Bob's health had already been suffering and as sad as it is that this turned out to be the last album he would see released, it is a fitting end to a magnificent career. It is even more fitting that the album ends with Redemption Song, one of his simplest but most powerful songs. That along with Could You Be Loved are the most famous songs here. When I first started getting into The Wailers Could You Be Loved was one of my favourite songs. But after years of listening to roots reggae I have to admit that now it's disco leanings do feel a little out of place and for me it is actually the weakest song on the album (albeit still a very good song). The album opens with one of the real classics, Coming In From The Cold. The 12" mix of this song is tremendous, well worth listening to. Real Situation is next and has an interesting juxtaposition between the joyful sounding backing with Bob's prophetic lyrics. Bad Card and We And Them are 2 of my favourites from this cd. The only words I can use to describe the music of Bad Card is simply - rub-a-dub! Brilliant! The following two songs, Work and Zion Train, despite being less well known are both excellent and keep the high standards up. Pimper's Paradise contains some of the best lyrics from the album.
"She love to party, have a good time
she looks so hearty, feeling fine
she loves to smoke, sometimes shifting coke
she'll be laughing when there ain't no joke."
After Could You Be Loved is another of my highlights, Forever Loving JAH. It's a really beautiful song. Finally Redemption Song ends the album in style.
"Old pirates yes they rob I
sold I to the merchant ships
minutes after they took I from the
bottom less pit
but my hand was made strong
by the hand of the Almighty
we forward in this generation triumphantly."
This is another must have album by The Wailers and I can sympathise. Over the years I've lost track of how much money I've spent collecting all their albums and compilations etc. But I can honestly say it's been worth every penny. This album is nearly 30 years old and is every bit as relevant as when it was recorded.