What was the name of Bob Marley's first album to achieve international success?

Bob Marley’s first album to achieve international success was Catch a Fire. Released in April 1973, it was the Wailers’ first album for Island Records and introduced their music to a much wider audience outside Jamaica.

The album grew out of a meeting with Island founder Chris Blackwell, who advanced the band money to return to Jamaica and finish recording. The songs were recorded at Kingston studios including Dynamic Sound and Harry J’s, then refined at Island Studios in London. Blackwell added overdubs and shaped the presentation for rock audiences, including the famous Zippo-lighter-style original cover.

Catch a Fire was followed later in 1973 by Burnin’, but the two albums are not interchangeable: Catch a Fire was the international breakthrough project, while Burnin’ contained “Get Up, Stand Up” and “I Shot the Sheriff.” Although its initial chart positions were modest, the album’s international tour and critical reception established Marley and the Wailers as major reggae artists.