Search - Peter Tosh :: Legalize It

Tosh's classic debut

finulanu | Here, there, and everywhere | 12/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tosh's first solo album is every bit as good as his mentor's, and in some places even better - there's considerably more diversity here, and the bottom-heavy sound is a nice deviation from Marley's emphasis on treble. The songs follow a general pattern - syncopated, stripped-down reggae - but mostly include a few special touches to keep things from getting thin: stinging guitar riffs on "No Sympathy"; quirky, well-incorporated synthesizer on "Watcha Gonna Do"; an amusing piano on "Why Must I Cry" to contrast the menacing piano; fuzz guitar; and wind sound effects on "Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised)". Just to really shake things up, he accomplishes a mission in reggae-country on "Till Your Well Runs Dry". A couple other tracks stick to the formula without much change at all, but even then those are pretty good: the catchy "Brand New Secondhand"; "Ketchy Shuby", mindless fun to the first degree. Oh, and the funny weed paean that is the title song, equipped with a chorus hook that's bound to stay with you forever after you've heard it. Tosh may lack the oratorical power of Marley, but his sense of humor and knack for diversity in arrangements makes up for that, and gives him the ability to craft a debut that is certainly the equal to the immortal Catch a Fire."

Legalize It

Morton | Colorado | 04/02/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Peter Tosh-Legalize It ****





Breaching classic Reggae of peace and love with the then new and revolutionary style of reggae of standing up for your rights and basically adopting a 'Malcolm X Mentality' in the lyrics Peter Tosh managed to create one of the most legendary reggae albums of all time, as well as one of the most important.



Though most of the backing band was borrowed from Tosh's band mate Bob Marley it doesn't show as they seem to play in a fresh and new style from what they were playing with Marley at the time. This is also apparent in Tosh's vocal styling which are very different then that of Marley's. Not to mention the heavy bottom sound as oppose to Marley's love of a treble filled tone.



The songs on the albums are amazing and many of which went on to become reggae and music classics. The title track 'Legalize It' is one of the most popular and important songs in the genres history. Whether or not you agree with the songs message makes no difference because it is a great song no matter what. 'No Sympathy' is not only the strongest song on the album but in my opinion the very best song that Tosh would ever record. It is truly brilliant with a smooth groove, and chorus to get lost in. 'Why Must I Cry' is another classic though I feel it is sometimes over looked by Tosh fans because of the other classics on the album. The spiritual praise of 'Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised)' can rival anything Marley was releasing at this point in his career.



Tosh left Bob Marley & The Wailers to see if he could make it on his own and not live in the shadow of Marley for the rest of his career, I think he proved him self with this, his first album.



When it is all sad and over Legalize It is not Peter Tosh best album, and in fact it is far from it but it is still one of the better reggae albums of all time, not to mention important. Over time Tosh would develop into one of the biggest names in reggae release masterpiece after masterpiece. Aside from Legalize It, other Tosh albums to check out would be Bush Doctor, Equal Rights, and maybe Mystic Man if you enjoy the others."