan 14 2024
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2

I'm no big Reggae enjoyer. But some tracks on here i found quite enjoyable! I doubt this will stick for years to come though. Standout tracks: Legalize It, No Sympathy, Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised, Ketchy Shuby, 4 out of 10

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Jun 08 2021
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5

Amazing, lush, melancholy, relaxed

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Aug 15 2021
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5

Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Legalize it, Why must I cry, Ketchy shuby, Till your well runs dry

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Aug 26 2021
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5

Love it! Varied song themes, great instrumentation, great vibes. Legalize!

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Oct 31 2021
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5

Wow. Such a great reggae album. Love the cadence and delivery on the vocals. Incredible instrumentals and backup vocals. Great lyrics and storytelling from the case for legal weed to good vs evil to loyalty and fleeting beauty. Compelling and various composition throughout. Never stale reggae sound. Burial, whatcha gonna do, why must I cry, legalize it.

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Jan 21 2023
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5

Great songs and sounds. Strong start with "Legalize It." "Ketchy Shuby" bumps and "Brand New Second Hand" is a great diss track. The bits of piano really enhance the musical layering. Tosh singing on "Till Your Well Runs Dry" rather than reggae styling is really interesting. Only track I didn't really like was Igziabeher.

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Jan 26 2021
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4

feels fresh & original after his work with the wailers. fav track: burial

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Feb 19 2021
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4

A very nice and enjoyable album. I liked it.

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Jun 03 2021
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4

Peter Tosh flexes his musical gift with this solo effort with the backing Wailers. Tosh proves he can function in his own spotlight without Marley and comes away with good vibes and a message.

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Jun 04 2021
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4

Good shit, man. I'm not a huge reggae fan, never bought a single album, but I can listen to this all day.

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Sep 26 2021
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4

I think I (or my brother) bought this album in the 70s. I remember not being in love with it, possibly I was comparing Peter to the only other reggae guy I knew, Bob. I like it better now, the rootsy feel, the keyboards (clavinet?) and the song-writing is solid - lots of memorable tunes on the side 1. Side 2 not as catchy. Between a 3 and a 4 but since I'm in a good mood...

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Oct 06 2021
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4

An utter joy after 2 Iron Maiden albums. I knew this was his first post-Wailers album - and the important political message behind it (not just about cannabis). Not perfect, but essential listening.

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Oct 29 2021
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4

Perfect kick back on the beach album.

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Sep 26 2021
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3

I remember listening to Legalize It back in the day and thinking "This guy actually thinks they will legalize weed. What's he smoking?" 25 years after he died he is smiling in his grave. Tosh also wrote some tunes on The Wailers' albums before he moved on. It seems Bob had a one or two song cap on Tosh tunes per LP similar to the cap John and Paul gave George. There are some good tunes on this one including Burial and No Sympathy in addition to the title track. Till the Well Runs Dry is very clever with the verses and solo done in a blues style and the chorus in a Reggae style. He lays down a good solo in No Sympathy and his guitar work makes this song much better than the version previously released with The Wailers. Around the time this album was released Bob released Exodus. I suppose comparing these two albums validates the two song cap. 

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Jan 26 2022
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3

Gorgeous and totally without fuss, fully-formed grooves unroll as if they've always existed and are just popping out to stretch their legs. Such is the gift of the magi-musician.

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Nov 29 2023
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3

It was fine. Not especially memorable.

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Nov 18 2022
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1

What a silly Billy, doesn’t he realize that the devils lettuce has been legalized in most states these days

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Jun 28 2023
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1

Love my weed. I do not like Raggae. When I smoke weed, I do not like Raggae. When I smoke weed, I like Tosh.0, but not Peter Tosh. That was a hilarious, inappropriate show. I would think most weed lovers would like Tosh.0. Of course, if you're stoned, you probably enjoy a lot things you wouldn't when not stoned. But in my case, not raggae music. All this talk about being stoned makes me want to eat a doughnut. Mmmmm, doughnuts. Especially chocolate covered doughnuts. Anything chocolate. Mmmmm, weed. Great album cover. All I got. 5 for cover 1 for the music 5 for making me think of weed AND chocolate doughnuts

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Dec 13 2023
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1

Never been a fan of rastafari music because of its blatant sexism and homophobia. But yeah. Smoke some more weed and claim one love. As long as it's your narrowly defined definition. No thanks

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Dec 15 2023
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1

I really don't like reggae. I listened to this album and it felt like one long song.

