Released 53 years ago this October
Burnin'
The Wailers · 1973
38 min · 10 tracks · reggae
A vibrant blend of socially conscious lyrics and melodic reggae rhythms that embody the spirit of resistance and empowerment.
Top tracks — play these first
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Get Up, Stand Up — This anthem of empowerment encapsulates the album's core message, urging listeners to fight for their rights and challenge oppression.
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I Shot the Sheriff — The song's narrative of rebellion against authority blends storytelling with a catchy melody, showcasing Marley's lyrical prowess and cultural commentary.
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Small Axe — 'Small Axe' serves as a powerful metaphor for resilience against oppression, emphasizing that even the smallest efforts can yield significant change.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends strong melodies with socially conscious lyrics, marking a key moment in reggae's evolution.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong anthem, 'Get Up, Stand Up,' immediately establishing its political themes and rhythmic intensity.
- The sequencing maintains a consistent tempo across most tracks, with only slight variations in pace that keep the listener engaged without drastic shifts.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady rhythmic journey throughout
- socially conscious lyrical themes
- empowering anthems for resilience
- short tracks for quick engagement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slower soundscapes
- seek lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on October 19, 1973, Burnin' marked a significant moment in The Wailers' career as it was their first album after the departure of Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. This album solidified Bob Marley's role as the primary creative force, establishing his distinct voice within reggae music during a time of increasing political tension in Jamaica.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bob Marley· Peter Tosh· Burning Spear
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Get Up, Stand Up 3:18
- 2 Hallelujah Time 3:28
- 3 I Shot the Sheriff 4:41
- 4 Burnin’ and Lootin’ 4:15
- 5 Put It On 4:00
- 6 Small Axe 4:01
- 7 Pass It On 3:33
- 8 Duppy Conqueror 3:44
- 9 One Foundation 3:42
- 10 Rasta Man Chant 3:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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