Bob Marley And The Wailers – Legend (The Best Of Bob Marley And The Wailers) (UK Press 1984 Reissue)

Bob Marley And The Wailers – Legend (The Best Of Bob Marley And The Wailers)

Released in 1984, Legend (The Best Of Bob Marley And The Wailers) is the definitive greatest hits collection from one of the most influential and internationally celebrated artists in music history. Bringing together 14 essential recordings from Bob Marley and The Wailers' remarkable career, this posthumous compilation captures the spirit, musical innovation and enduring cultural importance of an artist who helped introduce Jamaican reggae to audiences across the world.

By the time of his death in 1981, Bob Marley had become an international musical icon, using reggae as a vehicle for songs about love, spirituality, social injustice, freedom and human unity. Working alongside The Wailers, he developed a distinctive sound built around deep bass lines, intricate guitar rhythms, hypnotic percussion and memorable melodies, combining the foundations of Jamaican roots reggae with elements of rock, soul and contemporary pop.

Legend draws on material originally recorded between 1973 and 1983, covering some of the most important moments in Marley's musical journey. The selection includes recordings from landmark albums such as Catch A Fire, Burnin', Natty Dread, Rastaman Vibration, Exodus, Kaya and Uprising, alongside the posthumously released Buffalo Soldier. The compilation provides an excellent overview of his development from a leading figure in Jamaica's roots reggae movement into a global musical and cultural phenomenon.

The collection opens with Is This Love, one of Marley's most instantly recognisable love songs, featuring a relaxed groove and an infectious melody. No Woman No Cry, presented in its celebrated live form, is another defining recording, its emotional vocal performance and audience participation creating one of the most memorable moments in his catalogue. Could You Be Loved brings a more dance-oriented feel, combining reggae rhythms with polished pop influences, while Three Little Birds remains an enduring expression of optimism and reassurance.

Other highlights include Get Up Stand Up, the powerful protest anthem co-written with fellow Wailer Peter Tosh, and I Shot The Sheriff, which became an international hit and introduced many listeners to Marley's music, particularly following Eric Clapton's successful cover version. Stir It Up demonstrates his gift for relaxed, soulful songwriting, while Waiting In Vain and Satisfy My Soul reveal a more romantic and melodic side of his work.

The album also features some of Marley's most significant political and spiritual compositions. Exodus is an expansive roots reggae statement built around themes of movement, liberation and African identity, while Redemption Song, featuring a stripped-back acoustic arrangement, is among his most powerful and poignant recordings. Its message of personal freedom and emancipation remains particularly resonant. The closing track, Jamming, brings the collection to an uplifting conclusion with its infectious rhythm and celebratory spirit.

Originally released by Island Records on 8 May 1984, Legend became an extraordinary commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and establishing itself as one of the best-selling reggae albums ever released. Its continuing popularity across generations is testament to the timeless quality of Marley's songwriting and the universal appeal of his music.

More than a greatest hits album, Legend is an essential introduction to the musical and cultural legacy of Bob Marley and The Wailers. A landmark reggae compilation featuring an exceptional collection of classic songs, it belongs in any serious collection of reggae, roots music and influential popular music.

Tracklist

Side A

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

Side B

1. One Love / People Get Ready

2. I Shot The Sheriff

3. Waiting In Vain

4. Redemption Song

5. Satisfy My Soul

6. Exodus

7. Jamming