UB40

UB40 earned its status as Britain's most popular reggae act not because the group is racially mixed or homegrown but because it has consistently taken a pop-friendly approach to the music. That's not to denigrate UB40's way, for the group has done a remarkable job in keeping up with the changes in reggae over the decades. But however supple or in-sinuating the beat, it's Ali Campbell's warm tenor and the group's melody-centered songwriting that make UB40 consistently worth hearing.
Although its earliest material is fairly traditional reggae fare, the group's sound becomes progressively funky and dubwise through Present Arms and UB44. The compilation album 1980–83 introduced the band to American audiences, but U.S. interest picked up with Labour of Love, a collection of cover tunes that reprises many of the band's favorite early reggae hits. Campbell's vocals are particularly expressive, and the album eventually became a hit on the strength of the chart-topping single "Red Red Wine." UB40's next album, Baggariddim, wasn't released in its entirety in this country. In the U.K., the album combines an EP featuring a charming "I Got You Babe" (cut with Chrissie Hynde) with an album of dub remakes of tracks from Labour of Love and Geffery Morgan.
With UB40, the band's pop instincts return to full working order. Hynde makes another guest appearance, this time covering the Sheila Hylton hit "Breakfast in Bed," but the band hardly needs the help, as the songs are wonderfully strong, from the relentless "Dance with the Devil" to the insinuating "I Would Do It for You." Labour of Love II isn't quite as appealing as its predecessor, despite the soul-cum-reggae groove of the Al Green tune "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)," but Promises and Lies is as strong as any album in their catalogue, thanks to "Bring Me Your Cup" and the irresistible "Reggae Music."

Contact a UB40 Agent now to book UB40 to appear at your next corporate, private or special event!

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