UB44

UB44
Studio album by UB40
Released 27 September 1982
Genre Reggae
Label DEP International
Producer UB40
UB40 chronology
Present Arms
(1981)Present Arms1981		 UB44
(1982)		 Labour of Love
(1983)Labour of Love1983
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[1]

UB44 is the third studio album of original material by UB40, released on the DEP International label in 1982. It was advertised as their 'fourth album' (hence the title)[2]although Present Arms In Dub had been a remix album. The album reached No. 4 in the UK album chart and the early release of the packaging had a hologram cover. UB44 was the Department of Employment form letter sent to British unemployment benefit claimants when they missed their 'signing on' appointment.

Content

This album was effectively the last one in their early musical style, again mixing heavy, doom-laden reggae soundscapes with politically and socially conscious lyrics. In particular, "I Won't Close My Eyes" and "Love is All Right" use reverb, echoes, and stereo positioning for a shimmering, three dimensional feel indicated by the 3D cover. Droning rhythms- the 4th dimension of time- induce a trance, evoking reggae's substance behind the muse. "Love is All Right" is a slow number with close sounding, harmonised vocals. Sax and trumpet echo in a huge hall, sounding like some Caribbean band of long ago. A funky, effected, simple guitar twang adds to the old and new feel. The lyrics challenge the listener that "a little more hate" may be needed in polarised racial and class conflicts.

Track listing

  1. "So Here I Am" – 3:54
  2. "I Won't Close My Eyes [Remix]" – 3:46
  3. "Forget the Cost" – 4:22
  4. "Love Is All Is Alright [Remix]" – 4:57
  5. "The Piper Calls the Tune" – 3:50
  6. "The Key" – 5:05
  7. "Don't Do the Crime" – 4:12
  8. "Folitician [Remix]" – 4:10
  9. "The Prisoner" – 5:57

Personnel

References

  1. ↑ Allmusic
  2. ↑ "UB44: The fourth album by UB40". Smash Hits. 30 September 1982. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
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