Catch a Fire was Bob Marley and the Wailers’ first album released internationally by Island Records.
The album appeared in 1973 and marked a major step in bringing the Jamaican group to audiences outside the Caribbean. Island founder Chris Blackwell supported the group’s international presentation, while the recordings retained the rhythm, guitar, and vocal character of reggae.
Catch a Fire included songs such as “Concrete Jungle,” “Slave Driver,” and “Stir It Up.” The original Jamaican version and the internationally marketed version differed in presentation, including the famous lighter-shaped sleeve used for the first international release.
The album is often confused with Burnin’, which followed later in 1973. Burnin’ was the final album by the original Wailers trio, whereas Catch a Fire is the key international breakthrough release.