After more than 100 million records sold over the last forty-five years, it would not come as a surprise to any music fan if UB40 decided to hang up their instruments once-and-for-all. On the contrary, UB40 has returned with their first album in three years and are set to embark on some touring in 2024.
Looking back a little bit, UB40 are a Birmingham outfit who initially formed in 1978, rising to greatness with hits such as in 1983 with “Red Red Wine” and in 1993 with “(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You.” Just a couple of the songs most regularly associated with the band, their newest album, UB45, features a fresh lead singer in Matt Doyle (Kioko). Doyle takes over for Duncan Campbell who reluctantly retired from music after a seizure. Duncan, served as the band’s lead vocalist since 2008 when his brother, Ali Campbell (original UB40 vocalist) opted to go his own way.
A lot to process for fans who may not know where UB40 stands, on UB45 they show off the roots that skyrocketed them to phenomenal success, but tack on an element of mystery that will excite their fans for what is possibly in store for the future. An album released on April 19, 2024, it precedes a 45-year legacy tour set for this summer that will include support from Inner Circle, Maxi Priest, The English Beat, and Third World. Quite a live lineup to check out, this new album serves as purpose to reflect on UB40’s past, as well as look toward the future.
The 14 track album offers a total of 7 new songs that will delight listeners worldwide, while providing glimpses into the past; with re-recordings of hits such as “Red Red Wine,” that ooze such nostalgia it is like we are all back living in the 1980s. The new vocals of Doyle joined by Jahred Gordon and Jamie Travers on keyboards, with the remainder of the lineup consisting of the majority of stalwarts from the original team; Jimmy Brown (drums), Robin Campbell (vocals, guitar), Earl Falconer (bass/vocals), Norman Lamont Hassan (percussion/vocals), Martin Meredith (keyboards, saxophone), Laurence Parry (brass), and Ian Thompson (keyboards, percussion, saxophone). This in mind, the band’s ability to incorporate the new blood into their lineup allows the different personalities to shine instead of detract from the music, and gives parts of the past a chance to blend with the present and create a fascinating and jam-filled future.
The record also contains past hits, “Kingston Town,” “Food for Thought,” and “Cherry, Oh Baby,” and recent singles “Gimme Some Kinda Sign,” a cover of Brenton Woods 1967 Track, “Gimme Little Sign,” as well as the Pop-infused “Home,” where the band sounds revitalized. There is a rhythm throughout the album that fuses all of the tracks together, building upon each other with their individual flavors until the story is capped off with the finale, “She’ll Be Happier.” Here the band showcase an infusion of Reggae and Pop that they have been known for since their inception, but also effectively incorporate components of Jazz, Funk, and Rock-n-Roll as well. However, everything considered, “King” and “Trouble” specifically allow you the boldest chance to take a glimpse at where the band could be headed in the future.
With such a vibrant and eclectic lineup, there is no limitation to the heights that could still be reached by the pinnacle of Reggae music that is UB40. Whether or not the introduction of a new lead singer causes you to take pause or jump through the rafters, you should not only revel in the current unit that UB40 has created, but also be ecstatic over the potential that the collective has shown for the future. Simply put, a slightly new look should not discount the magical possibilities that lie in wait.
UB40 is fresh, tight, and produces sounds that far exceed the simple Reggae title. All in all, this is why Cryptic Rock gives UB45 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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