I grew up in Jamaica and as a teenager I can recall seeing the posters at the bus stop advertising an upcoming concert... and The Wailers were headliners. But I never truly listened to Bob untill the Live album came out.

I remember sitting in my room one Saturday listening to the horse races on the radio, and in betweem each race the DJ would play No Woman No Cry. The words were haunting.. "And I remember when we used to sit... In a Government Yard in trenchtown..." The vouce and lyrics seemed magical... so simple yet so beautiful. That was about 30 years ago and I have been a fan ever since. Bob's music spoke to me personally, as it did to people all around te world. As it will speak to you once you play this album. But don't stop there... buy more... listen to songs like Concrete Jungle; Talking Blues, and Roots Rock Reggae. In fact let your next album be the Live at the London Lyceum and you will get a flavour for the infectious Bob.

If you have a Jamaican friend have him/her explain the lyrics (if needed). But regardless, just enjoy the music. Enjoy it with fans from Africa, Europe, Canada and now the USA. I saw Bob once in Tampa and was amazed at the 'good old boys' in Cowboy hats and bandanas that screamed for Bob and sang his songs. I knew then that Bob's music was truly intended for the world to love.

When Bob died I heard the news over BBC radio. I was 20+ years old then but I cried. I had lost a good friend. Then I reached for my records and played Rastaman Chant, and cried some more when Bob sang... "One bright morning when my work is over I will fly away home.", the background containing soulful conga drumming. But as the song ended I felt better.. bob's music made me feel better. Fly on BOB. And you my friend... listen to the Music on Legend and experience an upliftment... fly with Bob. Enjoy Legend! But remember there is more great Marley music awaiting you.

Bob Marley will ALWAYS reign supreme and the king of raggae. Legend is an excellent addition to your Bob Marley collection. If you are a new fan of raggae and Bob Marley, you need to purchase this particular CD. As far as I can tell, Marley has never written or performed a bad song, so to say that this is the best of Bob Marley is an injustice. However, some of my most favorite and Marley's most famous songs are included. Who hasn't heard "I Shot the Sheriff" or "Could You Be Loved"? Marley teaches love, religion, and justice through his music, with each song telling wonderful stories. Be warned - this could become your most favorite CD. It certainly deserves that distinction.

Bob Marley's music changed my life! Many reviewers are turned off by a perceived commercialism of this album (for a time myself included). BUT, it is people's first introduction to Bob and reggae. And for that it serves it's purpose. To expose us to the words of this prophet and see that this life is your life...you're free to do with it what you will. "Legend" contains a small part of his genius, its unfair to bash it for its inability to capture all of Bob's greatness. It is the first glimpse into a 'legendary' body of work, that luckly for us continues to be discovered. As Peter Tosh once sang, "Don't criticize it...advertise it!" Buy this album. Listen to it, love it, live it, and buy more Marley. JAH live!

These are his "greatest hits" on one cd. However if you would like to buy a more thorough assembly of his songs I would recommend the box-set Songs of Freedom, a chronological compilation of songs, (and you can do without legend.) Here is some other essential Bob Marley material- Babylon by Bus(live), LIVE (the Wailers first live album), Catch a Fire (first Wailers album),Rastaman Vibration. And here is a list of songs that I like just as much as any song on legend (from each album in chronological order):

soul rebel
concrete jungle
slave driver
no more trouble
burnin' and lootin'
lively up yourself
them belly full
trenchtown rock
rebel music
positive vibration
roots rock reggae
want more
who the cap fit
war
rat race
jah live
natural mystic
the heathen
punky reggae party
natural mystic
africa unite
one drop
wake up and live
coming in from the cold
bad card
work
zion train

This was the very first CD of Bob Marley (and Jamaican music, for that matter) that I ever purchased. I will certainly continue to buy after hearing the amazing quality of Mr. Marley's music. His songs are among the very best music I've ever heard, from any genre (and I listen to everything from rock to classical to electronic to jazz.) The fourteen cuts here represent the musical career of a man who has already been immortalized by countless fans everywhere. I think this is because of the quality of his music and his very positive message. The music is very political, but not angry or bitter. He expresses his beliefs poetically and tastefully. I especially like "Redemption Song" because of the very soulful way Mr. Marley expresses his spiritual and political beliefs. It is a very profound song. All of the songs, however, have very good lyrics and a mellow, easy-going pace. These factors contribute to make this an excellent meditaion CD. So, if you're just discovering the music of Jamaica (like me), or if you are already a fan, pick up this album. You will not regret it.

Bob Marley, thank you for making this great music and touching so many people.