Birmingham ain't all bad (The Very Best Of Ub40 1980-2000 - UB40)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	The Very Best Of Ub40 1980-2000 - UB40
Date:	05/02/09 (18 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: lots of hits

Disadvantages: none really

I have always liked Birmingham based UB40, managing to take the reggae world by storm with their gentle melodies, inspiring and often controversial lyrics and soulful vocals, courtesy of Ali Campbell.

This album:

Gathers some of their biggest hits from 1980 up the year 2000. I think it is fair to say that they have not done much of significance since 2000, despite continuing to tour and replacing Ali with Maxi Priest as the lead singer.

Top tracks:

One of the best is the soothing 'Kingston Town' where Ali's vocals are in their prime. His voice wraps beauitfully around the lyrics and the song transports you to exotic planes. I also love 'Red Red Wine' which most people know, it is a song to play at the end of the day when you about to slump into an armchair, but also it is the kind of track you could have a slow dance to at the end of the night. Check out 'I Got You Babe' with Chrissie Hynde, her manly vocals contrast well with Ali's high pitched tones and the record comes across with real integrity and emotion.

Critique:

A fine collection, which charts their early years, when the lyrics perhaps had more bite, before they started getting more chart friendly. The smooth reggae beats are mellow and easy on the ear and li's vocals are always unique and captivating. If you want a UB40 album to break you into the group, this could well be it.

Recommended

Summary: great collection