Bunny Wailer

This is the 1976 solo debut from Neville "Bunny" O'Riley Livingston. Bunny was the 1/2 brother of Bob Marley; Bunny's father, Thaddeus "Toddy" Livingston, lived for some time with Bob's mother Cedella Booker and had a daughter with her named Pearl Livingston. Bunny, along with Bob and Peter Tosh formed the Wailers and had enormous success in Jamaica, England and were just getting noticed in the States when Bunny decided to leave the Wailers in 1973. Bunny was exhausted from the constant touring and he also felt creatively stiffled. Bunny had written the reggae classics "Hallelujah Time" and "Pass It On" while with the Wailers but he felt as if his music was being overshadowed by Bob Marley's. So, Bunny "retired" to the countryside of Jamaica and recharged his creative batteries.
This initial release is a classic roots-rock-reggae album that features alot of the Wailers (Peter Tosh, Carlton & Aston Barrett, Bob Marley) and Robbie Shakespeare, Earl "Chinna" Smith and Skatalite Tommy McCook as his backing band. Bunny's music and message was/is hard hitting, powerful and soulful, but what set Bunny's music apart from Peter Tosh's and Bob Marley's was Bunny's soothing vocals and peaceful tone. Bob could be very forceful and Peter was in-your-face, but Bunny was more laid-back in his approach. Bunny was able to be powerful in his lyrics and relaxing with his music at the same time. Make no mistake, his message and music is strong; "Blackheart Man", "Fighting Against Convictions", "The Oppressed", "Rasta Man" & "Amagideon" can bring down the walls of Jericho! Listen to "Amagideon" and then Bob Marley's "War" and you will hear the same lyrics and musical theme. I don't know who wrote their song first but they are alot alike.
Songs like "Fig Tree", "Dreamland" and "This Train" will help you escape from the tension of the "real world" and bring you to a more relaxing place where peace and love reign. Bunny has a great voice and it provides a nice juxtapostion between the message and the music.
The Wailers were a triangle and you can't make a triangle without three sides. Bob Marley and Peter Tosh made the point but Bunny was the base.
Bunny's message is righteous, the music hypnotizing and the man a lion. 'Blackheart Man' was/is a classic record that grows in stature as the years fade. It's like drinking a triple espresso and smoking a "j" at the same time - Yah mon, it's irie!

For starters, Bunny Wailer is the best pure singer out of all the Wailers. he's also probably the most connected to the soul/gospel tradition. Mellower than Peter Tosh and not quite the songwriter that Marley was, he's easy to overlook for casual fans. But his high harmonies really carried the Wailers through their vocal trio days; the tracks on Burnin' and Catch a Fire he sings lead on attest to this. Wailer's first solo album didn't really produce any notable hits--compared to Marley's Natty Dread (which might be Bob's best solo album ever) it's far less groundbreaking or revolutionary--still, it holds together well as an album, not just a collection of songs. Much of the album concerns Bunny's worldview as a Rasta (which perhaps seems more par for the course now than it did when this originally came out), and there are some really beautiful, folksy moments which completely transcend the 'chinka-chunk guitar and three puffs of ganja' paradigm of reggae. I'd get this album for "Dreamland" alone, which is a hauntingly beautiful, spiritually uplifting song. "Fighting Against Convictions" and the title track are also crucial dread offerings. The thing is that Bunny has made much more accessible and anthemic tunes in his career, like "Cool Runnings," "Rise 'n' Shine," and "Love Fire," which trump most, if not all of the material on here on a song-by-song basis -- with the notable exception of "Dreamland." In many ways, Blackheart Man is the result of Bunny's withdrawal from the commercialized Babylon system of the international music industry; its overall tone is highly reflective and contemplative. Not a bad choice for someone looking to expand their classic reggae collection, but really more of a reggae shoegazer album than a militant call to arms.

