Bob Marley: Peter Tosh (vocals, guitar, piano, organ); Bob Marley (vocals, guitar, percussion); Bunny Livingston (vocals, congas, bongos); Earl "Chinna" Smith (guitar, percussion); Junior Marvin (guitar, background vocals); Donald Kinsey, Al Anderson (guitar); Bernard Touter Harvey (piano, organ); Tyrone Downie (keyboards, bass guitar, percussion, background vocals); Earl Lindo (keyboards, percussion, background vocals); Aston Barrett (bass guitar, percussion); Carlton "Carly" Barrett (drums, percussion); Joe Higgs (percussion, background vocals); Alvin "Seeco" Patterson (percussion); Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley (background vocals).

Despite the tidal wave of Bob Marley compilations flooding the stores year after year, it always seems unlikely that anything will supplant the revered LEGEND, an excellent, if not comprehensive, Marley sampler. However, Universal's GOLD series has put together this stunning, two-disc collection that gives LEGEND a serious run for its money. GOLD has 34 songs to LEGEND's 16, represents all phases of Marley's career, and is lovingly sequenced and packaged (with wonderful photos and an overview of the artist's studio output).

In addition to all of the most essential and recognized tracks--"Stir It Up," "I Shot the Sheriff," "One Love/People Get Ready," and "No Woman No Cry," among them--GOLD doesn't skimp on lesser-known Marley classics. The rock-inspired "Concrete Jungle," the dreamy "Natural Mystic," and the political lament "So Much Trouble in the World" are among the gems sprinkled here. Selections from Marley's superb live albums and his often-overlooked mid-period output (RASTAMAN VIBRATION and KAYA) are here, fleshing out the retrospective. Much has been said about Marley's status as a poet, musical genius, and prophet. GOLD may be the most definitive proof of those claims available.