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Jun 02 2022
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5

Trying my best not to give everything five stars . Aw well

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Oct 20 2022
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5

I think it's the first reggae album I bought. Love the riddims.

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Nov 02 2022
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5

Don't be fooled by the simple and clear message (agreeing or not) at the beginning and in the album's title. There's a lot going on and to me this album just gets better the longer it runs. Especially Tosh's feeling for melody and the guitar play makes this a great listen.

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Nov 11 2022
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5

9/10 good vibes, love reggae the mixing on some of these songs were a bit weird but idc, still sounds great

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Dec 05 2022
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5

Sorry I missed this. Fucking legendary album. Even the goats love it.

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Feb 20 2023
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5

You're only acting like You are somebody But I don't no say You know nobody You're only a show off Your painted face, yeah But underneath that face Your just a disgrace Amazing album, I agree that this is one that everyone should hear. 5/5

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Apr 21 2023
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5

Pure chill reggae. Him and Robert (Marley) were the GOATs !

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Jul 06 2023
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5

Le ga liiiiiiiize iiiiiit yeeaaah. Yeaaaah.

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Jul 19 2023
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5

I just love reggae. He’s the man!

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Oct 25 2023
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5

This is Quintessential Reggae, outside of Marley of course. But a fellow Wailer is still a vital part of the music.

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Oct 26 2023
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5

Extremely enjoyable reggae outing

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Jan 25 2024
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5

A really great find and I did not expect to enjoy this album or be able to differentiate it from other reggae albums I have heard. This is an excellent album and I love hearing Tosh do reggae songs that are not all political. I have always enjoyed Bob Marley's music and I find this album to be on-par with Marley's best work.

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Feb 26 2024
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5

I absolutely love Bob Marley, so it’s great to be introduced to other members of The Wailers. I’m gonna be expanding my repertoire of reggae now. The beach playlist is getting better! And yeah, I think we should legalize it, too. And free every person in prison who has been preyed upon.

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May 19 2024
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5

A classic I've heard hundreds of times. Outstanding reggae.

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May 23 2024
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5

Despite being a big fan of this era of reggae, the wailers, and bob marley, this album still exceeded my expectations this was great. There's a quality to tosh's voice that feels unique amongst the various powerful voices of early reggae and ska and makes a lot of these songs feel closer to the american soul music of the day than a lot of other acts. His vocals are tender and sweet yet he will absolutely command your attention when he needs to in a way that makes this album's blend of politics, love, and heartbreak gel so perfectly with his performance that this album flows effortlessly. Doesn't hurt that the sweet little guitar parts all over the record also sound absolutely heavenly

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Jun 26 2024
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5

Äntligen ett reggaealbum. Riktigt bra dessutom. Det var även lite skillnad till annan reggae enligt mig dessutom. Mer soul och blues inflytande definitivt. Unik och passande röst och schyssta instrumentalister. Även om jag håller med om vad han sjunger om så är det inte texten som intresserar mig, utan musiken. Som trummis så har reggae gett stort inflytande på mig och därför tycker jag att det är svårt att göra ett dåligt reggaealbum, om man är bra musiker det vill säga. Samma som med disco så låter nästan allt ganska lika men det gör inget enligt mig. Alla låtar på denna var bra så jag kan inte ge den något annat än en femma.

