UB44

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UB44
Studio album by UB40
Released	27 September 1982
Studio	Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin
Genre	Reggae
Length	40:13
Label	DEP International
Producer	UB40
UB40 chronology
Present Arms (1981) UB44 (1982) Labour of Love (1983)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[1]

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.

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

1. "So Here I Am" – 3:54
2. "I Won't Close My Eyes" [Remix] – 3:46
3. "Forget the Cost" – 4:22
4. "Love Is All Is Alright" [Remix] – 4:57
5. "The Piper Calls the Tune" – 3:50
6. "The Key" – 5:05
7. "Don't Do the Crime" – 4:12
8. "Folitician [Remix]" – 4:10
9. "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

References[edit]