Summary
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.
| UB44 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 27 September 1982 | |||
| Studio | Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin | |||
| Genre | Reggae | |||
| Length | 40:13 | |||
| Label | DEP International | |||
| Producer | UB40 | |||
| UB40 chronology | ||||
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| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   [1] |
Releases edit
The album was initially released on LP and cassette. A CD reissue followed in 1993.[3] Some releases incorrectly state that the album was recorded in 1981.
Content edit
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 is Alright" 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 is Alright" 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.[citation needed]
Track listing edit
All tracks composed by UB40
- "So Here I Am" – 3:54
- "I Won't Close My Eyes" [Remix] – 3:46
- "Forget the Cost" – 4:22
- "Love Is All Is Alright" [Remix] – 4:57
- "The Piper Calls the Tune" – 3:50
- "The Key" – 5:05
- "Don't Do the Crime" – 4:12
- "Folitician [Remix]" – 4:10
- "The Prisoner" – 5:57
Personnel edit
- UB40
- Ali Campbell - vocals, guitar
- Astro - trumpet, vocals, toasting
- Brian Travers - saxophone
- Robin Campbell - guitar, vocals
- Michael Virtue - keyboards
- Earl Falconer - bass
- James "Jim" Brown - drums, vocals, synthesized percussion
- Norman Hassan - percussion, trombone
- Technical
- Rafe McKenna - assistant producer, mixing engineer
- Paul Thomas - recording engineer
- Optec Design - artwork, hologram