Soul Rebels review

The second album by Bob Marley and the Wailers. It was their first to be released outside Jamaica.

Tracks:

1. Soul Rebel: 8/10 while the opening track is minimalistic and stripped back, in many ways that adds to it. Using fewer instruments than many Bob Marley's songs do, the result is haunting in a good way and deeply soulful.

2. Try Me: 7/10 a fairly solid Marley tune. It won't stick in your mind but it's well played and most other songs wouldn't make the repetition of the words 'Try me' meaningful, but this one does.

3. It's Alright: 8/10 with this track, even with the stripped back instrumental, Bob Marley proves once again music's best at making everyone feel alright.

4. No Sympathy: 8/10 pretty darn excellent. This haunting song contrasts sharply with the last track and shows Marley's range.

5. My Cup (I've Got to Cry): 7/10 it feels like a less effective version of the last track, but it still works reasonably well and delivers on the emotional beats up to a point.

6. Soul Almighty: 8/10 some of the lyrics are a bit random but with its catchy beat and harmonious tone it'll win over even the most cynical listeners.

7. Rebel Hop: 7/10 my main problem with Bob Marley is the repetition, but here the repetition works. It's not standout but it's fairly engaging.

8. Corner Stone: 6/10 I don't really get this one and it's also a bit dull.

9. 400 Years: 8/10 this is a step back up, and it has a serious message running through it's core that makes it more effective.

10. No Water: 7/10 well done, although a bit boring.

11. Reaction: 8/10 this makes a good point in an engaging manner despite the slow pacing.

12. My Sympathy: 8/10 a thoroughly enjoyable reggae instrumental.

Best song: No Sympathy
Worst song: Corner Stone


Summary: All in all, it's a lot better than the first one. Every song, even the more banal ones, has a soul and feels meaningful, while the sparse, stripped back instrumentals which allow the vocals to do the work are actually very effective. Like many albums, it has run out of gas slightly by the end, but overall this is a very good bit of early reggae music. If I were you, skip the first album and just start with this one.



Final rating: 8/10