"Let them all pass all their dirty remarks, there is one question I'd really love to ask, is there a place for the hopeless sinner, who has hurt all mankind just to save his own beliefs? Believe me"
The album Exodus is credited as Bob Marley and The Wailers which was the band that backed him on previous albums. However, by the time Exodus had begun recording the band had long broke up and gone their separate ways due to musical differences, as evident by the sound of this album. Marley continued using the name The Wailers despite having no affiliation with the band. Despite being only a year removed from Rastaman Vibration the album has an entirely different direction.
The album still features the laid back reggae style that Bob Marley has became famous for. However this album was a big turn from previous albums and future ones at the same time. While over time the album may have become well received it was not liked much during it's release. Instead of sticking with prominent styles of Reggae Marley added elements of other music genres in as well.
One major change is this may not have been an album that started as a reggae album. When listening it would be hard to miss the heavy blues influence on some tracks. In addition to traditional reggae instruments Marley also added in more pianos, some elements of funk as well as some heavy rock styled guitar riffs. It's a strange album, not bad, just strange. It would be understandable why people didn't like the album much based on that alone.
In 1976 someone attempted to murder, or assassinate Bob Marley, because of political beliefs. In Kingston there were two rival political groups fighting and Marley called for peace between the two. His reward was he was shot, with a bullet passing through his arm, and another grazing chest. Because of this he moved to London. His music also took a turn. In the past he was known for telling stories though his music, most notably "Johnny Was," and "I Shot The Sheriff." Instead Marley turned to more political and religious based songs. The first half of the album takes aim at politicians from both Jamaica and outside of Jamaica exploiting the people there.
The song "Natural Mystic," has Marley assuring the people that the truth is out there. The Natural Mystic isn't God, but the truth. He assures them that it's flowing freely and eventually will come to the light. He's upset that the times have changed and it's become acceptable to lie to people in order to be a politician and have power. Shortly after the song "Guiltiness," brings up how the rich are simply preying on the poor for financial gains. Followed by "The Heaten," where he assures people to keep fighting oppression because eventually people will reap what they sow. The last track on the first half of the album is called "Exodus," which the album is named after. Marley assures people that someone will lead the people out of darkness like Moses led the people of Egypt.
The second half of the album is also a little strange for Marley. Contrasting Marley's past style the second half focuses on religion and attempted celibacy. Marley spends time telling us how he wants to stay celibate but he keeps falling victim to the charm of various women. People found it strange that Marley would suddenly switch his views but it could probably be attributed to the failed assassination attempt.
The thing that makes the album special is he condemns those taking advantage of Jamaican people, while still forgiving them. Marley just wants peace despite almost being killed for just asking people. It's doesn't tell people to rise up and take control. Instead it just asks that people stay strong and don't fold. It's a unique take on oppression. Marley doesn't want people to fight back, he just wants them to wait. It's important to look at the alternative, no matter how optimistic it seems.
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You can hear Darrell on the CP Time and Powerbomb Jutsu podcasts. He also plays classic arcade games on The Cabinet
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