The King of Reggae Music, Bob Marley was remembered by the world on his birthday (6th February). Bob Marley is one of the most respected artists of all time.
During the height of his career in the ’70s, he made loads of powerful songs that deliver a strong message of hope, empowerment, wisdom, love, political situations, poverty, struggle, hardships and self-identity.
Born as Robert Nesta Marley, a country boy who grew up in St. Ann Parish and eventually moved to Kingston, Jamaica.
He was exposed to an environment of struggle, poverty, and chaos during his stay in Trenchtown in Kingston. Bob Marley was a Rasta and one of the most famous followers of Rastafarianism.
Bob found his way out of the ghetto thru his love and passion for music. He built his career and started “Bob Marley & the Wailers”, and the rest was history.
When I went to Jamaica, reggae music was being played in every corner with different beats and renditions of the songs. Different Bob Marley’s portraits were painted as street graffiti with utmost respect dotted around the country.
I love reggae music and the songs of Bob Marley, I listen to his albums almost every day!
I hope you’ll enjoy these Bob Marley songs on my list:
Read and watch the Bob Marley Movie and Rita Marley’s book
Marley: Bob Marley by Kevin Macdonald
No Woman No Cry: My Life with Bob Marley
Here is the list of my 10 Bob Marley Songs that will inspire you:
1. Concrete Jungle
Album: Catch a Fire (1972)
A song with a strong message of longing for a better life, hope and struggle.
2. War
Album: Rastaman Vibration (1976)
The popular speech of Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia in the UN Assembly. This song discusses equality and race.
3. One Love
Album: Exodus (1977)
A Grammy Award Hall of Fame song! A heartfelt song that can possibly be a universal tune in every part of the world.
4. Trenchtown Rock
Album: African Herbsman (1973)
This song depicts how music can be a powerful tool to deliver an important message of unity, love and hope.
BUY THE AFRICAN HERBSMAN ALBUM
5. Three Little Birds
Album: Exodus (1977)
One of the feel-good music of Bob Marley. I’m sure this will also put a smile on your face too! So don’t worry about a thing! Click Play and listen to the song:
6. Them Belly Full
Album: Natty Dread (1974)
A beautifully made and strong political song. You can definitely feel the struggle and hardships in its lyrics.
7. So Much Trouble in the World
Album: Survival (1979)
A political song that narrates the all the chaos and irony of our time.
8. Crazy Baldhead
Album: Rastaman Vibration (1976)
A well-crafted song about poverty, ignorance, struggle and politics
9. Ambush in the Night
Album: Survival (1979)
Another political song the describes the attempted assassination of Bob Marley and the political chaos in Jamaica.
10. Redemption Song
Album: Uprising (1980)
One of the most famous songs of the Bob Marley about Black empowerment. The Redemption song is included in the last album he recorded before he passed away in 1981.
BUY THE UPRISING ALBUM
I hope that also inspires you to listen more to the various reggae music of Bob Marley and other Jamaican artists.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryazan Tristram
Travel Writer & PhotographerRyazan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. She also has more than 10 years of work experience gained from working in the hotel and travel sectors in Asia and Europe. Her work has been featured and published on Huffington Post, Reader’s Digest, Discovery Channel, World Travel Guide, MSN, CNBC, GMA, Daily Mail UK, Lonely Planet and many more. She is currently living in the UK as a dual citizen (British – Filipina). Join her in travelling around the UK and beyond with a mission to promote sustainable tourism and share travel guides, travel tips, foodies, history and culture.
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I’m a huge Bob Marley fan, and Redemption Song is one of my all-time favorites. We’ve been to Jamaica a number of times and are always inspired by his music.
Indeed! Bob Marley’s songs are timeless. 🙂 I hope to go back to Jamaica again soon.
I have always been a fan of Redemption Songs. The verse – Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds. It reminds me that at the end of the day you build your own cages or chose to be free. It’s all a matter of how you view your world and yourself.
I love that song too! And that verse is truly powerful. 🙂
You can never go wrong with Bob Marley, his lyrics have so much thought and emotion. You left out Buffalo Soldier, one of my favorites.
True story! Oh yes, I forgot to include that hit! It was a great song indeed.
Bob Marley is such a legend. Love his songs, but I think they must be listened when being at specific places. lol. When we were in Matala last summer, we lunched at Akuna Matata, and they played his songs over and over again. It was the perfect atmostphere. But the other day, I heard one of his songs while driving through a snowy forest and it was kinda weird and didn’t fit. haha… Thanks for sharing these 10 songs though! 🙂
I agree with you. I think his songs are truly gives a good chill out vibes when you are in a tropical place. 🙂
I was just sobbing this morning as I listened and studied the message in his music: ❤ Stiff naked fools. Who the cap fit. Get up, Stand up. Natural Mystic. Exodus. He was truly awakened!