Exodusis the ninth studio album by Jamaican reggae band Bob Marley and the Wailers, first released in June 1977 through Island Records, following Rastaman Vibration (1976). The album's production has been characterized as laid-back with pulsating bass beats and an emphasis on piano, trumpet and guitar. Unlike previous albums from the band, Exodus thematically moves away from cryptic story-telling; instead it revolves around themes of change, religious politics, and sexuality. The album is split into two halves: the first half revolves around religious politics, while the second half is focused on themes of making love and keeping faith.
On 3 December 1976, an assassination attempt was made on Bob Marley's life in which his chest was grazed and his arm was struck with a bullet, but he survived.[1] Following the assassination attempt, Marley left Jamaica and was exiled to London, where Exodus was recorded.[2]
In 1974, two of the original Wailers left the band. The band continued releasing material as "Bob Marley & The Wailers," as had sometimes been the case in the Lee Perry era (as with the Soul Rebels and Soul Revolution LPs). His current backing band included brothers Carlton and Aston "Family Man" Barrett on drums and bass respectively, Al Anderson and Junior Marvin on lead guitar, Tyrone Downie and Earl "Wya" Lindo on keyboards, and Alvin "Seeco" Patterson on percussion. The I Threes, consisting of Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths, and Marley's wife, Rita, provided backing vocals. In 1975, Marley had his international breakthrough with his first hit outside Jamaica, "No Woman, No Cry", from the Natty Dread album. This was followed by his breakthrough album in the United States, Rastaman Vibration (1976), which became the 48th best-selling album on the Billboard Soul Charts in 1978.[3]
In December 1976, Jamaica was going through elections, generating substantial political discourse. In his campaign, Prime Minister Michael Manley used the campaign slogan "We know where we're going." In response Marley wrote "Exodus", which is the title track of the album. The song became a No. 1 hit in Jamaica as well as the United Kingdom and Germany.[5]
On 3 December 1976, while he was in his house in Jamaica, an assassination attempt on Marley's life drove him out of his native country: two days after the assassination attempt, Marley performed in the previously scheduled Smile Jamaica concert, then subsequently fled to England where he later recorded the song "Exodus". In addition to the assassination attempt on Marley, his wife Rita was also shot and survived.[6]
Cam described the album's musical style as being "different", noting that Marley's style of reggae was not what was prominent in Jamaica during the time, and that the album's music sounds unlike any reggae that came before its release.[7] Emeritus continued to describe the album's sound as being rooted in the blues and soul, with elements of British Rock with a reggae "faade thrown on top" however Emeritus praised this saying "if Exodus was straight reggae, it probably wouldn't be as good as it is."[7]
Exodus contains elements of pulsating bass beats, pianos and funk along with a "liquid-y bass", drumming and guitars with the inclusion of trumpets in the title track.[7] Unlike previous albums Exodus lyrical content moves away from cryptic story-telling and instead is clearer and more straight forward, the lyrics touch upon themes of change, religious politics and sex. Vocally, Marley provides a minimalist approach, trying not to reach his falsettos.[7]
The album's track listing is split over two halves;[6] the first half features songs of religious politics and opens with "Natural Mystic", which is a slow tempo "fade up" song, followed by "So Much Things to Say", which was described by the BBC as being "exuberant" and features a reggae scat.[1] The following two songs "Guiltiness" and "The Heathen" explore darker territory, before ending on the album's title track.[1]
"Jamming", "Waiting in Vain", "One Love/People Get Ready", and "Three Little Birds" were all major international hits. Exodus peaked at number 20 on the Billboard 200 and at number 15 on the Black Albums chart, as well as remaining in the UK charts for 56 consecutive weeks, where it peaked at number 8.
In 1999, Time named Exodus the best album of the 20th century.[12] In 2001, the TV network VH1 named it the 26th greatest album of all time. In 2003, the album was ranked number 169 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time,[13] maintaining the rating in a 2012 revised list,[14] re-ranking at number 48 in a 2023 revised list.[15]
"2023 Analog Productions UHQR released February 2023"A limited edition, custom pressing. Limited to 3500 copies. Ultra high-quality record from analog productions. Pressed on Clarity vinyl. Direct from analog.produced in Salina, Kansas by Chad Kassem.