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Jul 01 2024
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5

Astonishingly rich. Praise Jah for this being so “Ketchy Shuby” – and not just tonight but for 40+ years now. Not sure this is positive medical advice (def not good for asthma; for tuberculosis and thrombosis perhaps). Every cut works and offers charm or sharpness or depth or all three. A marvel and immensely enjoyable and happy-making besides.

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Aug 01 2024
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5

Best Peter Tosh album, lots of classic reggae songs, not as good as all the Bob Marly & The Wailers albums in this list, but still: 9/10.

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Sep 10 2020
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4

Not a big fan of Reggae but this was nice to listen to.

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Sep 14 2020
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4

This was pretty good! Legalize It itself is very good song, and the album (while short) is really solid. I think I'll definitely come back to it.

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Feb 08 2021
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4

Actually pretty good. Definitely see how the rhythm section influenced other bands I like.

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May 21 2021
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4

Mellow reggae. This is great weed smoking music haha

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May 25 2021
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4

Alles groovt erwartungsgemäß und doch ist das ein Reggae mit bluesy/folky Anteilen, Klavier Einsätzen, Dub Andeutungen, überhaupt super Songs, die eine oft generische Selbstbezogenheit des Genres mit Leichtigkeit transzendieren. Tolle Platte. 3.9

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Jul 07 2021
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4

Un dels clàssics del roots reggae, amb temes mítics, com 'Legalize It' o 'Till Your Well Runs Dry'; i d'altres també top, com 'No Sympathy' o 'Why I Must Cry'. Encara dins l'ona dels Wailers, un disc a l'alçada dels de Marley en aquells anys

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Jun 21 2021
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4

No sé, siento que no necesitaba escucharlo antes de morir, pero sí que me parecieron chidas Igziabeher y Burial, no me esperaba un sonido tan dark en este disco y no simpathy de hecho está bastante simpática. Mood: Me da dos motas, por favor

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Jun 29 2021
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4

I thought it was a solid 3 but then I was looking through for special mentions and more than half the songs - so I guess a 4 then...

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May 10 2021
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4

Super vibey!! Not as good as Exodus for me personally, but would definitely listen again.

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May 07 2021
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4

A grower. Has a lot of rasta spirituality infused in it. Took a while before I liked it, but it's good. Best song: Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised). Worst song: Ketchy Shuby.

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May 20 2021
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4

Great chill music for the backyard

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Jul 07 2021
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4

Every song on this album is catchy and interesting. No low points. Great example of classic Reggae.

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Jul 16 2021
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4

Een van de muzikanten van Bob Marley die een eigen carrière begon ... Ik vind het eigenlijk nog best leuke muziek om naar te luisteren. Het eerste nummer is wel heel stereotiep, maar daarna is het eigenlijk best genieten. Naast het typische reggae ritme heb je geinige gitaarsolo's, wat electronische geluidjes en zo af en toe een heel poppie melodietje. Ik denk dat dit zeker in zijn genre een heel goed album is.

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Jul 23 2021
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4

Iree! Good stuff. Treading familiar ground, but still nice. Makes a giod companion piece to Bob Marley's Uprising.

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Jul 27 2021
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4

As far as the genre goes, this is pretty clearly at the top with Marley. Not music I’ll likely listen to again but maybe on a beach vacation or something.

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Aug 13 2021
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4

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Reggae is better when it's not boring bob

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Aug 26 2021
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4

Catchy tunes with plenty of depth, assuming you don't mind reggae.

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Dec 23 2021
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4

Peter Tosh and Bob Marley are like the Lennon & McCartney of Reggae. Both are absolute pillars of influence in the genre. While Marley gets the lion's share of attention, this album proves how capable and even masterful Peter Tosh was in the absence of Marley.

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Dec 23 2021
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4

Good tunes, reggae up there with the greats.

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Feb 03 2022
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4

Classic Reggae sound. Haven't heard this album in a long time and really enjoyed it. Such a summer vibe.

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Mar 04 2022
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4

Not my usual type of listen, but quite enjoyed it

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