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Album Review: ‘Uprising’ by Bob Marley

Bob+Marley+performing+at+concert+in+the+late+70s.
Bob Marley performing at concert in the late 70s.

When summer time comes around there are a select few artists that I listen to every day, pretty much all day. As soon as the snow melts every year, and the sun starts to peak out, a new wave of artists hit my headphones. The biggest one for me is Bob Marley.

He is a Jamaican singer, guitarist, and is considered a pioneer of the reggae genre. In my opinion, his music brings out the best in everyone. The tunes are just pure happiness stuffed into a song. Today I will be reviewing his 1979 album Uprising, and giving each song a rating out of ten.

 

Coming In From The Cold – 8.5/10 

This song just flat out makes me so happy. The drum breaks into the most easy going tune of all time. The chorus of this song emphasizes the idea of finding solace and comfort in one’s life despite the hardships. The rhythm and feel of this song just really appeal to me for some reason. I give this track a 8.5/10. I feel like overall, this is the perfect track to start off this album. 

 

Real Situation – 7/10 

This song starts with a light flowy organ which I really fell in love with. Again, similar to all his tracks, it just has an overall happy feel. However, the song has a deeper meaning and the lyrics relate to feelings such as helplessness and resignation. It’s almost ironic because Marley makes the happiest tunes but can have the deepest meanings behind them. I give this track a 7/10.

Bad Card – 7/10 

Marley slowed it down a bit in this track, making it more laid back. I really like his vocals in this song, and it is what makes it all fit together so perfectly in my opinion. His voice is so addicting to listen to when he harmonizes with the rest of the wailers. His vocals definitely carry this track. I give this song a 7/10 as well. 

 

We and Dem –  6.8/10 

This is a super chill song. All these songs just fit so perfectly with everything I do in the summer. This album feels like the soundtrack to my summer. I like how this track is unique compared to the others in terms of rhythm and the key changes. A lot of people don’t like reggae because they think it all sounds the same, but I wholeheartedly disagree. This definitely isn’t my favorite track on the album, but it is still amazing. I give this song a 6.8/10.

 

Work – 9/10 

This song is so funky compared to the other tracks on the album. I am in love with the organ that hits in the chorus, and the intro to the song is like ear candy. I really like this track, and it’s one of those songs that just sticks with you and replays in your head all day long. He also uses the guitar more creatively here, which I really enjoy listening to. I give this track a 9/10.

 

Zion Train – 6/10 

I like this track. Not as much as the other ones but his vocals are very good in it and I think that is by far my favorite part of the song. This is just a classic Bob Marley song, and it does have a few funky chords in it that make it unique. Overall, I give this track a 6/10.

 

Pimper’s Paradise – 9.5

This is one of my favorite Bob Marley songs. I love the laid back vibe of the track, and he tests his range a little vocally which I really enjoy listening to. The song does not lack creativity at all, and it is full of good vibes. Bob Marley is such an amazing story teller too. This song is about a girl who gets deeper and deeper into parties and drugs, so it is undoubtedly a sad song. I give this song a a 9.5/10 

 

Could You Be Loved – 10/10 

This is one of Bob Marley’s most popular songs. It is just a masterpiece and is known everywhere as a staple in reggae and an impactful song overall. I love everything about this song. The chorus is amazing but so are the verses leading up to it. It is like everything was just put together so perfectly. I give this song a 10/10. This song deserves nothing less than a perfect rating. 

 

Forever Loving Jah – 7/10 

This is a very well put together track. Bob Marley starts off with a strong vocal approach and the harmonies later in the song are nothing short of perfect. This is your classic Bob Marley reggae tune, and I am all here for it. This is not my favorite by any means, but that doesn’t take away from the brilliance and perfection behind the track. I give this song a 7/10. 

 

Redemption Song – 10/10 

This is the last song on the album. This is such a beautiful song and is also one of my favorites. The song starts off with just him, an acoustic guitar, and his voice. This is such an impactful song, with such a beautiful message. Personally, I think that this is the perfect song to end the album with because it wraps up all the previous messages and songs with a beautiful farewell. This will go down as not only one of my favorite Bob Marley songs but just one of my favorite songs of all time in general. I give this song a 10/10 for sure.

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About the Contributor
Eddie Durrwachter
Eddie Durrwachter, Journalist
Grade: Senior Hobbies: Golf Favorite Holiday: Halloween Favorite Superhero: Spider-man Favorite Season: Fall