Bob Marley: Legend [Reissue]

There are few musicians whose music has indisputably advanced humanity. Reggae figurehead Bob Marley--a songwriter, poet, activist, and visionary--is one of them. The idea that a single-disc collection could represent the depth, breadth, and power of Marley's achievement is far-fetched, but Legend makes an excellent attempt. Every single one of its tracks is outstanding, and the artist's different faces--revolutionary ('Get Up Stand Up'), romantic ('Is This Love'), devout Rastafarian ('Buffalo Soldier'), and prophet ('One Love/People Get Ready') are equally represented. In addition to his moving message of love and unity, Marley is a master songwriter, as the timelessness of songs like 'Stir It Up,' 'I Shot the Sheriff,' and the gorgeous, poignant 'Redemption Song' proves. A record well suited to any location, season, or time of day, it has proven universal in its appeal. The music herein is as essential as air.