Natural Mystic
An ethereal signature song featuring a slow fade-in and popping drum sounds.
Natural Mystic is a song by the Jamaican reggae band Bob Marley and the Wailers. It stands as one of Bob Marley's signature songs and is recognized as one of his greatest artistic achievements. The track opens with a slow fade in, setting a distinct tone from the very first moment. Music critics have praised its unique atmosphere, noting that it possesses an almost hymnal quality where everything feels ethereal and inspired.
- Artist
- Bob Marley & The Wailers
- Production Era
- Late 1970s to Early 1980s
Lore & Background
The creation of Natural Mystic involved specific production choices by Lee "Scratch" Perry. According to Perry, the team made the first track for the song on a drum machine. He specifically added the "machine pop drum," which gave the recording its characteristic popping sound. After this initial version, Bob Marley re-recorded the track with drummer Carlton Barrett (referred to as Carly), and it sounded good to everyone involved. Perry's version also featured a horn section that he felt sounded excellent. The song's enduring power is attributed by Aston "Family Man" Barrett, the band's bassist, who stated: "That’s why it still stands up today, because it’s outstanding." This recording history highlights the collaborative effort between Marley and his production team to achieve the final sound.
In Their Own Story
Critical reception for Natural Mystic has been high across various publications. Thomas Ward of AllMusic described the song as having an almost hymnal quality, stating that "everything about the song is ethereal and inspired." He noted that although the lyrics are vague, they are no less effective than Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind." In a review for NME Magazine, Gavin Martin characterized the figurehead of Natural Mystic (with the subtitle 'The Legend Lives On') as mellow but matured, and angry but assured, viewing it as a throwback to an early, more innocent era. Furthermore, music critic Greil Marcus called it the best song on the Exodus album, cementing its status within Marley's discography.
Reader's Guide
Natural Mystic is included on specific compilation albums rather than being tied to a single original studio release in this context. The track appears on "Natural Mystic: The Legend Lives On" and "The Essential Bob Marley & the Wailers." These compilations ensure the song remains accessible as part of Marley's legacy. The song serves as a key entry point for listeners exploring his signature works, offering the unique sonic texture created by Lee "Scratch" Perry's production techniques, including the distinctive drum machine pop and horn arrangements.
Did You Know?
- Lee "Scratch" Perry added a machine pop drum to the track, which gave it its distinctive popping sound.
- The song features a slow fade in at the very beginning of the recording.
- Music critic Greil Marcus considered Natural Mystic the best song on the Exodus album.
- Aston "Family Man" Barrett stated the song still stands up today because it is outstanding.
- Thomas Ward compared the effectiveness of the song's vague lyrics to Dylan's Blowin' in the Wind.
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