Other outstanding tracks on the collection include the sweet "Three Little Birds," the ace peace and love song "One Love/People Get Ready," the straight up love songs "Is This Love" and "Stir It Up," the political rant of "Buffalo Soldier," the call to arms "Get Up Stand Up" and the rave-up "Jamming." Even among the lesser well known songs there is not a clunker or misstep in the mix.

Overall, a superior single disc anthology that establishes Bob Marley as one of the most important musicians of his era.


Great selection of hits by Bob Marley and the Wailers   February 3, 2008
Steven A. Peterson (Hershey, PA (Born in Kewanee, IL))
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

"Legend" features some of the very greatest hits of Bob Marley and the Wailers--and what a compilation it is! As always, one could have hoped that other items be included (for example, only one cut from "Natty Dread"?). Nonetheless, this is a dazzling collection.

Some of the hits are compelling to include, such as "No Woman No Cry," "Buffalo Soldier," "Get Up Stand Up," "Stir it Up," "I Shot the Sheriff," "Redemption Song," "Jamming," and a nice bonus cut, "Funky Reggae Party." One thought: Quite a few of these songs appear to be love songs or whatever, but--in fact--have political content to them.

Let's consider a few of the pieces in more detail:

"No Woman No Cry":

"In this great future
You can't forget your past
So dry your tears, I say."

This song has a softer sound to it. The band plays well and Marley is in peak form. Since this is a live version (over seven minutes long), it is fun to hear the audience's responses throughout. The upbeat line, repeated several times, "Everything's gonna be alright," sets a tone for the song.

"Stir It Up": This song was a hit for Johnny Nash, representing one of the first reggae songs to break out to a wider audience (but not the first). Marley's version is great! The I-Threes provide strong backing vocals; the band plays well. This is an infectious version of the song and genuinely rates as one of Bob Marley and the Wailers' greatest hits.

"I Shot the Sheriff": This was a worldwide hit for Eric Clapton (it seems weird that others had great hits with Marley's work, without him having the same success). Marley's version is very different from Clapton's (although both work). As liner notes point out, there is more of a political edge to Marley's version. Band, backing vocals, and Marley are all in fine form on this work.

The bonus track--"Punky Reggae Party": The song is about getting ready for a punky reggae party, but there are all manner of observations scattered throughout this song, some with political overtones. One interesting set of lyrics that caught my attention:

"Rejected by society
Treated with impunity
Protected by my dignity
I search for reality."

The musical line from the band is almost hypnotic and the I-Threes, as typically done, provide fine backing vocals. Marley sings with pizzazz and spills out through after thought at a quick pace. What a nice bonus track!

In short, a truly wonderful greatest hits CD. If interested in the range of Marley's work, this is a good place to start.



A True Legend   December 30, 2002
Nicholas Alla Koholick
23 out of 26 found this review helpful

This man WAS a legend. His music touched millions. He laid the groundwork for a lot of ska and reggae existing today, surviving an assination attempt and a country filled with unrest and confusion in the process. It truly was inspiring. His passing in 1981 was both tragic and untimely. Legend is a Best Of-album of sorts. It has a lot of his radio singles, his big hits, and a few treasures. Recommended to all fans of music, Jamaican music or otherwise. A stepping-stone into eventually collecting all of of his amazing work.
Truly it is: "...the heart and soul of the Jamaican people packed into one five-inch compact disc..."

Bob Marley's spirit lives on in his music.


Classic tracks   August 10, 2002
alexliamw (London United Kingdom)
16 out of 18 found this review helpful

Whether you are a reggae fan or not, you've got to love the works of Bob Marley, the man is a genius. This is an excellent compilation, every track a classic. From the party classic 'Jamming' to the universal anthem 'One Love/People Get Ready', the gorgeous, beautiful acoustic 'Redemption Song' and the tender 'No Woman No Cry', this CD is loaded with brilliant songs. It is really worth owning, one of the greatest Greatest Hits. However, as always, some essential Marley tracks are missing: 'Sun Is Shining', 'Rainbow Country', 'Lively Up Yourself', 'Kaya' and 'Trenchtown Rock'. Of these 5, only 2 are actually included on the One Love CD, the other Marley greatest hits, so competition is stiff, especially as the version of 'Redemption Song' is far superior and 'Satisfy My Soul' is left off One Love altogether.

Overall, this is a great Marley compilation to buy for any music fan at all, loaded with classics, but its worth buying other albums for several other tracks.


What else can be said?   June 7, 2006
H. Hubbard (California)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

What could I say that hasen't already been said about this great musician? He was a prophet who could touch everyone from all cultures through his music. This was the very first CD that I ever purchased in my life many years ago and as you know, you can hear it over and over. If you're at home having a party and don't know what to throw in the player because you have so many different types of people there than this is the CD to put in because you can never go wrong with this!
I rarely recommend other products along with a review but if you like musicians who 'preach' through their music than I think you would also like Jack Johnson. All in all though, Marley is a step above the rest for sure, one who was 'tapped' to get in touch with us all! This CD is worth every cent!