Launched on September 27, 1982, UB40’s third album discovered the band at a crossroads. Not for nothing did they name it UB44, after the Division Of Employment kind despatched to advantages claimants who’d failed to point out as much as signal on. With the two Tone motion previous its peak, the likes of Metal Pulse shaping the sound of UK roots reggae, and Musical Youth topping the UK charts with “Pass The Dutchie,” UB40 might be forgiven for feeling considerably stranded. Their earlier two albums have been overtly political affairs, attracting each gross sales and stature whereas climbing to No.2 within the UK charts, however, after two years of anti-Thatcherite discontent, it was, maybe, time for a change.
But to document the covers that will end result within the chart-topping Labour Of Love, the group examined the waters with a nudge in direction of their patented pop-reggae sound on tracks corresponding to “Don’t Do The Crime” and “Love Is All Right,” the latter of which made it to No.29 within the UK and pointed in direction of what would include among the group’s subsequent efforts. Nonetheless, the likes of album opener (and No.25 chart entry – one of the best performing of the three singles lifted from UB44) “So Here I Am” reveals that UB40 had much more experimental tendencies than many bear in mind. Its ping-ponging dub results and infectious horn traces would make it a excessive level for a lot of, however, presumably as a result of it didn’t rub together with a cheerful exhortation – à la “Pass The Dutchie” – this much more adventurous observe discovered its approach into fewer palms. Nonetheless, the album peaked at No.4 within the UK charts, the place, in 1982, it grew to become a brand new entry on October 9; it could go on to get pleasure from two weeks on the prime spot, and an extra six within the High 100.
In hindsight, UB40 have been most likely at all times going to stumble on Labour Of Love’s chart-friendly stability of pop hooks and reggae bounce; a lot of UB44 lit the trail, they only needed to observe it. However the album additionally presents a tantalizing “what if?”: had the group dedicated extra to their left-field leanings, would their profession have taken a special form? What’s plain is that UB40 have been properly on the best way to making sure they’d by no means must signal on once more.
Store for UB40’s music on vinyl or CD now.
