73. Bob Marley and the Wailers: Exodus

Released: 3 June 1977

Chosen By: Paul

Comments - 

Paul: It's a fine record, the first half of reggae culminating in the fantastic title track. The second half is poppier but none the worse for that. What I might have hoped for from it hasn't been delivered though. I did wonder if it might send me into a big reggae exploration and a new found admiration for the genre. That hasn't happened.

To be fair that might be my fault. I have been listening in the afternoon while either working out fantasy football scores or doing great work for charidee. If I'd been listening late at night with the lights down while feeling 'mellow' I might feel differently about it. But that's not the way I go about things.

I've enjoyed it and appreciate it but that's as far as it goes.

Dean: Not given to introspection, Bob was a quiet but unignorable voice for human rights and peace. He achieved so much with a persistent gentle, seductive, personal perspective that was carried globally and assertively but never forcefully. His was a voice that will carry long into history and has also played a significant role within that history. It has moved opinion and reconciled difference. Nothing I can say will elevate him further and I would dearly wish to. This may not be his greatest album but there is too much in here to ignore.

I listened to BM al ot when travelling through Oz. It was formative and relevant then. It's unfortunate that it's relevance is not so strongly felt at this time. I really wish it were. 🌟 One love

Ben: I really enjoyed the album - considering reggae is a fairly narrow musical discipline I feel this album manages to separate each song into its own entity. By this time Bob was a very experienced songwriter so no surprise I guess but each song is enjoyable and very listenable. There is also some interesting instrumentation with gentle guitar solos and unusual percussion. The album doesn’t really make a deep connection with me but I did find it enjoyable and fun.

Stu: So Exodus, indeed it’s a great record, Bob is very accomplished and there’s plenty of melody and a hefty amount of homage to the god. The sort of LP that should be in my collection as a reference point. I certainly wouldn’t indulge in the entire collection of his BUT I can admire his art and passion and his fight for his cause!!!