
Bob Marley's romantic ballads have been a popular choice for wedding songs, with Is This Love being one of the best-known Marley songs. The song, released in 1978, has been covered by many artists and has even inspired other songs. Is This Love has been a popular choice for couples' first dance at their wedding, especially for beach weddings with a Caribbean steel band. Other popular Bob Marley wedding songs include Satisfy My Soul, Waiting in Vain, and A Lifetime.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song Title | "Is This Love" |
| Artist | Bob Marley and the Wailers |
| Album | Kaya |
| Genre | Reggae |
| Year of Release | 1978 |
| Peak Position in UK Charts | 9 |
| Cover Versions | Scott Matthews, Corinne Bailey Rae, Rihanna, Adam Lambert, Allen Stone |
| Movies the Song is Featured In | In the Name of the Father, Six Days Seven Nights, Lake Placid, 50 First Dates, Just Go With It |
| Lyrics | "Ah in the darkness, there must come out to light" |
| Wedding-Related Use | First dance song, song to walk down the aisle to |
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What You'll Learn

'Is This Love' as a first dance song
"Is This Love" is a popular choice for a wedding song, and it's easy to see why. The beat is infectious, and the lyrics are sentimental and romantic. Bob Marley even dedicated this song to his wife, Rita, so it's safe to say it's a loving tribute.
The song's tempo is also versatile. You could ask your wedding band to play it as it is—a bouncy, feel-good tune to get your guests grooving. Or, you could ask them to slow it down, creating a more sentimental atmosphere for your first dance.
If you're having a beach wedding, "Is This Love" could be the perfect fit. Its laid-back, summery vibes will complement your seaside setting, and its catchy rhythm will have your guests moving in their seats. Plus, with its peak position of number 9 in the UK charts, it's a well-known crowd-pleaser.
If you want to add a personal touch, consider asking your band to learn the song or provide them with a version that has a tempo that suits your style and taste. That way, you can make the song your own and create a unique and memorable moment for your first dance.
Overall, "Is This Love" is a fantastic choice for a wedding, especially a beach celebration. Its combination of catchy rhythm, romantic lyrics, and versatility make it a great option to kick off your reception with a special first dance.
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The song's appearance in popular culture
"Is This Love" by Bob Marley and the Wailers is a popular wedding song, with its sentimental lyrics and groovy beat. The song has also appeared in several movies, including In the Name of the Father (1993), Six Days Seven Nights (1998), Lake Placid (1999), 50 First Dates (2004), and Just Go With It (2011).
The song has been covered by several artists, including Rihanna during her first worldwide Good Girl Gone Bad Tour (2007-2009). Adam Lambert also covered the song in 2012 and 2013 on his "We Are Glamily" world tour. Allen Stone performed a cover of Corinne Bailey Rae's version of the song on his self-titled album tour.
In addition to its appearance in films and tours, "Is This Love" has also been referenced in other songs. For example, in James Blunt's song "Stay the Night," from the 2010 album Some Kind of Trouble, there is a direct reference to Marley's song in the lyrics, "Just like the song on our radio set/We'll share the shelter of my single bed." Bon Jovi's song "Lay Your Hands on Me" also has a similar lyric, "you're ready, I'm willing, and able./Help me lay my cards down on the table," which is reminiscent of the lyrics in "Is This Love."
The song has also been included on several compilation albums, such as the 2010 Putamayo Presents: Tribute to a Reggae Legend: Bob Marley and the Legend compilation. A remixed version of the song by Dutch electronic music collaborators Lvndscape and Bolier reached #16 in the UK singles charts in 2016.
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Bob Marley's other wedding-suitable songs
Bob Marley's 1978 song "Is This Love" is one of his best-known songs, and its sentimental lyrics make it a popular choice for weddings. However, there are several other Bob Marley songs that are suitable for weddings.
"Could You Be Loved" is a romantic song with poetic lyrics and a bouncy beat, making it ideal for playing during dinnertime at a wedding. The lyrics "Loving you is like a song I replay/Loving you is easy 'cause you're beautiful" capture the joy of finding love.
"Satisfy My Soul" is another romantic song by Marley, in which he expresses his love and devotion to his beloved. The song includes heartfelt lyrics such as "This is my heart: To rock you steady;/I'll give you love/Time you're you ready."
