Exodus (1977) – Bob Marley & Wailers.
1. "Natural Mystic" – 3:28
2. "So Much Things To Say" – 3:08
3. "Guiltiness" – 3:19
4. "The Heathen" – 2:32
5. "Exodus" – 7:39
6. "Jamming" – 3:31
7. "Waiting In Vain" – 4:15
8. "Turn Your Lights Down Low" – 3:39
9. "Three Little Birds" – 3:00
10. "One Love/People Get Ready” – 2:53
Exodus is the title of Bob Marley’s 5th Island Record-era, studio album. Easily the most stylistically representative of Marley; it boasts the mystical (“The Heathen”, “Natural Mystic”), the danceable (“Jamming, Exodus”), love songs (“Waiting in Vain”, “Turn Your Lights Down Low”), and blissful hymns (“One Love”, “Three Little Birds”).
It is from this brilliance, diversity and humanity that, in 1999, Time Magazine named it the “Album of the Century” (beating out the magazine’s other candidates: A Kind of Blue by Miles Davis and Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix, for the honor). At the same time the BBC also named “One Love” the “Anthem of the Century”.
Exodus was culled from a 20-plus song recording session (another 10 was released as the Kaya album) during his self-exile (after a failed assassination attempt on his life).
The album also showcases what arguably is the tightest studio recording ( in terms production and performance) of the Wailers. This is evident in the gorgeously passionate “Guiltiness” - where the vocals and instruments are airtight and magical – as well as in slow-grooving rumble of “Natural Mystic”.
As can be expected from Marley, the music is both rhythmic and melodic. The rhythmic chorus from “The Heathen”, the Heathen back deh ‘pon the wall , is about the catchiest chant one can hear.
Despite all the superlatives, much of Exodus’ greatness is accessibility. Hence five songs here (“One Love/People Get Ready”, Waiting In Vain”, “Exodus” “Jamming” and “Three Little Birds”) are included in his, posthumous and extremely popular Legend compilation.
The Heathen back deh ‘pon the wall, the heathen back deh ‘pon the wall….
(The recently released Deluxe Edition has a second disc, bonus tracks, extended mixes and live tracks).