Songs of Freedom [Box set]

Bob Marley, Bob Marley & the Wailers | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 16, 1999)
• Original Release Date: 1999
• Number of Discs: 4
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Island
• ASIN: B00002R0MC
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (143 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,559 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #11 in Music > World Music > Reggae > General AAS
  • #11 in Music > World Music > Reggae > General
  • #33 in Music > Box Sets

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

When Songs of Freedom was released originally in 1992, it was a perfect complement to either a greatest hits collection like Legend or the entire collection of the reggae master's albums. Songs boasts enough of the recognizable from Marley's canon to address the hit seeker, but the set also reaches way, way back to include Marley's first single, the youthful "Judge Not" from 1962, and then closes more than four hours later with a 1980 live take of "Redemption Song" from his last concert. In between are live takes, studio remixes, and, of course, standard looks at Marley standards, playing together as a perfect balance between the familiar and the new. The flow of famous takes increases into CDs 3 and 4, where "No Woman, No Cry" appears from a 1976 set at the Roxy and where "Jammin'" and "Exodus" come in mixes that were new to fans in 1992. Of course these four CDs show in wide-angle view exactly how fantastic and commercially improbable Marley was. He was able to popularize tunes about both the repression of African nations and their liberation while also bringing to rock audiences an undeniably Jamaican music, breaking the U.S. and British geographic strongholds on the 1970s pop and rock marketplace. Never mind that he made Island Records' first fortune, he also created a body of work so lasting that a four-CD set heavy on alternate versions can stand out in any contemporary music collection. For the 1999 reissue of the original 1992 box set, no new music has been added. The format has changed, though, from a long-box presentation to a cube containing individual slipcased CDs. It's still a remarkable gem. --Andrew Bartlett

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 70 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning collection of Bob Marley's work March 30, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is probably one of the best box sets I will ever own. The musicianship and artistry is remarkable across all four discs. It's consistently amazing.

Usually the downfall of a box set is that it's little more than a cleverly repackaged greatest hits album with lots and lots of filler. The genius behind this set is the diversity in the offering and the format. Yes, there are a number of "hit songs" on this box set, but they're generally in the form of remixes, alternate takes or live versions. This way, the listener can really aprpeciate the craftsmanship of the song and revel in amazement at all of the subtle nuances that go into Marley's songwriting and playing. I'm glad this found its way into mass production again. Bob's music is timeless and everyone deserves the privilege of hearing his music.

Hardcore fans and new fans alike will be amazed by the music contained in Songs of Freedom. Buy this one now.

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Listen to the evolution of reggae's greatest artist September 25, 2003

By world class wreckin cru

Format:Audio CD

What can I say about Bob Marley that hasn't already been said? He is simply the greatest artist in reggae music's history, and this box set clearly demonstrates why. You can hear his music evolve from Disc 1 to Disc 4 as he becomes funkier, more political, more mature. You can hear his voice change from that of a teen to that of a mature singer/songwriter and national icon. A few of the reasons that elevate this box set to a desert island disc are:

1) Alternate takes of many classics including Could You Be loved, Jammin', No More Trouble, etc.

2) Live versions of I Shot the Sheriff, No Woman No Cry, Redemption Song

3) Stunning long acoustic medley on Disc 2 during which Marley sings parts of 7-8 songs including one of my favorites, Guava Jelly

4) Great sound and sequencing

Do yourself a favor and get this box set. For any music fan who wants to hear a musician evolve from great to the greatest, this box set is for you. For any Bob Marley fan, I probably don't have to convince you any further that Songs of Freedom is a must have.

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars the collection of a Great man and his band February 21, 2005

By wailerjeffro

Format:Audio CD

I was very pleased when island decided to re-issue this set. Originally released in 1992 this sold out very quickly and a few years ago island decided to put it out again. don't let this set pass you by. The first disc starts out in Bob's early days and goes right on up to his death. Rare 12" mixes and demos and outtakes are included in this set. Redemption song is form Bob Marley's last concert with the Wailers in Pittsburgh in 1980. In my opinoin, it is the best live version of Redemption Song. There are no downfalls or quibbles to talk about for this set, every track is a classic, and you can listen to it over and over again. If you want to just buy one Bob Marley and the Wailers set, this should be it. A great set that includes many great songs and nice instrumentations, no reggae fan should be without this set. The booklet that comes with this set is also a nice bonus, you can become a Wailers expert overnight. If you listen to this set long enough, you'll become a Wailers addict for life. I guarantee it.