Search - Bob Marley & Wailers :: Rastaman Vibration

(3.5 stars) Bob's Reggae Gumbo

finulanu | Here, there, and everywhere | 12/29/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This isn't quite as good as some of Marley's top-shelf work, but it's pretty entertaining anyway. See, here's the thing; there isn't really a bad song on this album - "Cry to Me" and "Who the Cap Fit" aren't brilliant, and "Cap", has an annoying keyboard part, but they're tolerable. However, there are only three true classics here, which is less than any other Marley album but Confrontation. First off is the opening "Positive Vibration", a sunny, feel-good Rasta sermon. Then there's "Roots, Rock, Reggae", which is a fun tribute to Bob's own music with sterling guitar and sax parts. Finally, you've got one of Marley's greatest protests, "Rat Race". But the rest blends together, much like Talking Heads' More Songs About Buildings and Food, most the rest blends together in a Caribbean soup - all the flavors blend together, and you can't tell one song from another, but you know you like what you're eating just the same. It's a good soup, see? There are places when Bob gets carried away with his Rasta preaching, and since I'm not a Rasta it kinda goes over my head, but it skates by on pure groove alone, as does most of Marley's weaker material. And some of the "Rastamen rule!" tracks have stuff going for them too, like fun scatting on "Crazy Baldhead". Out of the "soup" songs, my favorite is "Johnny Was", a slightly overlong but still touching ballad. Also of interest are the famous "War", a speech from the founder of Rastafarianism set to music; and the slightly menacing "Want More". I mean, I wouldn't listen to any track terribly often, but they're cool, I guess. Again, there's nothing bad on Rastaman Vibration, but it's no match for... well, a lot of his work. The follow-up Exodus alone is leagues better. This was a big success, making it all the way to #8 on the pop charts - it was his highest chart position in the States, but there weren't any hit singles."

Rastaman Vibration

Morton | Colorado | 03/31/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bob Marley & The Wailers-Rastaman Vibration *****





While this may not be Marley & The Wailers' most successful, best, or popular album it still holds a special place in my heart. More then any other album in his cannon Rastaman Vibration is more social conscious then all his other releases combined. Social issues was something he had always sang about but Rastaman Vibration seems to almost souly focus around that. Good, Evil, political, religious, and basically any other subject under the sun is covered by Marley here and this is why it is so near and dear to my heart. When people are brave enough to address issues it automatically gains my respect but when they can do it in such a intelligent way as Marley did they earn my respect for ever. Catch A Fire(the groups best album), Burnin' came close but couldn't match the subject matter of Rastaman Vibration.



I feel it also important to mention the addition of Donald Kinsey and Earl 'Chinna' Smith on guitar. This may not seem important but they are in my book one of the best guitar duo's in all of reggae.



From the almost chant of 'Positive Vibration' through the mellancolly 'Cry To Me' on through the semi-scat of 'Crazy Baldhead' to the anthemic 'War' and the final notes of 'Rat Race' Rastaman Remains a consitantly strong album. The bonus track 'Jah Live' is a great addition to this already fantastic album but it is the second and third tracks that take this albums to a five star level. 'Roots, Rock Reggae' is an unheralded classic. Truly one of the very best songs Marley & The Wailers ever pinned. 'Johnny Was' however may be the best songs Marley has ever written, if not it is among them. It truly must be heard to appreciate. It may take a few listens but once it hits you it does so like a ton of bricks. Hope I'm not over hyping it...



Rastaman Vibration is the most over looked album in the Wailers cannon and I don't understand why. All the albums Marley released in his life time (not counting posthumous releases) were all five star, or near five star albums, so it amazes me that one could be over looked. Nothing is ever said bad about the album so it makes no since, and while I understand it is not their best it sure is not their worst."