I'm glad to see that people are still writing about this disc,even though it is some thirty years later. At the time their was a void created with the departure of The Honorable Robert Nesta Marley. This disc filled the void. Essentially it is a Bob Marley album without the heart and soul fulfilled by him. But fear not as the disc has a soul of it's own where Bunny Wailer produced one for the ages. Peter Tosh's Equal Rights influence is clearly evident, especially on "Fighting Against Convictions" where he takes lead vocals. The instrumentation of the Wailers is intact and sounds very tight. Clearly the structure of earlier Wailer songs permeate this disc and shine through. There is a peaceful resolve to this disc where the music comes full circle. All the tracks are good and especially wothwhile for a more than one listen. Check out the melodic, easy comfort of "Fig Tree," the easy skanking "Dreamland" that is true roots, R&B inspired and has the backing vocals worked in that feature the man himself, Bob Marley, the earthy "Rastaman" that is very much in the spirit of Bob Marley and the prophetic Amagideon(Armagedeon)that is haunting, soulful wisdom in song. This is classic recording any fan of The Wailers should own. Recommended for all reggae enthusiasts.

There are certain recordings which seem to reveal something "new" every time you hear them. Blackheart Man is such a record for me. I've had a copy of this recording since it came out, and I've never tired of its lyrics, melodies, or arrangements - not to mention the deeper meaning that emanates from every groove. Definitely one of my All-Time Top Ten.

I can't believe I have waited this long to buy this album. I have always loved Bunny and his harmonies as a Wailer. I saw him once at a Bob Marley Day concert in Long Beach about 10 years ago and was amazed at his stage presence and aura. This album is by far the best reggae album that I own. I do own a lot from The Gladiators to Beres. The bass "riddims" are a standard in reggae bass by two of the best in reggae, Robbie Shakespeare and the great Aston "FamilyMan" Barrett. Put some headphones on and meditate on the ambient sounds this album gives out. Everytime I listen to it, I pick up new sounds and get a different understanding of its lyrical inspirations.

no this is not the original version released in the eighties with extended versions of all of the tracks. (believe me i miss the original "ballroom floor" and "another dance") but shortened mixes complemented by the "dance massive" album and as such and in lieu of the original being rereleased it will do. my only reservation is that at sixty minutes the extended cuts could easily be fitted on. and as bunny's dnace hall album why is "dancehall music" not included. no not the original but still towers head and shoulders above todays dance hall music.as the man himself says "i and i come fe rule dance hall".

I am mystified.

This is simply not the original album, as the linear notes claim, but a complete reworking of the original, with songs unidentified in era (they sound like contemporary Bunny to me).
Some very strange choices have been made--ballroom floor is introduced by a toasting Bunny Wailer--and the original trance mood that made the original so special is missing. The overall effect is jarring and disappointing.

This could have been such a special release and feels vaguely like an exploitation.

Although it is nice to finally see this released on cd, be forewarned. The original 8 songs that were on the LP are all edited versions. They fade out before the serious dub kicks in that concluded each track. That aside, you get additional tunes that were not on the original that all appear to be from the early 80's.

Have been looking for these songs on CD for a long time now and was happy to obtain it from Amazon. You can get anything on AMAZON, it's the place to shop.

This album is just as the title states: Crucial. While its not as classic as Bunny's "Blackheart Man," it is still a gem. It's got a brighter mood than "Blackheart Man." I think its also better than most of Peter Tosh's work. There are a couple of songs I skip from time to time ("Baldheaded Woman" and "Old Dragon" come to mind) but the good songs more than make up for them. The best songs are "Boderation," "Power Strugglers," "Bright Soul," and "Here in Jamaica." If you like reggae and already have "Blackheart Man," get this because you won't be disappointed.

This is a fantastic collection of music! Inspiring, wonderfully performed and recorded. A must for Reggae fans and a perfect introduction to the style for those who are interested. :-)

Usually someone is introduced to reggae thru the works of Bob Marley and then graduates later on to other reggae artists as time goes by. I feel this is an excellent transition piece into the true heart and spirit of reggae. Bunny Wailer has a way of creating roots music in its purest sense/form. Enough of my blabbering though...check this CD out for yourself. I can listen to the whole thing without skipping a single track. Crucial!

An upful collection of conscious singles from one of the greatest Reggae stars ever. Bunny demonstrates all his abilities on this one: wordplay/humor (Baldheaded Woman), melodic sense (Innocent Blood), outspoken love for his people and intolerance of a hypocritical political system and tremendous production all the way around. One of the most beautifully expressive voices ever -- regardless of musical style. Bunny really shines as his own star on this one, backed up, as usual, by an all-star cast of top Jamaican musicians (including Sly & Robbie.) This CD definitely stands on its own.

