Bob Marley and the Wailers
The essential Bob Marley and the Wailers records, ranked — where to start and what to reach for next.
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1Catch a FireBob Marley and the WailersStart here
Catch a Fire
The album that took reggae worldwide, polishing the Wailers' roots sound for an international audience without losing its message. 'Stir It Up' and 'Concrete Jungle' lead the way. A landmark of crossover without compromise.
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2Burnin'Bob Marley and the WailersEssential
Burnin'
A fiery roots peak, home to 'Get Up, Stand Up' and 'I Shot the Sheriff'. Militant and tuneful. An essential early record.
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3Live!Bob Marley and the WailersEssential
Live!
A landmark live album, home to a definitive 'No Woman, No Cry'. Electric and beloved. A high point.
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4ExodusBob Marley and the WailersEssential
Exodus
Recorded in London after an assassination attempt, it balances militant roots anthems with songs of love and faith, from 'Jamming' to 'One Love'. Named album of the century by some critics. The essential Marley record.
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5Natty DreadBob Marley and the WailersClassic
Natty Dread
The first record credited to Bob Marley and the Wailers, leaner and more focused, home to 'No Woman, No Cry'. The new line-up and the I Threes harmonies give it real warmth. A roots high point.
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6KayaBob Marley and the WailersClassic
Kaya
A gentle, love-and-herb-focused record of mellow grooves. Warm and tuneful. A softer side of Marley.
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7Babylon by BusBob Marley and the WailersClassic
Babylon by Bus
A vibrant double live album of peak-era performances. Electric and beloved. A strong document.
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8SurvivalBob Marley and the WailersClassic
Survival
A militant, pan-African roots peak of political urgency. Bold and powerful. A strong late record.
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9UprisingBob Marley and the WailersClassic
Uprising
A reflective, spiritual late peak, home to 'Redemption Song'. Powerful and poignant. A moving record.
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10ConfrontationBob Marley and the WailersClassic
Confrontation
A posthumous peak, home to 'Buffalo Soldier'. Powerful and beloved. A poignant close.
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11Rastaman VibrationBob Marley and the WailersDeep cut
Rastaman Vibration
A warm, accessible roots peak that broke big in America. Tuneful and assured. A fan favourite.
- Three Little Birds from Exodus · on Best Reggae Songs of All Time, Best 1970s Reggae & Dub Songs
- No Woman, No Cry from Natty Dread · on Best Songs of the 1970s, Best Reggae Songs of All Time, Best 1970s Reggae & Dub Songs
Tracks we've featured in our best-of lists — tap a title to find it on Amazon Music.