Survival
| Bob Marley
Survival
Survival is a reggae album by Bob Marley & The Wailers released in 1979. Survival is an album with an outwardly militant theme. Some critics speculate that this was due in part to criticism Marley received for the laid-back, ganja-soaked atmosphere of his previous release, "Kaya", which seemed to sidetrack the urgency of his message. In the song "Africa Unite", Marley proclaims Pan-African solidarity. The song "Zimbabwe" is a hymn dedicated to later-independent Rhodesia. The song was performed at Zimbabwe's Independence Celebration in 1980, just after the official declaration of Zimbabwe's independence. -Wikipedia
Critic Reviews
Show All-
Sputnik Music
Although this album isn't very popular, this is one of Marley's finest work with powerful songs such as Africa Unite, Zimbabwe and So Much Trouble. It is very hard to find a filler, although I will to say that Babylon System slows the rhythm of the album probably a little too much, but not enough to bring the rating down. This is one of the most interesting album if you put in his time and place but even if you don't, the lyrics still applies in today's society. This is why Marley is iconic, his lyrics live on after his death.
-
All Music
Survival could rightly be considered a concept album. Marley had rarely been so pointed and persistent in his content. The days of the musical parable are more or less replaced by direct and confrontational lyrics. From the subversive "Zimbabwe" -- which affirms the calls for the revolution and ultimate liberation of the South African country -- to the somewhat more introspective and optimistic "Africa Unite," the message of this album is clearly a call to arms for those wanting to abolish the subjugation and tyranny of not only Africans, but all humankind. Likewise, Survival reinforces the image of Marley as a folk hero to those suffering from oppression.
-
Ultimate Classic Rock
Following the previous year's 'Kaya' – which sidelined much of Marley's political fire in favor of songs about weed and love – Marley returned with his most politically strident LP. Songs like "So Much Trouble in the World," "Africa Unite" and "Ambush in the Night" barely hid their spite at times. Exiled to London for the previous two albums after an assassination attempt on his life, Marley returned to Jamaica for the recording of 'Survival,' and that sense of homecoming courses through the grooves.
-
Adrian's Album Reviews
The lyrics tell stories and protest and make worthy points, but the music is too laid back for its own good. A little mellow relaxtion is a good thing, but 'Survival' displays an alarming lack of variety across its ten songs. Bob sings in exactly the same tone throughout - the listener can be forgiven for feeling a little, well, bored.
-
Only Solitaire
But still, you gotta understand: political declarations and heartfelt lyrics are one thing, and musical experience is another. For eight years now, Marley had been making the nearly impossible - taking reggae and using the most minimalistic means to transform it from one of the most formulaic genres into an entirely unique soulful/musical experience. This is his first effort in years where he kicks all these 'minimalistic means' away and simply exploits the reagge rhythms as a foundation for a political call-to-arms. It's a strong, effective, satisfying, convincing call-to-arms, but it certainly doesn't qualify as great music, and I consider it to have been an absolutely wrong, even disastrous move. Somewhat mediocre.
-
Reggae Lovers
Beautifully produced, there is a zen-like thing going on with this album that is really unique in his discography. No catchy hits, and none are needed. This album has it’s own thing going on. Love it.
Rate This Album and Leave Your Comments