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From album
Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers · 1977 · Track 7
Details
Duración4:16
ÁlbumExodus
Año1977
ISRCUSIR27700014
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The story behind
The song Waiting in Vain, born from the pen of Bob Marley, was presented to the world in 1977 as part of the album Exodus. Recorded by Bob Marley & The Wailers, this piece was released as a single and reached number 27 on the UK charts. Interestingly, this single included on its B-side a song called Roots, which was not part of the main album but rather a leftover from the Rastaman Vibration sessions. Later, Roots would appear on compilations and special editions of Exodus. In 1981, a reissue of Waiting in Vain featured an extended mix titled Marley Mix Up Medley.
The recording of Exodus, the album to which Waiting in Vain belongs, took place in London, after Bob Marley left Jamaica following an assassination attempt in December 1976. The album, released in June 1977 through Island Records, is characterized by a relaxed sound, with prominent bass lines and an emphasis on piano, trumpet, and guitar. Unlike previous works, Exodus departs from complex narratives to explore themes such as change, religious politics, and sexuality, dividing its content into two thematic halves. The album, which was both a critical and commercial success, received gold certifications in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, and is considered the record that propelled Marley to international fame. In 2017, Exodus was remastered and reissued to commemorate its 40th anniversary. The band that accompanied Marley during this period included brothers Carlton (drums) and Aston “Family Man” Barrett (bass), along with guitarists like Junior Marvin and Al Anderson, keyboardists like Tyrone Downie and Earl “Wya” Lindo, and percussion handled by Alvin “Seeco” Patterson. Recording engineering credits mention Terry Barham, Guy Bidmead, and Karl Pitterson, while mixing involved Aston “Family Man” Barrett, Chris Blackwell, and Karl Pitterson, with overall production by Bob Marley & The Wailers.
The song has been reinterpreted by other artists. In 1993, American jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour recorded his version, featuring the collaboration of British reggae artist Maxi Priest. This version appeared on Ritenour's album Wes Bound and reached number 54 on the US R&B charts. Later, in 1995, Scottish singer Annie Lennox recorded Waiting in Vain for her second studio album, Medusa. Produced by Stephen Lipson, Lennox's version, released as the third single from the album in September 1995 by Arista Records, was distinguished by not attempting to replicate the relaxed atmosphere of the original, instead presenting a softer sound with electronic beats, keyboards, and acoustic guitar. Despite reaching number thirty-one on the UK charts, it did not achieve the same commercial success as previous singles from Medusa. Lennox's rendition has been used in films such as Serendipity (2001), Changing Lanes (2002), and In the Cut (2003), and was also featured in the British comedy series Car Share.