With this release Bunny shows some love to the legendary group he once was a part of. Songs like 'keep on moving', 'i'm the toughest', and 'hyporcrite' get the Livingstone treatment. I do prefer Tosh's version of 'burial', but Bunny does a good job nonetheless. 'I stand predominate' is a classic example of true Bunny. A great album for any reggae collection.

Don't be fooled by the fact these are covers of Marley tunes this is a classic. Bunny Wailer was a member of the Wailers for several year and upon leaving wanted to re-interpret many of the songs that Bob Marley and the Wailers cut in the 70's.

And a great job he does. This stands as one of the great reggae albums in my book. Bunny Wailer remakes and then makes each song his own (several of them were originally written by him anyway).

Whether you're fan of reggae, Bob Marley or just good music you'll love this album.

Okay, I admit it. In my early Reggae days I was relatively ignorant in terms of thinking the whole world of Reggae revolved around Bob Marley. When I first saw this album I thought that it was an attempt to cash in on the success of the Wailers' name. Shame on me! First of all, one needs only to listen to other Bunny Wailer albums such as "Blackheart Man" or "Crucial" to realize that he's got his own brilliant songwriting and singing skills and did not need to record this album to boost his career. Secondly, and most important, it is quite obvious from the first listen that he is singing these songs with a great deal of love: love for his Wailers brothers and love for the songs themselves. His versions of Bob and Peter's songs are distinctly his own and yet show great respect for the originals. Plus you've got Sly & Robbie in the rhythm section, plus an all-star line up of Jamaican musicians. Mainly it's Bunny's voice that makes the difference: that pleading yet declaring quality that really shines through on "Soul Rebel," "Rule This Land" and "I Stand Predominate" -- OK, all the songs and performances are great. If you love the music of the Wailers, pick this up. As the sole survivor of this legendary trio, give the man the props while he's still here with us.

This is an absolute must for all the lovers of Bunny Wailer's music. This album covers some of Bunny's awesome tracks of several of his albums. The quality of sound is great and a full album of some of the greatest songs by one of the founding members of the Wailers. If you love Bunny Wailer and his message than this is an absolute must for your collection. No one, yes no one would be disappointed in this compilation of Bunny's. If you wait or pass on this album......you are making a mistake.

Rise & Shine and Liberation make this CD worth buying. They are great songs.

Bunny Wailer has been overlooked and consistently cast aside as the Wailer who draws from the well of songs belonging to his deceased soulmates -as the musically diminutive one. This compilation however will make it clear that Bunny has one of the most distinctive and conscious melodic voices in reggae - as any "yardie" will tell you - Bunny himself states that he performs Peter and Bob's songs to keep their spirit and cause alive. Songs like Rockers and Love Fire...pure dread at the controls. Ital.

Bunny Wailer's heavy commentary on Apartheid makes this album a little dated now --- a younger listener in 2004 may or may not know who PW Botha is, for example --- but I think this still stands as Bunny Wailer's best solo album. It is very much in the mold of the Old Guard of the Reggae scene, without much of the studio re-mixing that was so popular in the late 1980's. If you can find it, this album should be part of any serious Reggae collection.

If I could give this CD more stars I would. This is one of the best post Marley disks to come out period. Bunny was one of the original Wailers and along with peter Tosh helped contribute musical ideas to Bob Marley early in his carreer.

This disk does not have a bad song on it. Recorded with a real Ska influence Bunny pens some very original, upbeat and thought provoking reggae. His song "Botha the Mosquito" is a classic.

Bunny Wailer does all his own writing under the name Neville Livingston. He is a reggae giant and this is one of his best records.

I've heard Bob and I've heard Peter but Bunny Wailer is probably the most spiritual of the 3 original Wailers and this cd proves it.No need for you to fast forward any of the tracks,each is a perfect compliment to the album.The standout tracks are the title track Blackheart Man,Fig Tree,Rastaman,Reincarnated Souls,the extremely haunting(in a good way) Armageddon and perhaps the best was indeed saved for last as "This Train"is the ultimate album closer.For true Rastas of any level of overstanding and also for those seeking conscious music.Classic doesn't quite define it well enough.Try this for yourself and enter Bunny's world.I promise you won't want to leave and will probably burn yourself two backup copies just in case,as I did.It's roots and culture at it's best and after hearing this you'll understand why the Wailers had to branch in 3 directions since each man's spirit must follow it's calling.Bunny Wailer-Thank you.All the lyrics here needed to be said.

