‘Slogans’ is another Bob Marley song from beyond the grave. Such is the appeal of iconic artists like Marley and Tupac Shakur that record companies continue to churn out previously unreleased material to satisfy an ever-hungry audience. Chris Blackwell, the former Island Records boss who launched Bob’s international career, reveals that ‘Slogans’ is one of around eight songs found on a tape of Bob working in his room with a drum machine circa 1979.

"They're really sketches of songs," notes Blackwell, "and this one has been brought up, instruments added, including Eric Clapton on guitar." At the time this demo was believed to have been recorded, Marley was residing in a Miami hotel. Two of his sons, Stephen and Ziggy, have produced the record – adding instrumental parts around Bob’s vocal.

Although ‘Slogans’ is not as immediately catchy as another discovered gem, 1992’s ‘Iron Lion Zion’, it will get you in the end. Here’s hoping the reservoir of Bob Marley’s music never runs dry. There’s at least a further, no doubt similarly magnificent, seven tracks, as Chris Blackwell has hinted at, to look forward to.
(5/5)

Release Date: 21 November 2005

Slogans

Africa Unite: The Singles Collection