Bob Marley Songs Ranked

Robert Nesta Marley, OM (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981) was a Jamaican singer, songwriter, and musician. Considered one of the pioneers of reggae, his musical career was marked by fusing elements of reggae, ska, and rocksteady, as well as his distinctive vocal and songwriting style. Marley’s contributions to music increased the visibility of Jamaican music worldwide and made him a global figure in popular culture for over a decade. Over the course of his career, Marley became known as a Rastafari icon, and he infused his music with a sense of spirituality. He is also considered a global symbol of Jamaican music and culture and identity, and was controversial in his outspoken support for the legalization of marijuana, while he also advocated for Pan-Africanism. Here are all of Bob Marley’s songs ranked.

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20. High Tide or Low Tide (Catch a Fire, 1973)

“Bob’s most underrated song… It’s his greatest song in my opinion but it’s by far the saddest. I don’t think many of you even heard of it but I really recommend you look it up. Great lyrics, one of his best songs.”

19. Sun Is Shining (Soul Revolution, 1971)

“It’s an amazing song! Puts you in a really good mood Always heal my inner self Touches the soul Still one of the greatest BM songs ever”

18. Satisfy My Soul (Kaya, 1978)

“Such a simple, beautiful, and heartfelt tone, truly a Bob Marley classic and vastly underrated My favorite song from the hundreds of amazing songs of the Big Bob, simply amazing!”

17. War (Rastaman Vibration, 1976)

“War is such an inspirational song for the black kids. It teaches us to stand up in our equality. “Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently abundant…” It’s just one those songs that you know your child is learning something significant.”

See more: Bob Marley Albums Ranked

16. Positive Vibrations (Rastaman Vibration, 1976)

“You can see in his eyes when he is performing this song that it comes from the heart. This song is all about the truth, no one can go against the words on that song. He was stating facts and nothing beats that. One Love”

15. Turn Your Lights Down Low (Exodus, 1977)

“This song makes me fall in love with the idea of love again! Best Bob Marley song ever – especially the version with Lauryn hill. The best song sexy and love”

14. Ganja Gun (Ganja Gun, 1977)

“One of the best songs ever that will take your Highness to the world of peace and weed… This song, makes you feel high even without smoking weed! Best song by my man Marley”

13. Waiting In Vain (Exodus, 1977)

“I’ve been in love with this jam for years now, listen to it everyday… It soothes the heart. Anyone can feel the depth of this song when they hear it, it’s my favorite ever. Voice unlike no other – thank you for this… Ill always bump this tune.”

12. Exodus (Exodus, 1977)

“This is by far one of Bob Marley’s best jams. I especially like when he says: “Yeah yeah yeah well, huh, open your eyes, and look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re livin’?”

11. Stir It Up (Babylon by Bus, 1978)

“Best Bob Marley song ever! This song stirs something good up in me every time I listen to it. Absolutely amazing! Some songs get old, not this one. Stir it up is a simple, sweet song with easy lyrics and a catchy tune.”

10. Get Up, Stand Up (Burnin’, 1973)

“There is no other song you can sing until you come face to face with some force that can oppress you. If it’s the State, the Government, the Police, a singular bastard, or a psychopath until you have been pushed too far by prejudice or overwhelming force you will not understand this song or its meaning. It is important for everybody to Get up and stand up for your rights, and never give in to the forces of oppression and mediocrity.”

9. I Shot The Sheriff (Burnin’, 1973)

“I shot the sheriff, but I didn’t shoot the deputy… I shot the sheriff, I swear it wasn’t self defense… How could not love this song. It’s my favourite song. Its just sad to see such a great song so low. P.S. the Clapton cover is also great, but nothing compared to Marley.”

8. Jammin’ (The Complete Boston Music Hall Concerts – June 8th 1978, 1978)

“By far my favorite Marley song. It was arguably Bob’s own favorite and, possibly, the song he played the most on stage. His otherworldly performance of Jamming at the One Love Peace Concert in Jamaica still gives me the chills, I mean, literally. Another entranced performance of Jamming is captured on the Live album.”

See more: UB40 Albums Ranked

7. Could You Be Loved (Uprising, 1980)

“My favorite song in the world. Makes me feel like no other can. The man could do no wrong. This song is very meaningful and true, like most of bob marley’s songs.”

6. Is This Love (The Complete Concert at Oakland Auditorium, Ca. Nov 30th, 1979 (feat. The Wailers) [Doxy Collection, Remastered, Live on Fm Broadcasting], 1979)

“This should definitely top the list. Beautiful lyrics, foot tapping beats and a heavenly rhythm all along with Bob’s soulful voice makes it one of best songs one can listen to in his/her lifetime.”

5. One Love/People Get Ready (Trenchtown Days: Birth of a Legend, 1977)

“Although this song is one of the shortest songs that Marley every wrote, I believe it is his most meaningful voice. If everyone listened to this and the music was able to get inside their souls, the world would be a VERY peaceful place and we would all live together in harmony. Now that would be a utopia. This song is a real vision of ZION. A utopia coming true.”

4. Redemption Song (Uprising, 1980)

“A truly timeless classic, and my personal favorite song by Bob Marley, particularly the acoustic solo version. As I’ve grown older along side this song, it’s taken on even more meaning in my personal life. It often reminds me of the underlying message in “The Matrix” films, which was to say that our society enslaves us all, and that the only path to freedom is by first freeing your mind of the shackles of old ways of thinking that only serve to keep us down.”

3. Buffalo Soldier (Confrontation, 1983)

“Bob Marley’s best song Ever! Even though no woman no cry is more popular, Buffalo soldier is the best reggae song hands down. This is the kind of song every artist makes once in a lifetime, way too significant and heaven to the ears.”

2. Three Little Birds (Exodus, 1977)

“When I have a bad day, I just listen to this song and forget about my troubles. I get lost in the groove of this song and just picture myself on a beach with Bob Marley himself. Bob Marley is the king of music.”

1. No Woman, No Cry (Natty Dread, 1974)

“This and 3 little birdies are by far the most recognizable bob Marley songs… They are all good though… The man was a living legend and one of the best lyricists of all times… His lyrics were his convictions and he not only claimed them but lived them… The world is truly a better place for having hosted his life for nearly four decades…”