Like most of us, you'll start appreciating Bob Marley as the centralized, most public face of The Wailers. You'll study and love his music and his lyrics and his pop sensibilities. You'll read the various books chronicling his life and lyrics and you'll have a respectable collection of t-shirts and rare tracks. Eventually, you'll become curious about Peter Tosh and learn to appreciate the steadfastness of his Pan-African political perspective and 'take no prisoners' musical approach that incorporates Rock and Blues. You'll learn to understand his deeper contributions to the original Wailers. After a few years, you'll be a learned student of Marley and Tosh. If you are truly devoted to the subject you'll then graduate to Bunny Wailer and learn that he personifies the best of both Marley and Tosh and outshines them both with his spiritual perspective, musical voice, lyrical texture, sense of melody and the absolute 'Jamaican-ness' of the end product. You'll discover that Bunny Wailer was the true, understated ego-less visionary of The Wailers - his desire to stay in Jamaica while Marley was courting the African-American R&B audience, and Tosh was rubbing elbows with British rock stars will reveal itself as a prescient act of well-guided self-determination. Each Wailer was perfect in their own musical right, and it would be foolish to say that any was more or less important than the others. However, as with any creative body, there's the obvious popular exoteric value and only a few will discern the less obvious esoteric qualities. What I've described above is the path to Wailers enlightenment (Bob to Peter to Bunny). Only after considering the Wailers' canon can you call yourself a true student of The Wailers. If you're ready, start with Blackheart Man. Learn to listen to Bunny Wailer, your life will be better as a result and you'll find yourself unable to listen to the music of the original Wailers without hearing his now-obvious influence.

I think in contrast to Bob Marley's first solo album Natty Dread this is more well rounded and consistant. One listen to Blackheart Man and you will be sucked in by Bunny's rythms and beautifull voice along with his easy going style. A must have to all reggae fans.

When people think of the Wailers, they tend to think of Bob Marley. Hell, when they think of reggae music they tend to think of Marley. But here fellow foundation Wailer Bunny Wailer (aka Neville Livingston) shows that he too was a songwriter of note. Many of these songs had been done before by Bunny and the Wailers: "Dreamland", on which fellow Wailers Peter Tosh and Bob Marley lend backing vocals, is the most perfectly realized version of a song first recorded at Studio One in 1966, when Bunny first got a chance to shine with Marley away for a few months with his mother in the States, and also recorded with Lee "Scratch" Perry in 1971; "This Train"- also recorded by the Wailers ten years before but again, is beautifully realized here; and "Reincarnated Souls", which was originally to be the title song of what became the Wailers' "Burnin'" album. "Blackheart Man", "Bide Up" and "Fig Tree" are also highlights- although there really isn't a bad song on this. Among the Wailers' recordings, only the Lee Perry- produced Wailers recordings and Marley's "Natty Dread" rival this for near perfection.

First of all I am a roots reggae FANATIC so my review may be biased, but this IS a GREAT record. Bunny wailer has created a reggae masterpiece here and Armageddion truly stands out as the best track on the cd. I highly recommend Black Heart Man to everyone who loves nice pure roots jamaican reggae with soul. I also HIGHLY recommend Rootsman Skanking which is another beautiful recording by Bunny Wailer. You will not be disappointed. One Love!

If you are not a big Bunny Wailer fan, this cd is probably not for you, but if you do like the Wailers, and espicially the sweet voice of Bunny, this cd is for you. The only downside is the length of this disc, but other than that this cd is a gem. It was the follow up to Blackheart Man, and is often overlooked in great reggae records but it belongs there with the classics. A must have for any serious reggae collector. If you are not so serious, stick with Blackheart Man, you won't be dissapointed.

That the reggae Rough Guide describes this album as a "disappointment" is a disappointment. Okay, Blackheart Man is generally superior, but so what? This remains one of Bunny Wailer's strongest albums. Listen carefully - it's a real work of art. The subtle instrumentations, the alternating clarity and depth of the lyrics, the melodies, the slowly growing repetitions... Many tracks evoke the same elusive moods found on Blackheart Man. I particularly like Wanted Children, Quit Trying, and Who Feels It Knows It, but there is not a single track I'd skip on repeat playing. This version of Get Up Stand Up has the best instrumentation of the Wailers and Tosh versions, in my opinion. If you like Bob Marley, it's time to graduate and discover Bunny Wailer!

