This is probably one of the best box sets I will ever own. The musicianship and artistry is remarkable across all four discs. It's consistently amazing.

Usually the downfall of a box set is that it's little more than a cleverly repackaged greatest hits album with lots and lots of filler. The genius behind this set is the diversity in the offering and the format. Yes, there are a number of "hit songs" on this box set, but they're generally in the form of remixes, alternate takes or live versions. This way, the listener can really aprpeciate the craftsmanship of the song and revel in amazement at all of the subtle nuances that go into Marley's songwriting and playing. I'm glad this found its way into mass production again. Bob's music is timeless and everyone deserves the privilege of hearing his music.

Hardcore fans and new fans alike will be amazed by the music contained in Songs of Freedom. Buy this one now.

What can I say about Bob Marley that hasn't already been said? He is simply the greatest artist in reggae music's history, and this box set clearly demonstrates why. You can hear his music evolve from Disc 1 to Disc 4 as he becomes funkier, more political, more mature. You can hear his voice change from that of a teen to that of a mature singer/songwriter and national icon. A few of the reasons that elevate this box set to a desert island disc are:

1) Alternate takes of many classics including Could You Be loved, Jammin', No More Trouble, etc.

2) Live versions of I Shot the Sheriff, No Woman No Cry, Redemption Song

3) Stunning long acoustic medley on Disc 2 during which Marley sings parts of 7-8 songs including one of my favorites, Guava Jelly

4) Great sound and sequencing

Do yourself a favor and get this box set. For any music fan who wants to hear a musician evolve from great to the greatest, this box set is for you. For any Bob Marley fan, I probably don't have to convince you any further that Songs of Freedom is a must have.

I was very pleased when island decided to re-issue this set. Originally released in 1992 this sold out very quickly and a few years ago island decided to put it out again. don't let this set pass you by. The first disc starts out in Bob's early days and goes right on up to his death. Rare 12" mixes and demos and outtakes are included in this set. Redemption song is form Bob Marley's last concert with the Wailers in Pittsburgh in 1980. In my opinoin, it is the best live version of Redemption Song. There are no downfalls or quibbles to talk about for this set, every track is a classic, and you can listen to it over and over again. If you want to just buy one Bob Marley and the Wailers set, this should be it. A great set that includes many great songs and nice instrumentations, no reggae fan should be without this set. The booklet that comes with this set is also a nice bonus, you can become a Wailers expert overnight. If you listen to this set long enough, you'll become a Wailers addict for life. I guarantee it.

A great dedication to one of, if not the most, inspirational singer of all time. Bob Marley...the original ska and reggae master. His box set, a collection of amazingly magical music, is perfect for just about any mood you are in. It makes you happy. It relaxes you. It's great with a beer. It's very hard to dislike. I feel chills when any of these songs are played. Many artists do not have that power with their listeners, but Bob Marley did, and still does, many years after passing away. A collectors item at the same time, this box set is perfect because you can hear Bob's earlier sound, as it developed into the sound he was last heard playing in the early 80's....and never did he lose the reggae or the power. He took the music, and put Jamaica on the map forever. The music in this very box set. A MUST BUY!

Despite the millions upon millions of fans worldwide that swear by Robert Nesta Marley's Island Records product, none of these sides (with the exception of the recently released Jamaican mix of "Catch A Fire" as well as the expanded version of "Exodus") really captures Marley at his best. All of Marley's Island offerings were doctored in the studio upon receipt by Island Records owner Chris Blackwell in the U.K. (by the likes of Rolling Stones' touring keyboardist Rabbit), softening any raw roots edges to meet a more "populist" (read: caucasion) audience. Although songs such as "One Love" have been played to death (in a manner not unlike Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl"), Marley's 2 albums with Lee Scratch Perry have been ignored in lieu of this mediocre material. "African Herbsman" and "Rasta Revolution" are far more indicative of a truer reggae context than the reggae-lite/pop oriented sounds contained within "Songs of Freedom" - do yourself a favor and investigate these 2 titles (and the embryonic Wailers on C.S. Dodd's Studio One label if so inclined); you'll be left wondering what all the fuss re: the Island era (other than the recent aforementioned reissues) is all about after a listen. "One Love" indeed.