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.

The Bob Marley collection "Legend" does indeed make its case for Marley as a regge legend. More than any other artist, he helped bring regge music to mainstream audiences with his excellent songwriting and musicianship. He could be political without sounding preachy, and also wrote some of the sweetest love songs of any musical genre. Marley was popularized in America, of course, when Eric Clapton remade his "I Shot the Sheriff." Clapton's version is outstanding, but Marley's is equally so and is the one were the song's subtle political message is more overt.

Other outstanding tracks on the collection include the sweet "Three Little Birds," the ace peace and love song "One Love/People Get Ready," the straight up love songs "Is This Love" and "Stir It Up," the political rant of "Buffalo Soldier," the call to arms "Get Up Stand Up" and the rave-up "Jamming." Even among the lesser well known songs there is not a clunker or misstep in the mix.

Overall, a superior single disc anthology that establishes Bob Marley as one of the most important musicians of his era.

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!

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.

Anyone with taste is going to love this album. Has classic Marley tunes that even the most cursery reggae fan will know. While I don't consider myself by any stretch a true reggae afficinado, this is the one album I own on vinyl, tape and now CD. One Love, which frankly I skip over becuase all I can think of are the commercials now when I hear it, is still a great didity. For Eric Clapton fans, here the orginal version of I Shot the Sheriff. Buffalo Soldier and others are just truly classic songs. From begining to end this CD is wonderful. The two bonus tracks are OK and don't take anything away, but also don't add much to this wonderful collection. VH1, for those who care, has this listed as one of the Ultimate Albums. If you've never listened to reggae before, there is no better place to start than with this artist and this album.