The Best of The Wailers
A timeless collection capturing the soulful evolution of reggae's most legendary trio.
The Best of The Wailers stands as a monumental compilation that captures the raw energy and spiritual depth of Bob Marley's early years with his original bandmates, Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh. Released in 1970 by Island Records, this collection served as a crucial bridge between their local Jamaican success and their burgeoning international fame. It is not merely a greatest hits package but a definitive document of the group's transition from ska to rocksteady and finally into the roots reggae sound that would define an era.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- the Wailers
- Released
- August 1, 1971
- Recorded
- May 1970
- Studio
- Dynamic Sounds (Kingston, Jamaica)
- Genre
- Reggae
- Length
- 30:43
- Label
- Beverley's
- Producer
- Leslie Kong
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The compilation was assembled to introduce these songs to audiences outside the Caribbean who had yet to hear the magic of The Wailers. It showcases a band in perfect sync, where Marley's lead vocals were supported by the harmonies of Tosh and Wailer, creating a sound that was both militant and deeply spiritual. This record preserved their early hits before the group eventually went their separate ways, ensuring that the foundation of their legacy remained intact for future generations to discover.
Reader's Guide
Released by Chris Blackwell's Island Records, this album was designed to introduce The Wailers to the wider world following their initial success in Jamaica. It curated tracks from various producers and studios, offering listeners a cohesive journey through the band's stylistic evolution from upbeat ska to the slower, heavier rocksteady tempo. The tracklist is significant for including some of the group's most beloved early anthems that defined the genre. These songs highlight the tight interplay between the three vocalists and their instrumental backing, showcasing a level of musicianship that was ahead of its time. The compilation effectively summarized years of work into a single, accessible package. Critically, the album received high praise for its curation and sound quality, cementing the group's reputation as pioneers of reggae. It played an essential role in building the international fanbase that would later support Marley's solo career, serving as the primary entry point for many listeners into the rich history of Jamaican music.
Track listing
Side one
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soul Shakedown Party | 3:09 | |
| 2 | Stop the Train | Peter Tosh | 2:20 |
| 3 | Caution | 2:43 | |
| 4 | Soul Captives | 2:03 | |
| 5 | Go Tell It on the Mountain | Traditional | 3:15 |
Current CD Version
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soul Shakedown Party | 3:09 | |
| 2 | Stop the Train | Peter Tosh | 2:20 |
| 3 | Caution | 2:43 | |
| 4 | Soul Captives | 2:03 | |
| 5 | Go Tell It on the Mountain | Traditional | 3:15 |
| 6 | Can't You See | Tosh | 2:42 |
| 7 | Soon Come | Tosh | 2:23 |
| 8 | Cheer Up | 2:03 | |
| 9 | Back Out | 2:18 | |
| 10 | Do It Twice | 2:48 | |
| 11 | Soon Come (version) | Tosh | 2:25 |
| 12 | Soul Shakedown Party (version) | 3:05 |
Track listing from the source article.
Did You Know?
- This compilation was one of the first releases to bring The Wailers' early catalog to a global audience outside of Jamaica.
- The album features tracks recorded across different studios, including the legendary Studio One and Lee 'Scratch' Perry's Black Ark.
- It serves as a historical snapshot of the band before they disbanded in 1974 to pursue solo careers.
- The cover art often features iconic photography that has become synonymous with the classic era of reggae.
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