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Who Feels It Knows It (Shanachie, 1992 [orig. released 1980]) More than simply Bob Marley's widow or even just a member of the Wailers' backing singers The I-Threes, Rita Marley shows that she can handle her own on Who Feels It Knows It, her solo debut. Although she has few solo albums to her name, she displays the poise and skill of a veteran who had been singing professionally since before meeting Bob Marley. Chances are you've heard her "One Draw," one of the most beloved ganja anthems of all time, and if you have, then you have a good idea of what this album sounds like. Buoyant, celebratory, light roots reggae that still manages to maintain a sense of culture is par for this course. Like "One Draw," "A Jah Jah" and "That's the Way" are robust gems with an almost gospel-like joy, while "Easy Sailing" and the title track (a Bunny Wailer-penned tune originally recorded by The Wailers at Studio One) are a bit more laid-back yet still upbeat. The popular, old-fashioned rhythm of "Play Play" is also enjoyable. On Who Feels It Knows It, Rita Marley mixes righteousness and fun as few people can do, and although she hasn't recorded many other albums, this one is a lasting testament. |
| Track Listing 1. A Jah Jah 2. That's the Way 3. Who Feels It Knows It 4. One Draw 5. Thank You Jah 6. Good Morning Jah 7. I'm Still Waiting 8. Play Play 9. Jah Jah Don't Want 10. Easy Sailing |
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One Draw: The Best of Rita Marley (Burning Bush, 2002)
If you thought that the talent in the Marley family begins and ends with the men, you're missing out on the significant contribution of Rita Marley. Finally, One Draw (on the increasingly impressive Burning Bush label) gives her her just due, collecting some of the best work from her albums Who Feels It Knows It, Harambe, and We Must Carry On. One of the greatest aspects of Rita Marley's sound is her knack for infusing a fun, celebratory vibe without sacrificing the integrity of the righteous messages. Songs like "Who Can Be Against Us," "Retribution," and her cover of her husband's "So Much Things to Say," for example, exude a youthful exuberance despite sobering lyrics. Although I tend to cringe at reggae that sounds too "happy," she manages to remain cheery without being cheesy (with the possible exception of the cutesy "There'll Always Be Music"), a little like Bunny Wailer's classic Rootsman Skanking album. Her most famous song, "One Draw," exemplifies her fun, danceable style and forms the core of this "best of" compilation along with 5 other tracks from her debut Who Feels It Knows It: "A Jah Jah," "Play Play," "Thank You Jah" (all 3 written or co-written by her husband before his untimely death; sure, she performs several remakes, but she adds her own unique flair.), "Easy Sailing," and "Who Feels It Knows It." The other cuts are just as strong, though -- from "Harambe" to the skanking fun of "King Street" to the escapist "I Know a Place" to her lovely remake of the Bee Gee's "To Love Somebody," this album is a practically perfect display of Rita Marley's talent, strength, and enduring light.
| Track Listing 1. One Draw 2. Who Can Be Against Us 3. Harambe 4. There'll Always Be Music 5. My Kind of War 6. King Street 7. Serious Time 8. Who Colt the Game 9. Retribution 10. I Know a Place 11. So Much Things to Say 12. A Jah Jah 13. Easy Sailing 14. Thank You Jah 15. Who Feels It (Knows It) 16. To Love Somebody 17. Play Play 18. One Draw [Club Remix] |
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