Natty Dread

This is a weird review, as I have virtually nothing to say about it other than the fact I really, really enjoyed it. And just to add to the weirdness of the review, I'm going to call out the female backing vocalists for really adding to the greatness everywhere else.

Loved it. That is all.

5/5

A strong 4-star record. Marley steps fully into his role as leader here, with the I-Threes’ harmonies adding depth and warmth throughout. The grooves are steady and immersive, the political and spiritual themes are front and center, and cuts like “Lively Up Yourself” and “Them Belly Full” really shine. “No Woman, No Cry” is beautiful here, though I still prefer the definitive live version. Not a perfect five, but a great listen and a clear milestone in Marley’s catalog.

Having only heard the amped up singles collected on Legend, it is a beautiful thing experiencing Bob Marley in this more low key, chilled out setting. He is a beautiful performer. There is a true skill in keeping things engaging when the music is just simmering along for a while 40 minutes.

The original version of No Woman No Cry took a couple of listens for me as I was more familiar with the live version, but it’s got a very charming feel to it. It’s a totally different composition with a different energy and shows you just how much a single song can be transformed by how you play it.

The final track is a bit of a climb down after a very consistent record, probably the only thing holding it back.

Enjoyed this one - can see it growing on me

Classic

As a stoner in high school, Bob Marley was basically constant background music for everything we did. I rarely listen to Bob Marley now, but every single time I do I am reminded that I need to listen to more Bob Marley.

Peak Marley

Excellent. Probably in my top 50 of all time.

The list has seen to it that I be given my second Bob Marley & The Wailers album not long after my first, and I'm not exactly complaining. What I have to say about this is honestly pretty similar to what I had to say about Catch A Fire, although I may have slightly preferred Catch A Fire. This is as chill and joyful and politically minded as any other Bob Marley I've heard. Marley is still a great presence, The Wailers are still super tight, and this is another great batch of songs. A great example of reggae, that I get a lot out of, and honestly, I don't have much more to say.

Неочікувано мені сподобалось, при тому, що я не фанат Боба Марлі загалом.

It turns out I do like reggae! :) awesome album :)

The Good: We are getting fed!
The Bad: Wait, that’s dread, not bread…
The Ugly: What is natty bread?

Suh Wi git tuh listen tuh Bob Marley an im Wailers!

Yea, that’s about as much as I am going to use a free online translator to pretend like I speak patois…

I am not into reaggea, though I did appreciate the previous couple of albums that I got to listen to, roughly a year ago.
This album did not put me in a good place, it did not put me in a bad place, it just made me listen and wonder what my next album on the list will be…
Guess wi a gwine fine outta yah inna ah second... bikaaz mia kool like that!

Standouts for mw are Lively Up Yourself (old-school Wailers ska feel), and Rebel Music. The rest of the album just sort of blends together into a roots medley for me.

Pretty much what you would expect from Bob Marley. I think this is my first time hearing the studio version of No Woman No Cry...completely understand why the live version has become the standard. 3.5/5

First full Bob Marley album for me, instantly a good vibe. Lovely grooves, well produced. 5*
Highlights: no woman no cry, lively up yourself, talkin blues

Classic Reggae. Not bad, but wouldn't be on my go to list.

I enjoyed this. Not really in my vein, but I made it through the whole album without wishing it was over.

Good album

4.25

If you have one reggae album in your collection it should probably be this, or Bob Marley's greatest hits.

Goes hard, and here we are again, Jamaica 1975, America 2025. 3 O'clock Roadblock: "Hey, Mr. Cop, Ain't got no birth certificate on me now."

See you in another 50 years.