Bob Marley's Most Popular Songs Ranking [2025]

Lively Up YourselfBob Marley8rank/position

Bob Marley – Lively Up Yourself: Boston Music Hall ’78 (Footage)

Bob Marley’s classic, Lively Up Yourself.

This video features a live performance, and in the live setting you can feel a laid-back vibe, almost like a jam session.

Sing when you want, play your instrument when you want, take a break when you want.

Everything is free, and that feeling of surrendering yourself to the groove is, I think, the true essence of reggae.

This settles it for the weekend session!

Waiting in VainBob Marley9rank/position

Bob Marley – Waiting in Vain [clipe]

A 1977 track by reggae giant Bob Marley.

When it comes to summer, reggae is the go-to—maybe a bit cliché, but Bob Marley is still the top recommendation.

Among his songs, this one has a laid-back vibe perfect for a relaxing summer afternoon, with an incredibly pleasant sound.

It’s so soothing that you might just drift off for a nap in a room that’s warm in just the right way.

WarBob Marley10rank/position

War / No More Trouble (Live At The Rainbow Theatre, London / 1977)

Bob Marley, the god of reggae.

He wasn’t just an artist; he appealed for peace by getting the leaders of Jamaica’s ruling and opposition parties—who were locked in violent conflict—to shake hands.

Unfortunately, the strife did not come to an end, but his achievements continue to influence many artists today.

His song “War” is one of his signature tracks.

Centered on themes of peace and anti-war, this love-and-peace anthem has surely soothed the hearts of many.

Buffalo SoldierBob Marley & The Wailers11rank/position

Bob Marley & The Wailers – Buffalo Soldier (Official Music Video)

Bob Marley’s classic “Buffalo Soldier.” This work depicts one of the most famous Black regiments, the U.

S.

Army 10th Cavalry Regiment, commonly known as the Buffalo Soldiers.

As you’d expect from a piece created by Bob Marley, peace lies at the heart of its theme.

It questions why people take up arms and go to war—lyrics filled with a sense of futility—yet the melody is relaxed and exudes a peaceful atmosphere.

If you want to spend your lunchtime at an easy pace, be sure to give it a listen.

One Love / People Get ReadyBob Marley & The Wailers12rank/position

Bob Marley & The Wailers – One Love / People Get Ready (Official Music Video)

Bob Marley & The Wailers, the reggae legends born in Jamaica.

Formed in 1963, their contribution to bringing reggae—evolved from ska and rocksteady—to the world is immeasurable.

Bob Marley’s lyrics are characterized by the ideas of the Rastafarian movement and powerful messages of freedom and equality.

The 1973 album Catch a Fire was a groundbreaking work that led reggae onto the international music scene.

Their popularity exploded with hits like Get Up, Stand Up and I Shot the Sheriff from the follow-up album Burnin’.

The biographical film slated for release in May 2024 is also one to watch.

Here lies supreme reggae for everyone who wishes for peace through music.

Sun is ShiningBob Marley & The Wailers13rank/position

Sun Is Shining

Bathed in sunshine and pulsing with a rhythm that makes you want to dance, this track appears on Bob Marley & The Wailers’ 1978 album Kaya.

Its highly message-driven lyrics—“When the sun rises, a new day full of hope begins”—give listeners a positive outlook and courage.

Multiple versions exist, including a 1971 recording produced by Lee “Scratch” Perry, and a remix version that became a hit in 1999.

It’s a historic Jamaican classic you’ll want to hear at summer festivals or on the beach while feeling a refreshing breeze.

Nice timeBob Marley14rank/position

Nice Time (1992) – Bob Marley & The Wailers

Released in 1968.

Among rocksteady songs, it’s an upbeat and cheerful track.

Although Bob Marley is strongly associated with reggae, he moved from ska to rocksteady before transitioning to reggae.

Phyllis Dillon also covered this song, Nice Time.