"Sun Is Shining" is a slow and deep song with a message of unwavering support. Although the exact meaning of the song is unclear, Marley's insistence that he'll be there when you need him makes it a resonant choice for a wedding.
"Waiting in Vain" is a passionate song about unconditional love, even if it's unrequited. Despite the sad theme, the song is catchy and fun, making it a great choice for a wedding reception.
"Love And Affection" is an upbeat ska tune with a romantic message. This song, one of Marley's earliest, showcases his talent for songwriting and his ability to convey complex emotions.
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The song's Grammy Award-winning covers
Bob Marley is one of the most covered musical artists in history. His music, with its messages of love, unity, and social justice, has inspired artists from all genres and corners of the world.
One of his most popular songs, "Is This Love", has had over 47 covers. The original track, released in 1978 on the album "Kaya", became one of Marley's best-known songs. English singer Corinne Bailey Rae's soulful cover, released in 2010, won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance at the 54th Grammy Awards. The song has also been covered by Rihanna, Adam Lambert, and Allen Stone, who performed the Corinne Bailey Rae version.
"No Woman, No Cry" is another widely covered Marley classic, with 84 interpretations. Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, The Fugees, and Bunny Wailer, Marley's bandmate in The Wailers, have all put their own spin on this song.
"Redemption Song", a track from Marley's final studio album, "Uprising", released in 1980, has attracted over 58 covers. The most notable rendition was an impromptu performance by Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer of The Clash. Rihanna also covered the song as part of the Haiti relief effort in 2010.
"Waiting in Vain", a song about unconditional but unrequited love, has been covered 34 times. Reggae artists Cocoa Tea and Cutty Ranks offered a dancehall interpretation in 1997, while Annie Lennox delivered a pop version in 1995. Jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour also released an instrumental version featuring Maxi Priest on vocals in 1993.
"I Shot the Sheriff" was covered by Eric Clapton, who was previously known as a blues guitarist. This cover topped the charts and introduced Marley's music to a wider audience, becoming an important moment in reggae history.
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The song's music video
The music video for "Is This Love" by Bob Marley and the Wailers was shot at the Keskidee Arts Centre in London. It features a young, then-unknown Naomi Campbell, marking her first appearance in the public eye at just seven years old. The video was released on the Spinnin' Records YouTube channel in June 2016, alongside a remix of the song by Dutch electronic music producers Lvndscape and Bolier. This remix reached #16 in the UK singles chart.
The song itself was originally released in 1978 on the album 'Kaya' and became one of Marley's best-known songs. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Rihanna and Corinne Bailey Rae, whose version won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance. The song has also been featured in several films, including 'In the Name of the Father' (1993), 'Six Days Seven Nights' (1998), and '50 First Dates' (2004).
The music video for "Is This Love" captures the essence of the song's laid-back yet uplifting reggae vibe. It opens with a sunny scene, showcasing the vibrant culture and community of the Keskidee Arts Centre. The camera pans to show Bob Marley and the Wailers performing on a stage, surrounded by a diverse crowd of people dancing and grooving to the music. The energy is infectious, with the audience clapping and singing along to the catchy chorus.
Young Naomi Campbell makes her debut in the video, showcasing her natural modelling prowess even at such a young age. She is seen dancing and smiling, radiating a joy that matches the song's positive message. The video also features other children, emphasising the song's universal appeal and the innocence of love.
The visuals are enhanced by the use of colour and lighting techniques, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The editing is seamless, with smooth transitions that keep the viewer engaged. The overall effect is a music video that embodies the spirit of the song, celebrating love, community, and the power of music to bring people together.
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Frequently asked questions
'Is This Love' is a great choice for a wedding song. The song is one of Bob Marley's best-known and is often included in wedding playlists. The sentimental lyrics and bouncy beat make it a perfect fit for a first dance or walking down the aisle.
Bob Marley has a plethora of romantic songs that are perfect for weddings. 'Satisfy My Soul', 'Could You Be Loved', 'Waiting in Vain', and 'Three Little Birds' are all popular choices for couples.
'Is This Love' is from Bob Marley and the Wailers' 1978 album, 'Kaya'. It also featured on the compilation album, 'Legend'.
Yes, 'Is This Love' has been covered by many artists, including Scott Matthews, Corinne Bailey Rae, Rihanna, Adam Lambert, and Allen Stone.









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