UB40 share ‘UB45’ to celebrate 45 years together
The band re-recorded several hit tracks as well as brand new ones.
Photo: Press
When I heard the news about this album coming out, I was shocked to say the least. My soul felt complete when long standing Reggae band UB40 released their latest album, UB45, with a remastered version of Red, Red Wine amongst many classic favourites. For those that don’t know, UB40’s name came from the name on a form often found at the dole, Unemployment Benefit, Form 40. The album UB45 celebrates the band’s 45th anniversary together with just Robin, Jimmy, Earl and Norman being its last two founding members from 1980. Whilst the members might be new(ish), their music has certainly stayed the same and it is still just as iconic as it was way back when.
The album overall is interesting to say the least. There has been mixed reviews on the album’s sound and I am sure that The Indie Scene’s very own Darrin definitely has something to say, having been a devoted fan of theirs for longer than I’ve been alive! The tracks contain a mix of reggae-pop songs that send both the band and listeners back down memory lane for a very enjoyable ride. New vocalists Matt Doyle and Gilly G certainly bring the songs to life. They bring the tracks to life so much: I’m sipping rum and coke on a Dominican beach with Bob Marley dancing on the beach – life can’t get better than this, surely?
UB45 is the latest trademark to the name UB40. The band’s approach to their songs remain the same as they’ve always done it but the sound has been given a new lease of life thanks to the mixture of both new and old members. Re-recordings of some of their older, renowned tracks are sounding fresh and raring to go despite the similarities to their older versions. However, I am here for their new sounds that are bursting with energy. Songs like Fool Me Once and Home are bursting with UB40’s distinct energy and sound with phenomenal vocals and lyrics. Their cover of Bill Withers’ Hope She’ll Be Happier is so more livelier than the original song thanks to the bands uplifting spin on it and, dare I say it, but I thoroughly enjoy the cover far more than the original.
Overall, UB45 is a terrific album as they have mixed both new and old together well, in both members and songs. The inclusion of re-recording favourites like Food For Thought, Red, Red Wine and Kingston Town may be the best attraction for their new and old fans to join them on their tour later on in the year.
UB45 is out now via SoNo Recording Group / Evo Music.