Africa Unite is an extraordinary album that pays homage to the Reggae icon's greatest hits, beautifully reimagined and infused with the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats. Scheduled for release on August 4, 2023, Africa Unite features inspiring collaborations between Bob Marley's classics and a stellar line-up of contemporary African musicians. This ten-track masterpiece includes Sarkodie, Tiwa Savage, Teni, and Oxlade, which will be announced before the album's release. Each artist brings unique flair and artistry, paying tribute to Bob Marley's enduring influence while adding their refreshing voices to his iconic compositions.
Bob Marley's impact on Reggae and Afrobeats music culture is immeasurable. His ageless music transcends borders and generations. This project is no different; it invites listeners on an enchanting musical journey. From the heartwarming rendition of "Waiting In Vain" to the uplifting energy of "Stir It Up," the album showcases the seamless fusion of two extraordinary musical worlds. Backing this album announcement is also the release of the lead single, a new version of Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" performed by Nigeria's rising stars Teni & Oxlade, which truly emulates the original with an afro-fusion kick.
With 'Africa Unite,' Bob Marley's influence continues to resonate, bridging the gap between the past and present. The album not only showcases the global reach of Bob Marley's music but also celebrates the rich tapestry of African rhythms and melodies. By intertwining reggae's soulful vibrations with the infectious energy of Afrobeats, Africa Unite embodies the unity and spirit of collaboration, mirroring the late artist's vision of a harmonious world.
Bob Marley's impact on reggae and Afrobeats music culture is immeasurable. As a pioneer of Reggae, Bob Marley was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. His powerful lyrics and captivating melodies have served as a guiding light, inspiring countless artists and shaping the musical landscape. With Africa Unite, his influence continues to resonate, bridging the gap between the past and present.
Bob Marley, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is notable not only as the man who put Reggae on the global map but as a statesman in his native Jamaica; he famously brought together the country's warring factions. Today, Bob Marley remains one of the 20th century's most important and influential entertainment icons. Marley's lifestyle and music continue to inspire new generations as his legacy lives on through his music. In the digital era, he has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity. The official Bob Marley Facebook page draws more than 74 million fans, ranking it among the Top 20 of all Facebook pages and the Top 10 among celebrity pages. Marley's music catalog has sold millions of albums worldwide. His iconic collection 'LEGEND' holds the distinction of being the longest-charting album in the history of Billboard Magazine's Catalog Albums chart and remains the world's best-selling reggae album. Marley's accolades include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994) and ASCAP Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010), a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), multiple entries in the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2001). For more information, visit
bobmarley.com and
facebook.com/bobmarley.
Following the assassination attempt on his life on December 3, 1976 and the Smile Jamaica concert two days later, Bob flew to London where he stayed for the next 14 months in a self-imposed exile. Here Bob and his Wailers would create the landmark album Exodus....
For the first time in a career spanned over thirty years, Ziggy Marley has released a self-titled album. Ziggy Marley, the sixth entry of his solo career, is a slight turn from the reggae superstar's more recent output, yet feels of a piece with the eclectic intentions he's established as standard practice on his previous two records. It's been ten years since Love is My Religion returned Marley to his one-drop roots, with a collection of songs that lived mostly in roots reggae and its brethren. Since that hit, Ziggy's approach, both musically and lyrically has diversified. While embracing genres like alternative rock and pop balladry, he turned his expressions inward on much of both Wild and Free and 2013's Grammy-winning Fly Rasta. With this eponymous album, Marley alters course a few clicks, addressing more directly and intently than ever before the world around him.
He's always kept a keen eye on the injustices and inequities in his purview, citing environmental issues from his solo debut, Dragonfly, on up. Here, he is active and engaged early and often. The set opens with Start it Up, and a call for revolution. Its more a benign request than radical, with Ziggy encouraging participation and contribution rather than aggression. Marley is, above all, a believer in love.
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