Legend by Bob Marley and the Wailers

Marley, B., & The Wailers. (1984). Legend [CD]. New York, NY : Island Def Jam. ISBN 731454890427


Summary and Evaluation
Legend gathers the most iconic songs from arguably the most iconic figure in reggae music.  The compact disc contains fourteen songs that are instantly recognizable to many, including "I Shot the Sheriff," "Redemption Song," and "Get Up, Stand Up."  Folk-style songs with infectious reggae melodies are uplifting, powerful, sad, and joyous.  The emotion packed into the lyrics can be overlooked by how beautiful the songs sound; they can haunt you in the best of ways.  "Jamming" and "Punky Reggae Party" are simply fun and memorable.  "Three Little Birds," with lyrics like

Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true

are sweetly uplifting, but "Redemption Song," a somber ballad recalling slavery and what must be endured is quietly uplifting in the strength of Marley's voice:

Old pirates, yes, they rob I;
Sold I to the merchant ships,
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit.
But my hand was made strong
By the 'and of the Almighty.
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly.

Truly an album that takes one on a journey, it would be difficult to not find something on this album to like.

Interest Age
Many high school students from when this album was first released, and still today, have an affinity for Bob Marley.

Reason Selected
This album contains some of Marley's most memorable songs, ones that I loved in high school.  I know teenagers now that still love the album and I think it is truly timeless. In 2003, the album was ranked number 46 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time (500 Greatest).

References
500 Greatest Albums of All Time.  (n.d.).  In Rolling Stone.  Retrieved April 1, 2013, from http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-20120531
 
Legend (Bob Marley & The Wailers album). (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 12, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_%28Bob_Marley_%26_The_Wailers_album%29






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