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.


Listen to the evolution of reggae's greatest artist   September 25, 2003
 23 out of 25 found this review helpful

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.


Magical   December 22, 1999
 18 out of 20 found this review helpful

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!


Buy this for the Acoustic Medley Alone!   April 10, 2000
 16 out of 18 found this review helpful

I'm a hypcorite because I haven't shelled out the $xx that it costs, but I ahve borrowed it before (disk 2)for the acoustic medley, which is absoloutely amazing. It is not just some little outtake that they found to try and put on as marketing blah blah, it is just bob and his guitar, wailing out songs that flow into one another like a single song to serenade a child or a love. Besides that, the set is pretty complete, though I guess everyone has their own favorite Bob stuff. Also, please give me a helpful vote as it helps me feel good.


Forget His Island Output - Focus On The Lee Perry Years   November 12, 2001
 16 out of 31 found this review helpful

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.