Confrontation [Original recording remastered, Import]

Maybe this release was put together after Bob passed on; but I had it back then in album, I picked it over a CD of Survival (but might not Uprising): another grand 5 star effort: but, the songs on Confrontation can not be called leftovers; it does seem, in the final music Bob was writing, he is in that realm, where everything is perfect or near that like say some music by certain Rock artists at certain periods of their careers is very memorable (i.e. Dylan Bootleg, Rolling Stones Exile, Hendrix) ; and I definitely appreciate the progression of Marley's songwriting from say, the CD "Burning" to the last years; maybe not much better music or better but a more profound universal message in the last release of Robert Nestor Marley

Opening with "Chant down Babylon one more time": do the opening notes mirror "Pimpers Paradise" from the Uprising album? A good enough opening:

Then, the classic "Buffalo "Soldier", I was not previously aware of what a "Buffalo Soldier" was, then saw some pictures and understand what Marley means, "how the dreadlock Rasta was the Buffalo Soldier"; now I think, most know what a Buffalo Soldier is and I think, in part in regards to this song.

"Jump Nyabinghi"; another fine effort, African reference like Survival's Zimbabwe; memorable lyrics, biblical reference, "it remind I of the days in Jericho ..."

"Mix up Mix up", oh isn't this one of the reasons I love this album, this song might sound like a leftover, but it is a classic leftover at that; the rhythm and lyrics you may well find bringing a smile to your face, his singing as well; great message too.

"Give thanks and praise", Spiritual tone, every time, I listen, it can bring or nearly bring a tear to mine eye.

"Black man redemption" again, landmark statement and song, excellent opening, maybe too profound for me to understand, but I can listen to it at least.

"They come from trenchtown", excellent addition to his other song "Trenchtown Rock" on earlier releases, including a live version.

"Stiff necked fools", well, one can reflect, sadly, should have Marley survived his cancer with an operstion of amputation not taken? Maybe this does not deal with that subject, but if you ever feel overall; just sort of screwed or ground down in life; unfairly treated this is a good song to take heed of;

Which quite appropriately is followed up by "I know", it could be seen to build on the prior song, because it asks "are you a victim of the system" but happily, "Natty will be there, see you through ...." I agree with the other reviewer, this song, is very unique and may be the best of the whole bunch; Something about it, reminds me of the cool freshness of the ocean (see similar song, "Shine Like a Blazing Fire", on Third World's "Rock the World"); I'd be a Stiff-Necked fool not to like this song.

"Rasta Man live up", remember that song, "Rasta Man Vibration"? "I and I vibration yeh", well, this is another fine sermonizing song of inspiration.

Excellent Easy going Sax and mix of the final track, the longer version of Buffalo Soldier; This version I like better than the original and is very danceable.

Most of the other tracks are pleasant and upbeat with springy beats and singalong hooks. Nothing wrong with Chant Down Babylon, Jump Nyabinghi, and the calypsoish Mix Up, Mix Up, but then the inspiration gradually runs out until the barrel is truly being scraped. With track #9, I Know, we have the worst track ever released in Marley's name, probably even one of the worst tracks ever released on a major record label. If this was a joke, it was in poor taste, but I guess it was just a desperate attempt to get enough songs together to make up a set for an album.

Good background music for almost any activity you choose. The title, Confrontation sounds, well, confrontational, but the music here is not.

However, it should be said that this album should not be a top pick for new Marley fans. Even if you already have the huge-selling collection Legend and want more Marley, you really ought to look at Natty Dread, Exodus, Kaya, Survival, Uprising, and Babylon by Bus before you go for this one. Trust me.