Revelation Pt. 1 – The Root of Life cover

Revelation Pt. 1 – The Root of Life

Stephen Marley · 2011

61 min · 14 tracks · reggae

A vibrant mix of reggae rhythms and conscious lyrics that celebrate heritage while addressing social issues.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Freedom Time — This track emphasizes liberation and empowerment, encapsulating the album's overarching themes of freedom and social justice.
  • →
    Jah Army — With its anthemic chorus, this song stands out as a rallying call for unity among those facing oppression, highlighting Marley's commitment to activism.
  • →
    Old Slaves — This track poignantly addresses historical injustices and reflects on the legacy of slavery, making it a powerful centerpiece of the album's message.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional reggae with contemporary influences while addressing social themes, showcasing Marley's growth as an artist.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong rhythmic pulse in 'Made in Africa', establishing a vibrant reggae groove that persists throughout.
  • Tracks frequently feature layered vocal harmonies, with Stephen Marley alternating between lead and backing vocals to create a rich texture.
  • Several songs incorporate traditional reggae instrumentation alongside modern production techniques, blending organic sounds with electronic elements.
  • The thematic content addresses social issues and heritage, with lyrics that often reflect on personal and collective experiences.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Made in Africa 5:38
  • 2 False Friends 3:24
  • 3 Break Us Apart 3:45
  • 4 Can’t Keep I Down 3:19
  • 5 No Cigarette Smoking (In My Room) 3:41
  • 6 Freedom Time 3:21
  • 7 Jah Army 4:44
  • 8 Old Slaves 6:26
  • 9 Pale Moonlight (How Many Times) 3:25
  • 10 She Knows Now 5:21
  • 11 Selassie Is the Chapel 4:54
  • 12 Tight Ship 4:15
  • 13 Working Days 5:07
  • 14 Now I Know 4:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata