Bob Marley - Chances Are - 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Bob Marley recorded these songs from 1968 through 1972

"Chances Are," a 1981 12" vinyl LP by Bob Marley, epitomizes reggae's evolution. Helmed by Marley, Larry Fallon, and Danny Sims, the album's diverse tracks showcase Marley's signature fusion of reggae, ska, and rocksteady. Released amid reggae's global ascent, the analog warmth of the vinyl format enhances the timeless appeal. A sonic masterpiece, "Chances Are" stands as a testament to Marley's enduring influence and reggae's international resonance.

"Chances Are" Album Description:

In the vibrant tapestry of reggae music, few figures loom as large as the legendary Bob Marley. His indelible mark on the genre is immortalized in a myriad of albums, each representing a unique epoch in his illustrious career. One such compilation that stands out is "Chances Are," a 12" vinyl LP album released in 1981 by WEA International, making its resonant echoes heard globally and finding a particular home through the Cotillion imprint of Atlantic Records in the United States.

During the early 1980s, reggae music was experiencing a transformative period. Bob Marley, as its foremost ambassador, had already left an indomitable legacy with albums like "Exodus" and "Legend." "Chances Are" emerged as a compilation that not only encapsulated Marley's musical prowess but also reflected the evolving soundscape of the reggae genre during that time.

The production of "Chances Are" was a collaborative effort led by the iconic Bob Marley himself, joined by the talents of Larry Fallon and Danny Sims. This partnership bore witness to a collection of tracks that resonated with Marley's signature blend of reggae, ska, and rocksteady influences. The album showcased the versatility of Marley's artistry, seamlessly fusing socially conscious lyrics with infectious rhythms, creating a sonic journey that resonated with audiences far and wide.

In the context of the early 1980s, "Chances Are" contributed significantly to the continued global appreciation of reggae music. It served as a testament to the enduring appeal of Marley's message and the universal language of his music. The album's release during this period marked a crucial moment in the genre's expansion beyond its Jamaican roots, solidifying reggae as a genre with international relevance and appeal.

The production quality of the 12" vinyl LP format added a distinctive charm to "Chances Are." The analog warmth of the vinyl, coupled with the album's carefully curated tracklist, provided listeners with an immersive experience that transcended the limitations of contemporary formats. Each groove on the vinyl became a conduit for Marley's lyrical prowess and the infectious rhythms that defined his sound.

Music Genre: Reggae, Compilation Album

Album Production:

Produced by Bob Marley, Larry Fallon

Executive Producer: Danny Sims

Re-mix Engineers: Neil Dorfsman at Power Station, New York City

Mastering: Bob Ludwig at Masterdisk, New York City

Art Direction: Sandi Young

Front Cover Photo: Ebet Roberts

Back Cover Photo: Kate Simon and Chaka

Record Label: 

WEA K 99183 Cayman Music, Leosong

Media Format: 

12" Vinyl LP Record

Country: 

1981 Made in UK  

Complete Track Listing of: Bob Marley - Chances Are
    Side One:
  1. Reggae on Broadway
  2. Gonna Get You
  3. Chances Are
  4. Soul Rebels
    Side Two:
  1. Dance Do The Reggae
  2. Mellow Mood - Original
  3. Stay With Me
  4. I'm Hurting Inside
Front Cover Photo Of BOB MARLEY - Chances Are 12" Vinyl LP Album
Black-and-white close-up of Bob Marley smiling with natural dreadlocks, wearing a sleeveless jersey. Album title 'BOB MARLEY' is above in red and green, with 'CHANCES ARE' in yellow on the right.

Front cover of Bob Marley’s 1981 compilation album “Chances Are.”

The image is a monochrome, high-contrast portrait of Bob Marley, captured in a candid moment of joyful expression. Marley is centered in the frame, wearing a sleeveless V-neck jersey with bold, ribbed trim. His natural dreadlocks drape around his shoulders, and his facial expression is relaxed, with eyes half-closed and a wide, beaming smile that radiates warmth and peace.

The top of the cover features the name “BOB MARLEY” in a stylized red font with green shadowing, spread evenly across the width of the album. To the right, the album title “CHANCES ARE” is displayed in bold yellow text within black blocks, angled slightly as if casually pasted on. The background is a smooth gradient, subtly fading from gray to black, giving the entire design a clean and timeless appearance that emphasizes Marley’s iconic presence.

Photo Of The Back Cover BOB MARLEY - Chances Are 12" Vinyl LP Album
Back cover of Bob Marley's 'Chances Are' LP. Features tracklist, production credits, filmstrip-style photos of Marley performing, and a candid shot of him seated in a bus wearing a Rasta hat.

Back cover of Bob Marley's 1981 vinyl album “Chances Are.”

The layout is clean and balanced, with a white background that makes the content pop. On the left side, the full track listing is printed in black text, divided into “Side One” and “Side Two.” Below it are the production credits, listing Bob Marley and Larry Fallon as producers, with Danny Sims as executive producer. It also includes special thanks, remix and mastering credits, and design information.

On the right, a large rectangular color photo shows Bob Marley seated on a tour bus. He wears a military-green jacket and a knitted Rasta hat, looking out the window with arms folded in a calm, introspective pose. Around this central image are decorative strips of film negatives featuring performance shots—Marley mid-song, guitar in hand, under vivid stage lighting—adding motion and energy to the otherwise tranquil design. Smaller candid images of Marley in everyday moments add authenticity and warmth.

Close up of record's label BOB MARLEY - Chances Are 12" Vinyl LP Album Side One:
Close-up of Side One label of Bob Marley’s 'Chances Are' LP, showing track listing, producer credits, and colorful WEA gradient design. UK pressing with catalog number K 99183.

Close-up of Side One record label for Bob Marley’s “Chances Are” 12-inch vinyl LP, UK pressing.

The circular label displays a distinctive gradient color scheme, transitioning from a vibrant green at the top, through yellow, to a rich red-orange at the bottom—a classic WEA design. At the top, the bold yellow WEA logo is printed above the centered black title “CHANCES ARE.” The text beneath details that the record is manufactured in the UK, plays at 33⅓ RPM, and is in stereo format.

Track listings for Side One include four songs: “Reggae on Broadway,” “Gonna Get You,” “Chances Are,” and “Soul Rebel,” with songwriting credits noted next to each. The artist name “BOB MARLEY” is prominently printed in uppercase, followed by production credits for Bob Marley, Larry Fallon, and executive producer Danny Sims. Publishing information lists Cayman Music Inc. and Cissi Music Inc. The catalog number K 99183 is printed clearly on the right side, identifying this edition as part of the 1981 WEA International Inc. release.

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