Customer Reviews

Rastaman Vibration

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This cd was released in 1976, and was the first studio cd I heard by Bob Marley and the Wailers. Strangely enough, none of the tracks here appear on the greatest hits cd, Legend, although many are worthy. This cd has never left my 5 disc cd changer since I've owned it. This album also marks the first time Bob Marley and the Wailers made the charts in America. The band features 2 new guitarists (Donald Kinsey from Peter Tosh's Band, and Earl "Chinna" Smith a legendary Jamaican guitarist) and the guitar work is fantastic. This cd explores some new ground for reggae, and it is very good. From the opening notes of Positive Vibration, to the Speech by H.I.M transcribed to music in the song War, I was hooked as a Wailers addict for life. If you Want More Rastaman Vibrations, check out Live at the Roxy. Live the band gives off a huge vibe that is unmatched by anyone today and many of the songs on Live at the Roxy are Rastaman Vibration tracks. This cd is essential in any music collection.

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.

The album, "Rastaman Vibration," is a very positive and legendary album. The lyrics of this album are not only strong, but they are also lyrics that are true and that you can relate to. If you love music with deep, meaningful lyrics and a catchy, interesting beat, you will definitely enjoy this CD. From the heavy bass to the well thought out lyrics, you will be begging for more and wishing for the songs to never end as you listen to each track. Each song is sure to leave Reggae fans happy and pleased. If you have ever listened to Bob Marley before or even as a first time listener, this CD is definitely one to be enjoyed by all.

Marley was very picky about the material he released; the albums he sanctioned while he was alive, are clear testament to that. They are the embodiment of his lifes work; religiously, politically, and musically. Indeed Rastaman Vibration is no exception. And while it is heavily colored with religious and political overtones, its infectious rhythms and great melodies are the stuff that make this album a masterpiece.
Were he just a social commentator, Marleys music would have gone the way of Bob Dylans, and Joni Mitchells (whose works are subjected to the most appalling remakes in an effort to make them digestable for modern audiences). Marleys works, however, are different in that they are rhythmically as "sound" today as they ever were. That is why he continues to win new generations of fans long after his passing. Bob Marley was a musical wiz; a skilled craftsman who knew how to tap into the very movements of mens souls.
Damn! This cd sounds better than ever! The sad thing is, no one has yet to improve upon the reggae sound perfected by Marley and the Wailers in the 70's. However, the good news is, that like all truly great music, it will remain poignant and timeless; from the soulful wail of Marleys tenor, the ethereal harmonies of the I Threes, the melodically fat basslines, and the entrancing interplay of guitar, organ, drums, horns and percussion, Rastaman Vibration "rocks" on a "whole 'nother level."

15 years and it's still the best most played Rasta CD in the collection. Bought it in a St. Thomas record store on Back Street in 1977, wore it out and got the CD to carry on. Great stuff.

This is my favorite. it's nearly the same I had on cassete so many years ago. Actually the favorites are "right On" - right right right on.

Bob & the new incarnation of the Wailers had hit their creative stride prior to releasing this album and it shows. This is a wonderful display of musicianship, creativity and production, Marley's lyrical content delves into many political, social and spiritual issues and he ties them up nicely and neatly together over some of the best musical compositions he and the band ever accomplished. I love the sound and feel of this incarnation of the Wailers as, by this album for sure, you begin to hear influences of the R&B, Jazz, Rock & Soul artists he admired from the United States.

The song "Roots, Rock & Reggae" illustrates this point beautifully while "Positive Vibration" gives you the strongest statement on the ablum of the Rastafarian spiritual belief system that Bob lived & sung about. A close examination of this belief system will show the strong ties it had to many of the ancient beliefs found in Africa and is another reason why he and that continent shared such a bond as the people and he really and truly related to one another as maybe the most powerful track on this album "War" illustrates. He, like myself, considered Africans (those who lived there and those of it's heritage) everywhere to be of one family & he recognized the common suffering of them all.

This is one of my personal favorites, although I love all of his albums, there's something very personal to me about this particular LP. And it's no accident that it was the pre cursor to what would become his greatest work, "Exodus". Mr. Marley was truly a gifted man and true poet, his life which he related in his songs was one of turmoil, tragedy, hope, belief, faith and love. I highly recommend this album for anyone looking to truly get a more introspective and personal look at this master of music and storytelling. There was no one like him before on the music scene and there's been no one close since his departure

Few in any area of life ever effect the thinking and actions of people around the world, Nesta Robert "Bob" Marley, OM, was one of those rare and precious people. His life, legacy and music are still a source of great inspiration and reflection even to this day.

Marley transitioned from Tosh leaving a few years earlier with a succession of classic albums containing truly inspired songwriting, albeit without quite the edge that Peter provided. 'Rastaman Vibration' may not have as many songs with as catchy a hook, but that does not lessen the impact of the album as an album. This is a coherant groove-work of genius and musical philosophy from someone on top of their game. I definitely suggest listening to this album as a whole and not a song here or a song there. Plus, the concert from this period on the bonus disc is superb!

This one ranks right up there as one af the ALL TIME greats EVER ! Also the addition of some bonus material ie; "Jah live" makes this work a must have !

Like every other reviewer said, this album is AWESOME. Bob's second "solo" album (without Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh). If you like any of Bob's other albums, what are you waiting for? You should have this already! The only thing I would say is that if you think you want EVERYTHING by Bob Marley get the deluxe-edition of this album. If you just want most of his work and don't really care about the rarities, get this one. Either way, you can't lose.