Legalize It

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.

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

You smoke weed. I get it.

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

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

Was ok. Wouldn't really listen again

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.

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.

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

Amazing, lush, melancholy, relaxed

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Perfect kick back on the beach album.

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...

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

Ketchup Shuby was my fave

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.

A very nice and enjoyable album. I liked it.

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. 

It was fine. Not especially memorable.

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.

Forgettable

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

Reggae sux

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

Reggae. No.

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

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

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

Yeah mon

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

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

Classic reggae. Really good.

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.

legalizeeeeeee it

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

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.

Ja man!

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.

I love the calm relaxed vibes from Reggae music. It’s just so easy to listen to and enjoy. I love this album!

Dope

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.

Vibes

Fun

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

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.

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

Jah-Man! Excellent Album!

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.

Love it

Jah

5, based album

Muito bom!

I just love reggae. He’s the man!

🕴

Le ga liiiiiiiize iiiiiit yeeaaah. Yeaaaah.

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

🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

LEGALIZE!

Legendary

Extremely enjoyable reggae outing

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

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

very cool

Very enjoyable, relaxing, good times

Not listened to much Reggae - this was pretty decent

4.1

Brand New secondhand is such a devastating insult

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

Mellow reggae. This is great weed smoking music haha

Si

Peter Tosh was one of the founding members of the Wailers (Bob Marley's backing band) before branching off on his own. This is his debut solo album, and covers topics such as the legalization of marijuana, poverty, and religion. This was some great reggae, not as polished as Bob Marley's stuff, but still very good all around. There were some tight guitar solos, and phenomenal beats throughout. Overall, I really liked this album. Very easy listening. I will definately revisit again! Favourite songs: Burial, Why Must I Cry, Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised), Whatcha Gonna Do, Ketchy Shuby, Till Your Well Runs Dry Least favourite song: Legalize It 4/5

Already started laughing at first song. Very fun relaxing album.

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.

I always preferred Tosh’s voice to Marley’s. This record is really good but it’s no Equal Rights.

What an amazing debut. I always liked Peter Tosh because of the harsher political edge he brought to roots reggae. This one in particular pushes for the legalization of marijuana in Jamaica. Great songs on here.

Great reggae music. Easy to just listen to and chill out. Being stoned made this album a lot better. It was also nice being given so many mixes of the songs.

Classic reggae!

Like most Americans, I haven't delved too far into reggae beyond Bob Marley. This feels pretty similar, maybe a bit more of a mellow vibe. Hard not to like it. And I fully agree, it should be legalized. 4 stars.

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

Great reggae

Great smooth reggae

Listened Before? N Grooovy! It's nice to hear some alternate Reggae instead of Marley. Love the weed theme and it seems like he was quite the guy. His death was brutal and a wild story. "The Day the Music Died" - Jamaican Version. Incredibly sad. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Legalize It

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

Good

mellow

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.

Stoner reggae, but good.

Classic reggae, especially "Legalize It." I've always thought that it was pretty savvy of him to speak Capitalism in the song: "Legalize it and I will advertise is." Nothing like appealing to the greed of those in power. "Brand New Second Hand" was the only other track on this album that I was familiar with, but the entire album's solid. "Burial" is nice and funky, and "Why Must I Cry" has a pleasing little guitar solo in it. The only track I didn't particularly care for was "Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised)." Everything else was great.

Great reggae album.

Would revisit

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

I'm a very casual reggae fan, only owning 10+ essential albums at home (by Bob Marley, Toots And The Maytals, Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, Lee "Scratch" Perry/The Upsetters or the Congos...), plus a few Trojan and Studio One compilations. If I had a little more room and money to spare, this one would be part of my collection for sure... But since I already have the historical title track on CD somewhere, I didn't go for it. Don't get me wrong, *Legalize It* is still a fine album. The songwriting can be very good sometimes, and some of the arrangements are top-notch. Take "Igziabeher", for instance: its dreamy piano flourishes, to which Tosh adds enigmatic wind sounds at the end, make for a trippy listening experience. Nice way to praise Jah, Peter. Here are the sort of nice touches that can take the genre up to the next level. Admittedly, some of the tunes are still a little light on the ear, especially compared to Tosh's former band, The Wailers. That comparison may seem unfair to a certain extent--Tosh is a more than decent songwriter--yet one can still sense this record sometimes lacks the mystical intensity of Marley's vocal performances, or the full-on inventive quirkiness of Lee Perry's productions, or the sheer soulfulness of Toots And the Maytals. But I can still get why *Legalize It* should be an album you must listen to at least once in your life. And this even if you're only a *casual* reggae fan, with not enough shelves in his living room. Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 839 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory: 88 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 39 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): 33

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

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.