Bob Marley’s ‘Exodus’ Reaches New Billboard Chart Peak

Exodus, the seminal album by Bob Marley and the Wailers, has reached a new milestone on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, soaring to No. 3—47 years after its original release in 1977.

The album’s current position, up from No. 9 last week, marks its highest ranking to date, surpassing its previous peak at No. 4. Exodus has now spent a total of 75 weeks on the chart, which ranks the weekly best selling Reggae albums in the United States.

The album was released during a turbulent time in Marley’s life. It followed a failed assassination attempt on the Reggae legend at his home in Jamaica, prompting him to flee to London. The title track, a horn-driven anthem, directly addresses the harrowing experience and its politically charged backdrop.

Exodus also includes songs like The Heathen and So Much Things to Say, both marked by Marley’s biting social commentary. The track Guiltiness is particularly pointed, while more uplifting hits like Three Little Birds, Jamming, and One Love/People Get Ready are among the album’s most-streamed songs today.

The album is certified Gold in the United States (500,000 units), Platinum in the United Kingdom (300,000 units), Gold in Germany (250,000 units), Gold in France (100,000 units), and Gold in Canada (50,000 units).

Legend, another of Marley’s iconic albums, currently holds the top spot on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart dated January 4, 2025 with 259 weeks at No. 1.

Shaggy’s Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection is at No. 2.

Stick Figure’s World On Fire, Set In Stone and Wisdom albums are at No. 4, 8 and 9, respectively.

Sean Paul’s Dutty Classics Collection and Dutty Rock albums are at No. 5 and 6, respectively. UB40’s Greatest Hits compilation is at No. 7, while Marley’s Kaya album is at No. 10.