Learning to love reggae is easy, and the best place to begin is with the master of the genre. But with such an extensive discography, it can be difficult to choose just a few. Here are five Bob Marley CDs to start off a reggae collection.
1. Legend
This compilation CD was released after Marley's death, and is the highest selling reggae album of all time. "Legend" features the original version of the reggae classic "Stir It Up", which was first popularized by Johnny Nash in the late 1960's. "Stir It Up" was Marley's first hit outside of Jamaica, launching his international career.
"Legend" also includes "I Shot the Sheriff", "Three Little Birds", and a live version of "No Woman No Cry."
2. Catch a Fire
Released in 1974, this album launched Bob Marley and The Wailers to world-wide superstar status. "Catch a Fire" features "Concrete Jungle," a hauntingly beautiful tune that is often overlooked by many "Best Of Bob Marley" compilations.
A deluxe edition of this CD is also available, with the bonus tracks "High Tide or Low Tide" and "All Day All Night".
3. Exodus
TIME magazine hailed Exodus as the best music album of the 20th century in 1998. The songs on Exodus are classified as "roots reggae", a subgenre of reggae with lyrics focused on social issues like poverty, government oppression, and life in the ghetto.
Exodus tracks include "Jamming" (with a bonus extended version track), "Turn Your Lights Down Low", and "One Love", Marley's cover of "People Get Ready" by the doo-wop group The Impressions.
4. Gold
With two CDs and thirty-four tracks, this album features at least two songs from every Bob Marley and The Wailers CD, from their first recording to posthumous releases. Included on "Gold" are "Get Up, Stand Up", "I Shot the Sheriff", and "Buffalo Soldier", which is the Marley single most frequently played on the radio.
5. Live!
No Bob Marley collection would be complete without at least one live album. Recorded in July of 1975 at the Lyceum Ballroom in London, this concert is arguably Marley's most famous. Included are "No Woman, No Cry," "Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)", and the bonus track "Kinky Reggae."
More Bob Marley Albums
In his tragically short life, Bob Marley managed to create an impressive discography. The five CDs listed above showcase Marley's biggest hits, making them ideal choices for a new reggae fan. For a full listing of recordings by Bob Marley and The Wailers, visit RollingStone.com.
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