Legend: The Best of Bob Marley and the Wailers

by Bob Marley & the Wailers, Joe Higgs, Bob Marley

Overview

There's a reason why this best-of collection has been a steady bestseller since it debuted in 1984: It's got the goods. The 14 songs on Legend go a long way toward demonstrating why Marley rose to become an international superstar. The man melded potent hooks, straight-shooting sincerity, and reggae riddims into some of the most engaging pop anywhere. There's the propulsive "Could You Be Loved," the revolutionary "Get Up Stand Up," which he wrote with Peter Tosh, and the Dylanesque anthem "Redemption Song." The hit parade rolls on with Marley classics like "No Woman No Cry," "I Shot the Sheriff," and the aching love song "Waiting in Vain." Like Marley himself, these songs are truly charismatic. If you can't afford the remarkable Songs of Freedom box set, this disc captures the best of Bob. And that's pretty much the best there is.

The 2002 Deluxe Edition contains a second disc of remixes done around the original mid-'80s issue date of Legend, including the worldbeat dance mix of "Buffalo Soldier" that appeared on some versions of the original LP. Rounding out the first disc are two bonus tracks, "Easy Skanking" and "Punky Reggae Party." The entirely new repackaging boasts a 28 page booklet and rare photos.

Product Details

Release Date:	07/07/2009
Label:	Tuff Gong / Umgd
UPC:	0600753030523
catalogNumber:	530305
Rank:	3175

Tracks

1. Is This Love
2. No Woman No Cry
3. Could You Be Loved
4. Three Little Birds
5. Buffalo Soldier
6. Get Up Stand Up
7. Stir It Up
8. One Love/People Get Ready
9. I Shot the Sheriff
10. Waiting in Vain
11. Redemption Song
12. Satisfy My Soul
13. Exodus
14. Jamming

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Bob Marley & the Wailers   Primary Artist,Track Performer
Joe Higgs   Percussion
Bob Marley   Acoustic Guitar,Percussion,Rhythm Guitar,Vocals
Rita Marley   Background Vocals
Judy Mowatt   Background Vocals
Aston Barrett   Percussion,Bass Guitar
Carlton "Carly" Barrett   Percussion,Drums
Tyrone Downie   Percussion,Keyboards,Background Vocals
Marcia Griffiths   Background Vocals
Bernard Touter Harvey   Organ,Piano
Donald Kinsey   Guitar
Earl Lindo   Percussion,Keyboards,Background Vocals
Bunny Livingston   Bongos,Conga,Vocals
Peter MacKintosh   Organ,Guitar,Piano,Vocals
Alvin Patterson   Percussion
Earl "Chinna" Smith   Guitar,Percussion,Rhythm Guitar
Junior Marvin   Guitar,Background Vocals
Anderson   Guitar

Technical Credits

Bob Marley   Producer
Steve Smith   Producer
Chris Blackwell   Producer
Errol Brown   Producer
Barry Diament   Engineer
Rob Fraboni   Engineer
Wailers   Producer

Editorial Reviews

The classic Marley album, the one that any fair-weather reggae fan owns, Legend contains 14 of his greatest songs, running the gamut from "I Shot the Sheriff" to the meditative "Redemption Song" and the irrepressible "Three Little Birds." Some may argue that the compilation shortchanges his groundbreaking early ska work or his status as a political commentator, but this isn't meant to be definitive, it's meant to be an introduction, sampling the very best of his work. And it does that remarkably well, offering all of his genre-defying greats and an illustration of his excellence, warmth, and humanity. In a way, it is perfect since it gives a doubter or casual fan anything they could want. Let's face it, the beauty and simplicity of Marley's music was as important as his message, and that's captured particularly well here.

The 2002 Deluxe Edition contains a second disc of remixes done around the original mid-'80s issue date of Legend, including the worldbeat dance mix of "Buffalo Soldier" that appeared on some versions of the original LP. Rounding out the first disc are two bonus tracks, "Easy Skanking" and "Punky Reggae Party." The entirely new repackaging boasts a 28 page booklet and rare photos.

All Music Guide - Stephen Thomas Erlewine