169 - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Exodus
Exodus was recorded after the attempt on Bob's life and his relocation to England. This collection of songs is less varied than earlier recordings. Each song has a similar reggae shuffle that maintains a steady pace throughout the album. While Bob talks about social justice, he sounds more like a wise man laying plain the truths of the real world and less like a revolutionary demanding attention to various issues.
I tend to enjoy reggae and world music while doing chores around the house. I had commented when I reviewed Natty Dread that I doubted that I had put that album on while doing chores because how much several of the songs jumped out and surprised me. Exodus contains five songs that are ingrained in my noggin from years of listening to the Legend greatest hits collection. And the other songs on the album fit into a basic formula which seemed to help this album become background music for me. So, while this album has better songs that Natty Dread, the consistency of sound does come across as a bit formulaic.
Songs I Knew I Liked: “Exodus,” “Jamming,” “Waiting in Vain,” “Three Little Birds,” “Turn Your Lights Down Low,” and “One Love”
Songs I Now Like: Nothing new
Songs I Don't Want to Ever Hear Again: None