1970’s Soul Rebels was Bob Marley’s second full-length release, but the first that was recorded as a proper album. Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer were produced by dub music pioneer Lee “Scratch” Perry, whose minimalist style was a perfect accompaniment to the trio’s harmonies.
Soul Rebels was the first album released under the name Bob Marley and the Wailers, a decision that reportedly caused friction in the band.
The difference between this album and its predecessor is night and day. While The Wailin’ Wailers was a compilation of unrelated tracks recorded over two years, this feels like a unified collection both musically and lyrically.
And where the previous album sounds scratchy and low-fi, Soul Rebels is so richly produced it could have been released last year. The rhythm section, courtesy of backing band The Upsetters, is chef’s kiss good.
Soul Rebels is the opposite of a sophomore slump.
I can’t find no love
No sympathy
What kind of love
They’ve got for me
I’m on my way
To happiness
Where I can find
Some peace and rest
[Verse 1]
When I’m in my trouble here
Only me feels the pain
Not one good word of advice
From any of my so called friends
[Chorus]
I can’t find no love
No sympathy
What kind of love
They’ve got for me
I’m on my way
To happiness
Where I can find
Some peace and rest
[Verse 2]
Might as well, might as well
I get out, I get out of hell
Hell would never be made for me
So I’m gonna search, search ’till I’m free
[Chorus]
I can’t find no love
No sympathy
What kind of love
They’ve got for me
I’m on my way
To happiness
Where I can find
Meet Me In Montauk 
Well, a sophomore slump really only applies when the first album was successful. One could argue this is really the first Bob Marley and the Wailers record. Looking forward to seeing if the third (or second) BM&W album is good – I suspect it will be.