Bob Marley & The Wailers - Uprising (1980)

In-a-rub-a-dub-style.

Note: this CD is the 2001 "Definitive Remaster" reissue containing 2 bonus tracks.

My friend Krista is currently on her first "real" vacation in 9 years and asked for a little vacation music on the blog. Reggae is always appropriate summer music and, therefore, vacation music. That lolloping Rasta beat is hard to resist. This album, Marley's last studio release, is also Marley's strongest studio release. It is a shame he succumbed to cancer just as he was peaking (and, unfortunately, just as I was discovering reggae music). Nearly every song addresses Marley's Rastafarian beliefs. About 10 years ago, I read a Marley biography (Catch A Fire, I think) and learned quite a bit about the history of both reggae music and Rastafarianism. Anyway, I'm not much of a lyrics guy and just listen for the infectious groove. Most casual fans have Marley's Legend album, but this one is also a must.

Press of the time:

• Billboard: "the music is smooth and fluid enough to appeal to diverse audiences"
• Rolling Stone: "Though Marley's vision on Uprising is fairly dark, the sound is full and bright, tinged with a lightness"
• Stereo Review: "though everything on this album sounds rather familiar, it is no less a pleasure to hear."
• Trouser Press: "rhythmically infectious and occasionally uplifting"
• Smash Hits (6 out of 10): "there's barely a musical or lyrical move in the whole album that Marley hasn't made before, and to more telling effect."
• Musician: "both the Wailers best and most commercial album since 1975"

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: #45
• Billboard R&B: #41
• CashBox: #66
• Rolling Stone: #27

Tracks: My all-time favorite reggae song (at least today) is Could You Be Loved which is track 8 and the 12" mix of that song appears as a bonus track that closes the CD. Other favorites are Coming In From The Cold, Pimper's Paradise, and Forever Loving Jah but I don't skip any tracks because, let's be honest, diversity wasn't Marley's strong suit. The bonus tracks are a band version of Redemption Song and the 12" mix of Could You Be Loved which are both welcome additions to the CD.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: Sitting on Jim's back porch in Portland, listening to Marley, drinking Red Stripe, and enjoying something from the humidor.