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songwriting shows how reggae could reachBOB MARLEY: Legend (1984) Marley's

a wider audience by combining religious andpolitical themes with commercial melodies.

R.E.M.: Life's Rich Pageant (1986) The earlyR.E.M. blueprint of obscure lyrics, odd
melodies, unconventional dual voices andjangle guitar is polished and reaches
classic 1980s alternative/"college" rock, butmaturity on this record. You could call it
that sells it short. Few rock bands have sodeserved the adjective "poetic".