Here comes thin, intense Bob Marley with another set of political songs delivered in the reggae rhythm [on Natty Dread]. Like Mussolini, who also advanced his career through journalism, Marley uses his ditties to celebrate revolution, chic banditry, and killing….

Reggae is one of the cultural glories of the Caribbean isles, and it is distressing to hear it abused and subjected—albeit very cleverly—to political purposes that have nothing to do with music.

Joel Vance, "Popular Discs & Tapes: 'Natty Dread'," in Stereo Review (copyright © 1975 by Ziff-Davis Publishing Company), Vol. 35, No. 1, July, 1975, p. 81.