Customer Reviews

Kaya

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Kaya, was recorded at the same time as Exodus. 25 or so tracks were recorded and 2 albums were to be made. Exodus contained many of the harder songs, but also had some softer songs, but not as many here. for the Kaya album there were 15 tracks left, and the 10 originally released in 1978 were Love songs, and Homages to the Power of ganja. The band shows a rare different side that is actually quite beautiful. Out of all the Bob Marley and the Wailers album's this album sticks out in my mind because it is so much different than the others. the entire catalogue is unique, but Kaya really leaves a long lasting impression. everyone knows the song "Is this Love?", but many of the other songs are classics and should not be over looked. Sun is Shining, Kaya, Time Will Tell, Easy Skanking, and Running Away are all very good songs. If you are looking for something more unique and different this album is most certainly for you. If you are going to have a reggae collection, you shouldn't pass up on this recording because it is a real treat.

Sonically, this is easily Marley's best album (just listen to "Sun is Shining" on headphones -- wow). And subject wise, Bob sticks with subjects like being in love, dancing, and getting high. Actually , the pre-iconic Marley had recorded many of these songs many years before (the earlier versions can be heard on the African Herbsman LP, among others). So in many ways, this record was a return to Marley's past. And he was obviously in a fine mood while making Kaya. A "sunny day" record, to say the least.

"Kaya" was Bob Marley's soft, beautiful, and melodic follow up to the "Exodus" album of 1977. Released in 1978, "Kaya" was meant to coidncide with the One Love Peace Concert held in April of that year. While "Rastaman Vibration," and to a greater extent, "Exodus," were fiercly sociopolitical and religious, "Kaya" dealt more with homage to the power of ganja (marijuana) and romantic love. One thing "Kaya" and "Exodus" do have in common is the strong spirituality, but "Kaya" takes this in a softer direction. The album even sparked Bob Marley & the Wailers' first World Tour, some of which can be heard on the live "Babylon By Bus" album released later that year.

Each song is a classic, from the slow and steady "Easy Skanking," to the soothing "Time Will Tell". Some of the most notable tracks on the album are the tracks "Is This Love" and "Satisfy My Soul" both featured on the "Legend" compilation. Another is the remake of the roots classic "Sun Is Shining," originally done with Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh in the late 60's-early 70's as was the title track "Kaya" (meaning "marijuana"), an ode to the herb used so reverently by Marley in his lifetime. Two very key songs speak of the assassination attempt aimed at him in 1976: the dark and somber "Running Away," and the forgiving, spiritual "Time Will Tell". Finally, the bonus track "Smile Jamaica [Version]" is a danceable classic, showing the lighter and more playful side of Marley's music. This album is sure to delight every fan with each song again and again.

Kaya is a pleasure from start to finish. As usual, the remastering further enhances the listening experience.

And again this album is full of Marley songs the average listener has probably not heard. Well worth the money.

5 Stars all the way.

A classic. This album is when Bob Marley crossed over into "Love Songs" from his prolific "Rebel Yell" style of writing and singing. The reviews of 'Kaya' were critical and angry at first due this surprising revelation. This man was and still is the epitomi of his religion and country.

I've pulled out the original 1978 Tuff Gong release on vinyl, blew the dust off of it, and gave it a spin after 20 years. I've listened to the CD and I can honestly say that this remastered version is fairly comparable to the original.

This is a truely beautiful album.

... It is in fact a political statement - listen to the album again in it's entirety - it is one big political statement not love songs (chuckle). Yes Bob is in love with KAYA that "lil brown gal". p.s. KAYA=Ganja=woman.

The album is not as blatently political as the previous albums. You have to remember this album was written after Marley was shot and his political statements are more translucent.

This album is best if listened to from beginning to end the way it was written and meant to be heard. KAYA was made in the era when conceptual albums were "in", unlike the 1 hit wonder albums of today that has one popular song and 9 other disjointed nonrelavent songs. Thank your monoplolized big name record industry for that and for dictating our airwaves with songs of plastic love and false hope.

...

This album is timeless and I'm sure my children will listen to and appreciate this album when their time comes.

Warning: if you have conservative ideologies - you will not understand this album and think the devil himself wrote this album. ...

Bob Marley's 1978 release "Kaya" has benefited from a new remastering that is as exquisite as the sweet songs that make up this collection.

Listening to the keyboards reverb between left and right channel on such timeless songs as "Is This Love" or "Sun is Shining" while a chorus of percussion softly pulsates back and forth makes this one of the very finest collections from Bob Marley and the Wailers. Junior Murvin's subtle guitar licks highlight turnarounds in each song. The vocal mixes are among the best ever from Bob abd the I Threes.

The remaster of this CD is exactly what one would expect with the instruments clearer, the bass more powerful, the mix given a lively feel that brings you closer to the source than ever before. An already great collection that has been given a lift, it's worth noting these mellow riffs.

I know thats a pretty big statement but this album is simply a joy to listen to. Time Will Tell is the highlight of the album for me but every song is really good. I don't think its possible to listen to this album and not feel a little bit better afterwards. To steal a quote I read once "While Bob Marley was signing the world was getting better" I truly believe that and this album shows it. Not as political as his other work, but the message of unity and love is still there.

This is my favorite Marley album ... without a doubt. With "sun is shining", "she's gone", "satisfy my soul", and my favorite "misty morning" I can listen to this ablum on repeat over and over and over again. Give Jah all the thanks and praises for Kaya.

now that does sounds like a pretty risky statement, but in my opinion this is the best album. i have all of bob's cd's, but i have to say that no matter what i always come back to this one. With tracks like "is this love", "satisfy my soul" and the spectacular "Misty Morning" you just cant go wrong. but dont by any means think those are the only good songs on this album, because everyone is just perfect. this is an album where there is no skipping tracks needed. the whole cd plays like one giant beautiful opus. if you are just getting into marley i would reccomend "Legend" first, but this would suck you into his beautiful little world also. for those of you with just Legend and you want to expand more into the Rasta mans' music, this would be a perfect selection.

what are you waiting for??? go out and by this NOW!!