The Wailing Wailers review

The very first album by Bob Marley and the Wailers. Technically it's not a studio album, more a compilation of the best recordings from a certain period but it's their first release of this type.

Tracks:

1. Put it On: 6/10 it repeats itself again and again and doesn't grab you massively, but it's pretty endearing all the same.

2. I Need You So: 6/10 to say this song takes its time is an understatement but the harmonies are lovely and the song has plenty of charm.

3. Lonesome Feeling: 7/10 it's a bit restrained still but less so thanks to a more enjoyable baseline and more excellent harmonising.

4. What's New Pussycat: 5/10 this one takes a little while to get going and remains flat, but its fast paced instrumental and endearing tone keep it afloat.

5. One Love: 6/10 a dated and somewhat dull version of my favourite Bob Marley song, but some of the magic of the version from Legend can still be found.

6. When the Well Runs Dry: 5/10 it's competent but it sounds like everyone involved was half asleep. Maybe the intro of Pink Floyd's 'Time' which features many ringing alarm clocks would have been appropriate.

7. The Ten Commandments of Love: 8/10 now we're talking! The slow pace works this time with the mesmerising harmonies and soulful instrumental, and it really connects. Cracking stuff.

8. Rude Boy: 7/10 the meaning of this one isn't always clear so just enjoy the music. This is Bob Marley and the Wailers we're talking about, so that's not difficult.

9. It Hurts to Be Alone: 8/10 with its pathos filled lyrics and many vocal peaks, this is one of the album's best songs.

10. Love and Affection: 7/10 Legend's main problem was repetitive lyrics and this has always been a habit of Marley's as this song shows. Still, it's a good track in other departments.

11. I'm Still Waiting: 8/10 with its avoidance of Bob Marley's occasional excessive optimism and relaxing tone, this song is yet another example of this album unusually placing all of its stronger tracks towards the second half instead of the first.

12. Simmer Down: 7/10 it's as well played as ever and it's subject matter allows it to stand out, but the interesting themes of the song aren't obvious enough, while there are only so many times you can hear the words 'Simmer down'.

Best song: The Ten Commandments of Love
Worst song: When the Well Runs Dry

Summary: This certainly doesn't scale the heights of some of Bob Marley's later work. It feels rather dated and many of the songs feel like they're half asleep. The first half is honestly pretty lacklustre with its slow paced and dull tunes, but the album gets going in the second half. Overall, this is well played and perfectly endearing music but Bob Marley and the Wailers haven't hit their stride yet.

Final rating: 6/10