Iconic Jamaican musician Bob Marley will have his life finally brought to the big screen in the upcoming biopic Bob Marley: One Love. While the reggae singer was far more than just the music, his story cannot be told without the music. To that effect, the Marley estate selected seven contemporary artists to cover some of Bob’s most beloved songs on the film’s soundtrack EP Bob Marley: One Love (Music Inspired By The Film). The lead single from the set comes courtesy of Daniel Caesar who offers his take on “Waiting In Vain.”
Daniel’s version of the reggae classic replaces the lilting Lovers Rock of the original with his own wistful R&B. He accomplishes this with slow-paced drums, slightly melancholy synths and slow-and-steady bass that, at times, leans into rock. Though it’s vastly different, it still captures the sense of unrequited love quite well.
Caesar is actually a great fit to cover Marley, as he feels a kinship to the legend’s artistry. “I love the idea of music where…if you’re going to say something, say something,” Daniel said in a press statement. “It’s not all about aesthetic, he had something to say. Similarly, I have things to say — a lot of my music centers around expressing my emotions, but I have moments where I like to say something that is important and take a stance.”
Daniel Caesar isn’t the only one invited to the party. Bob Marley’s grandson Skip Marley, Bloody Civilian, Kacey Musgraves, Wizkid, Jessie Reyez and Leon Bridges also contribute covers of classics such as “Exodus,” “One Love,” “Natural Mystic” and “Redemption Song.” You can check out the full tracklist after you listen to Daniel’s cover of “Waiting In Vain” below. Bob Marley: One Love and Bob Marley: One Love (Music Inspired By The Film) will both be released on Wednesday, February 14th.
Various Artists Bob Marley: One Love (Music Inspired By The Film) tracklist:
1. Bloody Civilian – Natural Mystic
2. Skip Marley – Exodus
3. Daniel Caesar – Waiting In Vain
4. Kacey Musgraves – Three Little Birds
5. Wizkid – One Love
6. Jessie Reyez – Is This Love
7. Leon Bridges – Redemption Song
