"Rastaman Vibration" is the eighth studio album by the reggae band Bob Marley and the Wailers. It was released on April 30, 1976, through Island Records. The album was a major commercial success in the United States, going on to become Bob Marley's only top 10 album peaked at number 8 on the Billboard 200 charts.
The album revolves around themes of the Rastafari's journey out of Babylon, Susan Cadogan's 1975 hit, "Hurt So Good," was recorded during these sessions as well. Well-known tracks from the album include "Roots, Rock, Reggae", "Johnny Was", and "War." The latter is notable for its lyrics, taken from a speech given by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I before the United Nations General Assembly in 1963.
"Rastaman Vibration" is deeply immersed in Rastafarian spirituality and culture, serving as a critical declaration of Bob Marley's philosophical and religious beliefs. His faith is a central factor influencing the lyrical content and overall message of the album. The album is known for both its powerful political statements and its deeply spiritual tracks.
During this period, Marley experienced substantial growth as a peace and political activist. The album is a reflection of this, and it remains a potent social commentary and an important artifact of its time. The album's mix of spiritual and political content and its significant success helped to introduce international audiences to reggae music and the Rastafarian movement.
