It’s a fact that the appeal of Bob Marley’s music and messages has positively impacted and influenced artistes across all genres globally. As the world continues to celebrate his legacy, we take a look at six of the best covers of his songs.
“No Woman No Cry” By Fugees featuring Stephen Marley.
Released as the fourth official single from their second studio album, “The Score,” in 1996, Fugees’ “No Woman Cry No Cry” was an instant hit among fans. The group’s update to the 1975 Marley classic delivered a tasteful and soulful rendition of the iconic love ballad as the raspy vocals from Stephen Marley helped to maintain that compelling reggae element.
Released in 1974, this iconic love ballad was written as an ode to his love, as a reassuring message of better days to come despite current struggles and as a testament to his unwavering commitment and determination to his family’s happiness.
I Shot The Sheriff – Eric Clapton
Marley’s cross-genre impact as an undoubted force was on full display when Eric Clapton’s cover of ‘I Shot The Sheriff’ helped the iconic Guitarist and Blues singer top the charts in 1974 as part of his hit album – “461 Ocean Boulevard.”
The track, part of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ 1973 album Burnin,‘ was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003.
Redemption Song- Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer
When country legends Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer decided to record the Marley track, it was another moment of music appreciation and respect of the highest calibre among his global musical peers.
It’s reported that while recording the cover, Cash declined to change the lyrics of the song that was in “Patois” out of respect for Marley. “Bob Marley wrote that. I can’t change that!” Cash maintained the original lyrics.
Guava Jelly – Barbara Streisand
One of entertainment’s most versatile personalities, US songstress Barbara Streisand, added an interesting pop twist to one of Marley’s softer jams.
Recorded for her album “Butterfly,” the mellow mood of “Guava Jelly” shows the versatility and range of Marley’s writing that could easily be adapted to any style and resonates across various audiences as is without losing its potency.
Three Little Birds – Sean Paul
In one of the most diverse covers of a Marley track you’ll ever hear, Sean Paul and Ziggy Marley deliver an uptempo dancehall-fuse revision to the chilled, relaxed feel for the soundtrack of the 2004 hit Disney Animation –“Shark Tale.”
The track, tailored to suit the playful vibe of the “kid’s flick,” retains the originality of the message of a feel-good vibe.
“Is This Love” – Allen Stone
In arguably one of the best renditions of this 1978 Marley gem, singer Allen Stone delivers one of the most intensely heartfelt renditions of the classic. The song is one of the most sincere songs about expressions of vulnerability, about feelings for another or one’s significant other. Stone’s delightful use of his vocal range and intonations add a commendable version to the iconic love song and has earned him much notoriety across various fanbases.
One Love – Marley Brothers
No Marley list could be completed without mentioning the universal anthem of peace, “One Love,” and who better to continue that message of love and unity than his sons?
There is no better representation of what Marley’s legacy and message stood for than this song. Although released over 50 years ago, the simple, almost biblical message of love being the ultimate solution to the world’s issues remains just as potent and even more relevant today in a society seemingly under siege by crisis.
