Number 92: Exodus by Bob Marley & the Wailers
Release: June 3rd, 1977
Genre: Reggae
Favorite Tracks: Three Little Birds, Waiting in Vain, Jamming
Where I heard it:
When it comes to reggae, there's no other name that's more synonymous with the genre quite like Bob Marley and his famous backing band the Wailers. While Marley wasn't the first to pioneer the genre, he helped perfect the signature sound that brought reggae into the mainstream and cemented his status as a pop culture icon. I was introduced to reggae in my early childhood; my parents took me to reggae festivals all across California. It wasn't until I hit school age that I began noticing the famous imagery of Bob Marley across different merchandise and started associating his likeness with reggae (and other nefarious activities). Once I began engaging in such activities during my later high school years, my ingestion of Bob Marley songs skyrocketed to the point where one of the first vinyl albums I bought for my collection was the acclaimed Legend. However, since Legend is a compilation album, I sadly can't include it in my list. I first picked up Exodus in 2020 while exploring the expansive Marley back catalog and realized many of its songs were on Legend, an album that supposedly touts the best of Marley's material. What makes Exodus stand out in the discography?
Open your eyes and look within
Are you satisfied with the life you're living?
We know where we're going
We know where we're from
We're leaving Babylon
We're going to our Father's land
~ Exodus
What to expect:
Despite its status as one of the Wailers' best albums, this iteration of the band featured on Exodus is different than the original Wailers band comprised of the legendary Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh. Label disputes and Rastafarian beliefs led to their departure from the band in 1974, leaving Bob Marley as the sole frontman to lead the new Wailers band. While previous albums highlighted the stylistic blend of the Wailers' trio, Marley's Wailers depend on a variety of vocal styles that adapt to each song as necessary. Intimate love songs are paired with tender and airy verses, while songs of oppression harvest a gritty tone that reflect the anger and anguish of his ancestors. Exodus covers a wide spectrum of topics and emotion that range from the spiritual worship of One Love/People Get Ready to the ultimate feel-good anthem in Three Little Birds. While there exist several similarities between songs on the track list, reggae as a genre prioritizes respecting tradition to its roots, which includes heavy reliance on source material. Bob Marley transforms time-honored tropes of reggae and provides his own beautiful interpretation on Exodus, which made so many of its songs instantly recognizable upon hearing them once again. Perhaps it's that familiarity that leads so many to claim Bob Marley and the Wailers as the forefathers of reggae.
They crucified Jesus Christ
I'll never forget, no way
They sold Marcus Garvey for rice
I'll never forget, no way
They turned their backs on Paul Bogle
So don't you forget who you are and where you stand in the struggle
~ So Much Things To Say
Why it's my favorite:
My appreciation for reggae has only grown over time; I discovered dancehall and riddim shortly after high school and fell in love with artists like Yellowman and Black Uhuru. Yet, I still find myself coming back to Bob Marley when I need to scratch the reggae itch. The intense emotional expression in Marley's voice fits perfectly within the harmonies from the Wailers, not just in Exodus but every release from this phenomenal group. I love Exodus for its balanced flow between melancholic jams and jaunty ditties with a healthy splash of romance thrown in. The Wailers consistently deliver engaging performances that feature heavy bass notes and playful synthesizer in the background. From the deeper cuts to the unmistakable hits, Exodus sets the standard for reggae music and continues to spread its message of love and compassion across generations. Although Bob Marley was taken from us too soon, his legacy is still very much alive through the music he left behind for us to enjoy.
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