UB40, The Very Best of UB40

UB40, The Very Best of UB40 is the culmination of over twenty years of work from probably the hardest working band in the world. Being a Brummie myself, I suppose I have a biased opinion, but I have been a fan of these guys since I was ten years old and this is a great way to re-live some of my youth. The tracks on this CD cover nearly all of their hits from 'Food for thought' back in 1980 right up to 'Light my Fire' released in 2000. The track list is as follows,

1 - One in Ten - 1981 - 'A statistical reminder of a world that dosn't care'2 - Red Red Wine - 1983 - The bands first number one

3 - Kingston Town - 1989 - Ballady, immigrant longing for home

4 - Higher Ground - 1993 - Upbeat love song

5 - King - 1980 - Tribute to Martin Luther King

6 - Cherry Oh Baby - 1983 - Popy dance song, heavy base line

7 - I Got You Babe - 1985 - Second number one, collaborating with the lady that got them discovered by inviting them on tour back in 1980, Chrissie Hynde

8 - Come Back Darling - 1998 - Heavy base love song

9 - The Earth Dies Screaming - 1980 - Very deep and emotional track

10 - If It Happens Again - 1984 - Upbeat tempo

11 - Don't Break My Heart - 1985 - Passionate slow dancer

12 - Can't Help Falling In Love - 1993 - Elvis re-working for the film 'Sliver'13 - Watchdogs - 1986 - Medium tempo pop/ballad

14 - Tell Me Is It True - 1997 - Upbeat ballad

15 - Rat In Mi Kitchen - 1986 - Major anthem, rocked the USSR, gotta be played 'LOUD'16 - Homely Girl - 1989 - Upbeat story of ugly duckling turned swan

17 - Light My Fire - 2000 - Doors re-working

18 - Bring Me Your Cup - 1993 - Upbeat ballad

19 - Food For Thought - 1980 - First top ten hit (of 18 to date), heavy social comment

20 - Sing Our Own Song - 1986 - Another major anthem, play it loud and sing along

The cover of the Album is a montage of the bands albums released over the years, from which the tracks are taken.There is a small biography of the band included in the sleeve, which gives you a rough idea of how popular they are worldwide. You can blab about 'U2' and 'The Beatles,' but UB40 played to an estimated 1 Billion viewers in 1999 when they played in India. There are also portraits of the band, along with a track listing and credits.

Overall a very good collection of the best of this band, even if you are not a great fan of UB40, it is worth having in your collection as you will probably remember more than you think, when you listen to it.

I look forward to the next collection in 2020.