Bob Marley was a revolutionary with a guitar. Together with The Wailers, he brought reggae and Jamaican music to the forefront of popular culture across the world. Years after his passing, Marley’s songs continue to resonate. He is as popular in Kingston as he is in Los Angeles or Cape Town. I can’t think of many artists whose popularity keeps rising in quite the same way. Marley is one of the greatest artists in pop-rock history.

I am looking closely at the music of the great singer and band leader and ranking down the 10 best songs by Bob Marley.

The 10 Greatest Songs by Bob Marley and the Wailers

10. “Get Up, Stand Up”

By the time they left Jamaica, the Wailers were a militant force. Originally formed as a soul-inspired vocal group, the Wailers, who recorded “Burnin’,” presented themselves as a revolutionary unit, Guerilla soul-rockers from a place that had many local stars, but few international ones.

“Get Up, Stand Up” speaks about rising up against oppression. It became an anthem across the third world initially and then globally. And it’s a song that gives Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer the opportunity to shine. The two were, after all, integral to the band’s early success.

9. “Three Little Birds”

The roots reggae that Marley brought to the attention of the Western-buying public was deeply inspired by soul and 50s pop. “Three Little Birds” is one of the songwriter’s sweetest, most uplifting compositions. It’s played or covered whenever the world needs a bit of hope.

8. “One Love”

It’s disputed just how peaceful and loving Bob Marley actually was in his everyday life. However, Marley indeed wrote many of the 1970s’ most memorable, and enduring songs of peace and love.

Encouraging people to unite for the same cause, “One Love” became one of the most emblematic songs of Marley’s career and a mantra for his many followers. The song’s name is also the title of a much-hyped 2024 biographical film, which received mixed and negative reviews. Still, it goes without saying that the story of the artist continues to interest many.

7. “Buffalo Soldier”

Marley was always conscious of not divorcing himself from his roots. “Buffalo Soldier” is a memorable reggae-rock number of African-American soldiers who fought in the U.S. Army. The fact that they fought the native American population isn’t precisely referenced. But the song is rousing nonetheless, and I am sure that it’s one of Marley’s most famous compositions.

6. “Could You Be Loved”

Bob Marley first made soul-influenced dance music back in Jamaica. “Could You Be Loved” is The Wailers’ attempt at a disco-rock number.

I think that this one is one of the most pop-friendly tracks recorded by the Jamaicans, but it comes across as natural and unforced. This helped to turn it into one of the biggest singles by the group.

5. “Is This Love”

A lot of Marley and the Wailers’ output sounds large and overpowering. “Is This Love,” on the other hand, sounds small and tender. It’s a song about falling in love and being unable to predict the future. Through the years I’ve heard this covered in places as diverse as the streets of Paris or on Brazilian beaches.

4. “Jamming”

Marley and his Wailers took over stages across the world. They were the first and greatest musical export of Jamaica. Marley was also a man who believed to be on a spiritual mission. “Jamming” equates playing on stage in front of rock fans to spreading the Gospel. I agree. But, If that’s not your cup of tea, the jam-rock groove is enough to make it highly enjoyable.

3. “Waiting in Vain”

“Waiting in Vain” is perhaps Marley’s most gorgeous, saddest love song. While most of his other songs portray him as a would-be spiritual guru/rebel, this song shows a man living for emotional connections. It’s a great song and I think that it shows something we rarely think about – Marley could’ve been a professional hit songwriter if he had wanted.

2. “I Shot the Sheriff”

“I Shot the Sheriff” became an international hit for Eric Clapton. But it was already a temperamental, bitter decry of excessive authority when performed originally by Bob Marley. Here, Marley takes aim at all those who would push their power upon other people, admitting that he is ready to do anything to release himself from these shackles.

1. “Redemption Song”

The greatest Bob Marley song is also the most atypical. Gone is the posturing or the great, big sound created by The Wailers. I learned to play the simple guitar riff on an acoustic guitar as a kid, but its Marley’s natural gift for performing music imbued with the truth that makes this great.

Bob Marley performs “Redemption Song” with a minimalist acoustic guitar arrangement. This, however, allows him to say everything he has been trying to say throughout his career.

It’s a song about progressing, advancing, becoming better and not getting trapped in the past. It’s one of the great ones! One love!