BOB MARLEY - IS THIS LOVE

IS THIS LOVE

BOB MARLEY

SONGWRITER: BOB MARLEY

COUNTRY: JAMAICA

ALBUM: KAYA

LABEL: TUFF GONG

GENRE: REGGAE

YEAR: 1978

Kaya is the tenth studio album released by Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1978. The album consists of tracks recorded alongside those present on the Exodus album in 1977.

The album has a very relaxed, laid back sound, lacking much of the militant quality of the Wailers lyrically and musically. They received criticism for 'going soft' as a result of the general sound of the album as well as the theme: songs primarily revolving around love, as well as marijuana.

The album's release coincided with the One Love Peace Concert, heralding Marley's triumphant return to Jamaica from exodus in London. Three of the songs are new versions of tracks from the 1971 album Soul Revolution. Well-known songs from the album include "Is This Love" and "Satisfy My Soul". Kaya reached the top five in the UK album charts.

Robert Nesta Marley, OM (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981) was a Jamaican singer, songwriter and musician. Considered one of the pioneers of reggae, his musical career was marked by fusing elements of reggae, ska, and rocksteady, as well as his distinctive vocal and songwriting style. Marley's contributions to music increased the visibility of Jamaican music worldwide, and made him a global figure in popular culture for over a decade. Over the course of his career Marley became known as a Rastafari icon, and he infused his music with a sense of spirituality. He is also considered a global symbol of Jamaican culture and identity, and was controversial in his outspoken support for the legalization of marijuana, while he also advocated for Pan-Africanism.

Born in Nine Mile, British Jamaica, Marley began his professional musical career in 1963, after forming Bob Marley and the Wailers. The group released its debut studio álbum The Wailing Wailers in 1965, which contained the single "One Love/People Get Ready"; the song was popular worldwide, and established the group as a rising figure in reggae. The Wailers subsequently released eleven further studio albums; while initially employing louder instrumentation and singing, the group began engaging in rhythmic-based song construction in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which coincided with the singer's conversion to Rastafarianism. During this period Marley relocated to London, and the group typified their musical shift with the release of the album The Best of The Wailers(1971).

The group attained international success after the release of the albums Catch a Fire and Burnin'(both 1973), and forged a reputation as touring artists. Following the disbandment of the Wailers a year later, Marley went on to release his solo material under the band's name. His debut studio album Natty Dread(1974) received positive reception, as did its follow-up Rastaman Vibration (1976). A few months after the album's release Marley survived an assassination attempt at his home in Jamaica, which prompted him to permanently relocate to London. During his time in London he recorded the álbum Exodus(1977); it incorporated elements of blues, soul, and British rock, enjoyed widespread commercial and critical success.

In 1977, Marley was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma; he died as a result of the illness in 1981. His fans around the world expressed their grief, and he received a state funeral in Jamaica. The greatest hits álbum Legend was released in 1984, and became the best-selling reggae album of all time. Marley also ranks as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated sales of more than 75 million records worldwide. He was posthumously honored by Jamaica soon after his death with a designated Order of Merit by his nation. In 1994, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone ranked him No. 11 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Chris Blackwell, Island Records boss, wrote about this song, "It had a very summery, carefree feel. When the album came out, several reviewers said he'd gone soft. But Bob was feeling great at that time and those songs reflected how he was feeling."

This song was dedicated to Bob Marley's wife, Rita.

I wanna love you and treat you right

I wanna love you every day and every night

We'll be together with a roof right over our heads

We'll share the shelter of my single bed

We'll share the same room, yeah! - for Jah provide the bread

Is this love - is this love - is this love

Is this love that I'm feelin'?

Is this love - is this love - is this love

Is this love that I'm feelin'?

I wanna know - wanna know - wanna know now!

I got to know - got to know - got to know now!

I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I - I'm willing and able,

So I throw my cards on your table!

I wanna love you - I wanna love and treat - love and treat you right

I wanna love you every day and every night

We'll be together, yeah! - with a roof right over our heads

We'll share the shelter, yeah, oh no! - of my single bed

We'll share the same room, yeah! - for Jah provide the bread

Is this love - is this love - is this love

Is this love that I'm feelin'?

Is this love - is this love - is this love

Is this love that I'm feelin'?

Wo-o-o-oah! Oh yes, I know; yes, I know - yes, I know now!

Oh yes, I know; yes, I know - yes, I know now!

I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I - I'm willing and able

So I throw my cards on your table!

See: I wanna love ya, I wanna love and treat ya

love and treat ya right

I wanna love you every day and every night

We'll be together, with a roof right over our heads!

We'll share the shelter of my single bed

We'll share the same room, yeah! Jah provide the Bread

We'll share the shelter of my single bed - [fadeout].