Well first let me state that contrary to the info on this site, that this album was originally released circa 1975-76 on Bunny's Solomonic label. The CD release may have been '87 in all likeliness and this is important to point out for people looking for classic roots era reggae as we all know 1987 was not the pinnacle of that art form and the mid 70's indeed were.
This is classic Bunny Wailer and for all those who have been familiarized with the more popular 2/3 of the original Wailers which is almost impossible not to like, be assured that Bunny is just as vital to the history of the Wailers and reggae music.
Ital is Vital! Bunny comes across with the clean vibes of the real orthodox Rastaman in the hills. Cool and easy with a voice as old and wise as Moses and as soothing as an Angel. A staring place would be his first and perhaps best album Blackheart Man. Protest is great too. As the title suggests, it is more of a social commentary, Bunny protests against vanity, rallys for human rights, plus Peter Tosh appears on guitar..overall a great album. If you like this also check out Crucial! and the Retrospective disc.

Well first let me state that contrary to the info on this site, that this album was originally released circa 1975-76 on Bunny's Solomonic label. The CD release may have been '87 in all likeliness and this is important to point out for people looking for classic roots era reggae as we all know 1987 was not the pinnacle of that art form and the mid 70's indeed were.
This is classic Bunny Wailer and for all those who have been familiarized with the more popular 2/3 of the original Wailers which is almost impossible not to like, be assured that Bunny is just as vital to the history of the Wailers and reggae music.
Ital is Vital! Bunny comes across with the clean vibes of the real orthodox Rastaman in the hills. Cool and easy with a voice as old and wise as Moses and as soothing as an Angel. A staring place would be his first and perhaps best album Blackheart Man. Protest is great too. As the title suggests, it is more of a social commentary, Bunny protests against vanity, rallys for human rights, plus Peter Tosh appears on guitar..overall a great album. If you like this also check out Crucial! and the Retrospective disc.

This albulm is one of my favorite albulms ever. Every song makes your spine tingle and gives you goosebumps from the pure beauty and power of each song. This is a must have for any reggae fan. I just fixed my record player and played my old LP and each time a new song came on I thought to myself, "Oh my god, this is my new favorite song." This continued throughout the record. BUY THIS ALBULM!!!

Man, this is one of the best Bunny Wailer albums ever, save for blackheart man...not to mention the best tribute to Bob that ever was. You will find that only Bunny sings the backing vocals aas well as the lead, and that as Peter Tosh says "no one can back up man, I have my own band..." Bunny pulls it all together and you MUST listen to this -- it is on a constant rotation in my household, in between the recently released tosh live albums (Jamaica 1982, Boston 1976, acoustic "I am that I am," etc) and the classic bunnny tracks. BUY THIS ALBUM!!!

Common, guys!! Whoever wrote a bad review for this album must have been crazy. I personally think this is a MASTERPIECE and a great restropective album done in HONOR OF ROBERT NESTA MARLEY. If you like reggae give it a try, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Actually this is my first review on AMAZON but when I saw the rating give to this album I thought I needed to do something about it. RESPECT MAN, YEAH!!

Bunny Wailer and the producers of this album have managed to suck all the life out of almost every song here. Lifeless playing and singing all around. Just listen to the originals.

yes, bunny wailer has done was great albums ("blackheartman", "rootsman skanking"), however this marley tribute album is quite terrible. the tracks sound coputer generated, and they lack the feel of the great reggae. the keyboards filling in the spot of the horn sections, disgust me, do not buy this album. instead buy ealier recordings from bunny wailer.

BUNNY WAILER..IN A CLASS BY HIMSELF...THE GREATES SOUNDING REGGAE MUSIC YOU WILL EVER HEAR IN THIS LIFE TIME....IT JUST DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS.....HIS MUSIC BRINGS ME JOY,RELAXATION AND FREEDOM WITHIN.......

I'm not sure why this album isn't avaliable in the market at all. Believe me when I say that this is one of Bunny's best albums. It took me a long time to find it, and I paid a steep price for it. It was worth it. Cease fire, Conquerer, and Wirly Girly are my favorite tracks. FIND IT!!!!!!!