Exodus | ||||
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Studio album by Bob Marley and the Wailers | ||||
Released | 3 June 1977 | |||
Recorded | Harry J. Studio, Kingston, Jamaica, 1976 and Island Studios, London, January–April 1977 | |||
Genre | Reggae | |||
Length | 37:24 | |||
Label | ||||
Producer | Bob Marley and the Wailers | |||
Bob Marley and the Wailers chronology | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | |
Billboard | (favorable) |
Pitchfork Media | (8.4/10) |
PopMatters | (favorable) |
Robert Christgau | B+ |
Sputnikmusic |
Exodus is the ninth studio album by Jamaican reggae recording band Bob Marley and the Wailers, first released 3 June 1977 though Island Records. With the other original members leaving the group, Marley recruited a new backing band. Their first major success was Rastaman Vibration (1976). On 3 December 1976, an assassination attempt was made on Bob Marley's life in which his chest was grazed and his arm was struck, but he survived. Following the assassination attempt Marley left Jamaica and was exiled to London where Exodus was recorded.
Exodus is a reggae album, incorporating elements of blues, soul, British rock and funk. The album's production has been characterized as laid-back with pulsating bass beats and an emphasis on piano, trumpet and guitar. Unlike previous albums from the Wailers, Exodus thematically moves away from cryptic story-telling; instead it revolves around themes of change, religious politics, and sex. The album is split into two halves: the first half revolves around religious politics while the second half is focused on themes of sex and keeping faith.
The album was a success both critically and commercially; receiving gold certifications in the US, UK and Canada, and was the album that propelled Marley to international stardom. In 2007 Exodus was remastered and re-released for its 30th anniversary. Exodus has more tracks on Marley’s greatest hits album, Legend—the highest selling reggae album of all time—than any of his other records.
In 1974, the Wailers disbanded with each of the three main members pursuing solo careers. Despite the break-up, Marley continued recording as "Bob Marley & The Wailers". His new backing band included brothers Carlton and Aston "Family Man" Barrett on drums and bass respectively, Al Anderson and Junior Marvin on lead guitar, Tyrone Downie and Earl "Wya" Lindo on keyboards, and Alvin "Seeco" Patterson on percussion. The "I Threes", consisting of Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths, and Marley's wife, Rita, provided backing vocals. In 1975, Marley had his international breakthrough with his first hit outside Jamaica, "No Woman, No Cry", from the Natty Dread album. This was followed by his breakthrough album in the United States, Rastaman Vibration (1976), which became the 48th best-selling album on the Billboard Soul Charts in 1978.