Island 50th Anniversary Special Edition. There are few musicians whose music has indisputably advanced humanity. Reggae figurehead Bob Marley--a songwriter, poet, activist, and visionary--is one of them. The idea that a single-disc collection could represent the depth, breadth, and power of Marley's achievement is far-fetched, but LEGEND makes an excellent attempt. Every single one of its tracks is outstanding, and the artist's different faces--revolutionary ("Get Up Stand Up"), romantic ("Is This Love"), devout Rastafarian ("Buffalo Soldier"), and prophet ("One Love/People Get Ready") are equally represented.In addition to his moving message of love and unity, Marley is a master songwriter, as the timelessness of songs like "Stir It Up," "I Shot the Sheriff," and the gorgeous, poignant "Redemption Song" proves. Of course, a true sampling of Marley's output would require some early ska material, the Wailer's debut (CATCH A FIRE), the definitive NATTY DREAD, and his later-period opus EXODUS, but LEGEND provides a highly satisfying, if brief, overview of Marley's genius. A record well suited to any location, season, or time of day, it has proven universal in its appeal. The music herein is as essential as air. 

Tracks

1.1 Is This Love 1.2 No Woman, No Cry 1.3 Could You Be Loved 1.4 Three Little Birds 1.5 Buffalo Soldier 1.6 Get Up Stand Up 1.7 Stir It Up 2.1 One Love/People Get Ready 2.2 I Shot the Sheriff 2.3 Waiting in Vain 2.4 Redemption Song 2.5 Satisfy My Soul 2.6 Exodus 2.7 Jamming

We remember the brilliant and evocotive music Bob Marley gave the world; music that stretches back over nearly two decades and yet still remains timeless and universal. Bob Marley And The Wailers worked their way into the very fabric of our lives. 15 of Marley's most memorable songs, including: Could You Be Loved 'Exodus' 'Get Up Stand Up' 'I Shot The Sheriff' 'People Get Ready' and more.

Even as greatest hits packages go, this is an utter gem. Every song is inspired, in a class of its own, whether the real version of "I Shot the Sheriff," the hymnlike "No Woman, No Cry," or the sheer joy of "Jamming." Even allowing that Marley never wrote any bad material, then Legend is still the crème de la crème, the heart and soul of the Jamaican people packed into one five-inch compact disc. He was unique, and the message of this record, more than any other, is that he died far too soon. --Chris Nickson

• Best Sellers: Top50
• Format: Vinyl
• Released: 07/07/2009
• Genre: Pop