This is the album that saw Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer complete the shift from ska to conscious reggae. The trio had worked with Lee "Scratch" Perry prior, first on "Try Me" and "My Cup," then the broody "Duppy Conqueror" released in 1970. "Soul Rebels" and "(Who Is) Mr Brown" are some classics that resulted from continued collaboration between the two parties, the former becoming the title of the first album Bob Marley & The Wailers released outside of Jamaica. Scratch keeps the instrumentation to a minimum, resulting in a sparse, eerie backdrop (giving clues to the rousing work that would follow a little further along his career), and easy-going vocals and harmonies with a deep, conscious message round out the record. Highlights include "My Cup," "Try Me," "Soul Almighty" and the title track.

• 'smoky blue' colored vinyl
• new analog remaster
• limited edition
• original release year: 1970
• Music Label: Upsetter 2025

reviewed by singing in japanese 11/2019