Bob Marley -- Legend

10/10

My first memory of music is my mom waking me up from my afternoon naps with Bob Marley's "Jamming" (the vinyl single with the live version of "No Woman No Cry" as the B-Side). Well, that and Barnes and Barnes' "Fish Heads," but she usually did that song acapella (and in a slightly lower octave). 
Anyway, "Jamming."
I can't really think of a more calming song for a two-year old to wake up to in late afternoon sunshine than "Jamming." Almost all of Marley's most relaxing jams are here on Legend, but his angrier protest songs are also represented, as well. This balance shows the loving care that went into this song selection, and gives the dead legend his due. While reggae is the genre Marley pioneered, many "sensitive" guys with a guitar have attempted to cop his good vibes with their own "sound." They often fail for one simple reason: Marley's music was actually about something, and their's isn't. This is what sets him apart, and the difficulties of life he sang about make the "love" he also sang about actually seem earned and real. It's nearly as affecting as "Fish Heads."


1984 Island
1. Is This Love 3:50
2. No Woman No Cry 7:08
3. Could You Be Loved 3:57
4. Three Little Birds 3:00
5. Buffalo Soldier 4:18
6. Get Up Stand Up 3:17
7. Stir It Up 5:30
8. Easy Skanking 2:57
9. One Love/People Get Ready 2:52
10. I Shot the Sheriff 4:40
11. Waiting in Vain 4:16
12. Redemption Song 3:48
13. Satisfy My Soul 4:31
14. Exodus 7:40
15. Jamming 3:31
16. Punky Reggae Party 6:52