UB40 Albums Ranked

UB40 is an English reggae and pop band, formed in December 1978 in Birmingham, England. The band has had more than 50 singles in the UK Singles Chart and has also achieved considerable international success. They have been nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album four times, and in 1984 were nominated for the Brit Award for Best British Group. UB40 have sold over 70 million records worldwide. The ethnic make-up of the band’s original line-up was diverse, with musicians of English, Welsh, Irish, Jamaican, Scottish and Yemeni parentage. The band’s line-up was stable for nearly 29 years, from March 1979 until January 2008, when frontman Ali Campbell left the band, followed shortly thereafter by keyboardist Mickey Virtue. Another member, Astro, remained with the band until November 2013, when he departed the original band to team up with Campbell and Virtue in a new version of UB40. In 2014, legal advice was sought by the original band (now consisting of remaining co-founding members drummer Jimmy Brown, guitarist Robin Campbell, bassist Earl Falconer, percussionist Norman Hassan, and saxophonist Brian Travers, along with new vocalist Duncan Campbell) who took action against the group containing Campbell, Virtue, and Astro over usage of the band name, due to its being used by both parties. Here are all of the UB40 albums ranked.

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10. Present The Fathers Of Reggae (2002)

“This CD is so good, it brought tears to my eyes. What could be better than the greatest names in reggae covering UB40 hits with UB40 as the back up band. If you are a roots reggae and UB40 fan, you must have this. Best tracks are: Gregory Isaacs singing BRING ME YOUR CUP. Leroy Sibbles HIGHER GROUND and The Mighty Diamonds YOU COULD MEET SOMEBODY.”

9. The Best Of UB40 – Volume One (1987)

“UB40 really surprised me. I mean, they can hardly be compared to the reggae spirit or style of Bob Marley or Buju Banton. Nevertheless, they effectively combine styles of pop ballads with a reggae infused rhythm. Their lyrics are also well thought out.”

8. Labour Of Love II (1989)

“This album is covered from top to bottom, song to song with great reggae music. I have had the great privilege of having this album in my collection since 1990. Since then because of my raves and reviews of this album; the majority of my family members own this album mainly because of me, and the good works of UB40. “

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7. Present Arms (1981)

“Signing Off may be better than this album most will say it is indeed, yet if that is so the difference in quality is slim at best. This album is wonderful, a most certain 5 star. In a country obsessed with unspeakably lousy pop culture, how could one not enjoy the mega-heck out of this super pleasurable sound experience. Those who hate, quit it. For this is one of the greats. Don’t Let It Pass You By!”

6. UB40 (1988)

“This album was a success in Europe, “where did I go wrong” was perhaps their second most commercially successful song, “red red whine” (not on this one) being number one. For the non reggae listener this is a great entry album. It basically takes reggae and goes pop with it, spinning some sweet melodies in the process. However, what makes UB40 so unique is that they have made some more accessible mainstreamed reggae without it sounding fabricated. They also made serious “true” reggae, as in their labor of love series, and I feel that this comes through in their pop oriented work.”

5. Rat In The Kitchen (1986)

“This is the best collection of songs describing life I have found. Its truth and blunt addressing of real-world issues is refreshing and transcend time. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been at work and contemplated the truth of “The Elevator”, “All I Want To Do” or “Don’t Blame Me”. They really pin-point my, sometimes conflicting, emotions and feelings. This is required listening for young professionals.”

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4. The Singles Album (1980)

“The true voice of UB40 is Ali Campbell. Astro’s sound remains in top form while Mickey continues to dazzle us with his keyboard playing. Matt Hoy’s backing vocals brings out a great melodic sound.”

3. Promises And Lies (1993)

“This is a 5 star UB40 album and all the songs are good, but also catchy. Unlike most or previous UB40 albums this is not a cover album, which means they wrote all the songs themselves accept for “I can’t Stop Falling in love with you.” My favorite song is “Bring me a Cup”. This album never gets old and is totally feel good reggae music the way only UB40 can produce. Buy now you won’t be disappointed.”

2. Labour Of Love (1983)

“I believe the “Labour of Love” albums are albums that consist entirely of covers. I think this is the best, but “Labour of Love II: is also worthy. On multiple occasions, UB40 took Motown hits and then turned them into great reggae cover versions.”

1. Signing Off (1980)

“Listening again to this, it is still enjoyable but it does seem long, bit filler and the production is too thin. The remastered version should have rectified that, not enough in the bottom end really. I do like the overall sound but the lack of kick and bass doesn’t propel the instrumentals like they should when there’s not the song to cover up the flaw. Still good though and light years better than later stuff.”