Bob Marley’s ‘Natural Mystic’ Becomes His First Non-‘Legend’ Track To Hit Silver In The UK
Bob Marley and The Wailers’ Natural Mystic is the band’s first original single to earn a Silver certification in the United Kingdom without appearing on the best-selling Legend deluxe compilation, making it a historic moment for the Reggae legend’s discography.
According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the song was issued a BRIT Certified Silver award on Friday (December 13), after it surpassed over 200,000 units in the UK, as measured by The Official Charts Company.
This brings Marley’s total certified songs in the UK to 15, with seven tracks reaching Platinum or higher.
Natural Mystic was originally recorded in 1975 before being re-recorded for the iconic 1977 album Exodus, produced at Island’s Basing Street Studios in London.
Known for its profound opening and somber yet hopeful message, the song’s haunting bassline and Carly Barrett’s steady kick drum create an introspective tone. The regal horns elevate the track’s weight, echoing Marley’s deliberate vision of a spiritual reckoning.
The song also featured on the 1995 compilation album Natural Mystic: The Legend Lives On, which peaked at No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart.
This collection was a deeper dive into Marley’s politically charged and spiritually reflective catalog, standing apart from the love-oriented focus of the Legend (1984) compilation. Tracks like Africa Unite, So Much Trouble In The World, and Crazy Baldhead explored themes of social justice and salvation, while songs like Easy Skanking and Time Will Tell added layers of warmth and resolve. Yet, the title track Natural Mystic, remained a standout, drawing listeners into a contemplative sanctuary of unity and freedom.
The deluxe edition of the Legend album remains the cornerstone of Marley’s catalog, with all its tracks certified Silver or higher in the UK—except for Easy Skanking.
Three Little Birds leads the pack, having reached 3X Platinum status (1.8 million units), while Is This Love and Could You Be Loved each achieved 2X Platinum, surpassing 1.2 million units sold.
Marley’s other Platinum hits in the UK are No Woman, No Cry, Jamming, One Love, and Buffalo Soldier, each exceeding 600,000 units. He currently holds Gold certifications (400,000 units) for Stir It Up, Waiting In Vain, and Redemption Song, and Silver (200,000 units) for Get Up, Stand Up, I Shot The Sheriff, and Satisfy My Soul.
A 2016 remix of Is This Love, featuring LVNDSCAPE and Bolier, is currently certified Gold.