Welcome to my Bob Marley the best songs page.
In this webpage, we will explore four of Bob Marley songs as a collection of full lesson tutorials available for purchase along with several free chord sheets in .pdf format and some rhythm tips on playing each song.
Jump links to quickly access song sections.
Could You Be Loved is a classic reggae song performed by
Bob Marley and the Wailers. Written by Bob Marley himself, the song
forms part of their last studio album "Uprising," which was released on
June 10, 1980, by Island Records.
Upon its release, "Could You Be
Loved" gained wide recognition and charted in several international
markets. It reached number five on the UK Singles Chart, adding to
Marley's substantial popularity in Britain.
The song also found great
success around Europe, peaking at number six in the Netherlands, and
making it to the top ten in New Zealand. The song gained moderate
success in the United States, peaking at number 56 on the Billboard Hot
100.
Over the years, "Could You Be Loved" has been covered by
various artists extending Marley's brand of reggae to a broader
audience. This includes notable musicians such as Joe Cocker and the
popular reggae band UB40. Lauryn Hill and her former group The Fugees
also performed and recorded the song, adding their own style to Marley's
classic.
The song was featured in several film soundtracks, including
"How Stella Got Her Groove Back," providing a broader reach.
Furthermore, the song was included in a United Nations' campaign in
1999, sponsored by UNICEF, that aimed to spread awareness among young
people about HIV/AIDS and associated societal issues. This speaks to the
enduring universal appeal of "Could You Be Loved" and Bob Marley's
music.
Is This Love was is a globally acclaimed song recorded
by Jamaican reggae band Bob Marley and the Wailers. The song was part of
their album titled "Kaya,". The song was solely written by the legendary
Bob Marley himself.
Upon its release, "Could You Be Loved"
experienced significant chart success internationally. It reached number
five on the UK Singles Chart, number six in the Netherlands, and number
eight in New Zealand while also charting in various other countries
such as Belgium, France and Sweden. In the United States, it achieved
modest success, peaking at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Over
the years, the song has been reinterpreted and covered by a diverse
range of musicians. Notably, Joe Cocker covered the song in 1997 and
UB40 recorded a version for their 2005 album "Who You Fighting For?"
Artists such as Lauryn Hill and Marcia Griffiths also paid tribute to
this reggae classic in their performances.
Among interesting
trivia, the song is noted for its varied influences, blending elements
of reggae with funk and disco, thus enhancing its crossover appeal.
Another notable feature is Bob Marley's use of a personal mantra in the
lyrics: "Love would never leave us alone". The song received further
exposure when it was included in the soundtrack for the movie "How
Stella Got Her Groove Back" in 1998. It retains a timeless resonance
globally, reflecting Marley's enduring legacy and his message of peace,
love and unity.
No Woman No Cry is one of the most renowned songs by legendary reggae artist Bob Marley and his band, the Wailers. This heartfelt anthem was included in their 1974 studio album titled "Natty Dread."
The song, story-driven and emotionally powerful, was credited to
Vincent Ford, a friend of Marley's who ran a soup kitchen in
Trenchtown, the ghetto of Kingston, Jamaica where Marley grew up.
However, it is widely believed that it was actually written by Bob
Marley himself and was credited to Ford to ensure the royalties from the
song would support Ford's soup kitchen.
Upon its initial
release, "No Woman, No Cry" did not chart. However, the live version of
the song from the 1975 album "Live!" became immensely popular and
reached number 22 on the UK Singles Chart. In 1981, after Marley's
death, it re-entered the chart peaking at number 8.
The song's
universal message of hope in times of struggle has led to numerous
artists covering "No Woman, No Cry" over the years. Notable renditions
include those by Joan Baez, Boney M, Fugees, Nina Simone, and Pearl Jam.
The Fugees' version, particularly, was very successful and it charted
globally.
"No Woman, No Cry" is filled with references to
Marley's life in Trenchtown, providing a vivid depiction of growing up
in the poverty of this Jamaican community. The 'government yard in
Trenchtown' mentioned in the song refers to the low-income housing
project where Marley lived in his early years.
Despite its seemingly sad title, the song delivers an uplifting message; the term 'No Woman, No Cry' is a patois phrase meaning 'don't worry, woman, don't cry'. This Jamaican classic has left an enduring impact and in 2004, Rolling Stone ranked "No Woman, No Cry" number 37 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Three Little Birds has become one of Bob Marley's most popular songs. The song, written by Bob Marley himself, was
featured on their ninth album, "Exodus," which was released in 1977. The
song was later released as a single in 1980.
"Three Little
Birds" charted at number 17 in the UK upon its release as a single.
Additionally, it secured the 20th spot on the Dutch Top 40 chart. The
song, despite not charting significantly in the United States upon
initial release, has gained considerable popularity and recognition in
pop culture over subsequent years.
This universally loved anthem
of hope and reassurance has been covered by numerous artists across
diverse genres. Some notable covers include performances by artists such
as Connie Talbot, Billy Ocean, Ziggy Marley (Bob Marley's son), and
even the comedy band The Axis of Awesome. Most recently, the song was
featured on the soundtrack for the animated movie "Sing" (2016), sung by
the character Buster Moon, voiced by actor Matthew McConaughey.
Some believe they were the members of the I-Threes,
the backing vocalists for The Wailers. Another interesting fact is the
song's cultural impact – it's often used in various media forms to
denote a sense of peace, relaxation, and optimism. Notably, "Three
Little Birds" has transcended music to become an inspiring mantra for
English football club, West Ham United F.C., and was even featured in a
promotional campaign for travel booking website, Booking.com.
This Bob Marley track stands not only as a major reggae hit but as a timeless musical reassurance that 'every little thing is gonna be alright.'
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