Reviews (page 2 of 8)
Let glemt
Uf, a little bit boring.
#231/1001 🇬🇧 Damn, this is so much better than i expected it to be, only being familiar with their later singles. Its a seriously good dub record with synths and sax adding extra layers. Its strength lies in the sombre lyrics and this plays like a document of its unsettled political times. Best tracks: Burden of Shame, Adella Tyler.
This was a lot of fun. Lots of cool, layered percussion especially. I thought a few of the tracks were a bit long but overall this was enjoyable.
Wow, what an LP cover! I seriously like the anti-Thatcher content and the reggae styling. There is a sameness to the songs that make it a very good party background. Burden of Shame perfectly mirrors my own personal take on the US's history and current government. The drumming is gold standard. Points for covering the uncoverable Strange Fruit.
On one hand, the reggae credibility seems more legit than I gave the band credit for. On the other, I have a difficult time with reggae in album doses, so that's not exactly a plus. Mostly, I found this unadventurous.
Red Red Wine was a big reason I resisted reggae for so long. i HATED that fucking song. So I was not looking forward to this. But this was quite a pleasant surprise to me. I dug their politics and their dub basslines. Still not sure I'll ever be a fan—they're lacking an edge, I guess—but the musicianship is on point. I guess this is the closest we'll get to a dub album on this list?
I'm glad that I didn't have to listen to Red Wine. Can't say this flavor of reggae is my jam. But I appreciate the musicianship.
Another odd choice. Why in the world pick their first album? Still, it has a nice mellow sound, much more subtle than the later stuff
Had pretty low expectations - and on initial listen I thought the songs all sounded the same and it was as a little bit lightweight. On repeated listens it has grown on me and it works really well as background music to work to with a decent groove and not too in your face. Lyrically its pretty interesting when you do tune into the vocals. Its a 3.5 but feeling generous so will round to 4.
Much more reggae /dub than their later pop albums. UB40 is a band that needs their 'best of' on this list to appreciate their best work. This one does have Food for Thought on it though. Extra star for being dismissed by the ignorant American commenters on here.
Not a bad Listen
Reggae isn't a style I really listen to or know well, and like most casual listeners in the UK I know UB40 best for tracks like Red Red Wine and I Can't Help Falling In Love. So this was a bit of a surprise to me in two respects; it was more reggae and less pop than I was anticipating, and also I really enjoyed it. Several have made it into my permanent music collection, and I'd listen to the whole thing again; it felt really coherent as an album.
I wish everything wasn't in 4/4 time across the whole album, made it all feel a little samey-same. That said there's some really great reggae/ska tunes on here. Red Red Wine is definitely their biggest hit, and so I wasn't expecting the reggae the way it delivered. Solid.
There’s only such much reggae I can listen to at once before getting sick of it, and this album was long enough to fill that.
Musically, this album doesn’t offer a lot of surprises. It promises a british reggae album and that’s what it delivers. Some might see the album as too monotonous, and that’s partially true. It does offer some cool and unexpected moments, though. I generally like the use of the saxophone on several songs, there are some nice synth-elements incorporated into some songs and that beat switch-up on Burden Of Shame grabs me every time. But yeah, you definitely have to be open to engage with repetitive melodies going on for quite a while. Though i like the hypnotic quality UB40 realized here. The biggest strength of the record are the lyrics, i believe. Especially Tyler and Burden of Shame deliver hard-hitting political, i would dare to say even radical, stories. They are grappling with a social climate shaped by racism, poverty and colonialism. Overall, this album manages to paint such a clear picture of the specific moment in time of its creation and that’s what makes it so interesting and engaging. Lovely find from the list!
Tbh only thing I’ve heard from UB40 is red wine but this is awesome
vibes!
Can't decide how I feel about UB40. On one hand, art is art and people should play whatever they want. Kinda cool that a bunch of Brits decided to try making reggae in 1980, and that ska probably wouldn't exist otherwise. On the other hand, it feels weird for a British guy to almost sing in a Jamaican accent and also cover Strange Fruit. Regardless, I simply don't like reggae.
i listened to this blitzed off my gourd on cold medicine soaking in a very hot bath and i thought i was gonna die. at first i liked the steel drum jam sessions but you could probably shave half an hour of outro off the top. favorite is Tyler. strong 2
Rating: 4/10 It's probably a pretty decent album if you're a fan of chill reggae jams, but god was it overly long and boring. There's really no songs that manage to maintain my interest over the course of their run time. Way too long of an album for that. Please just give me some classic 70's Jamaican reggae to discover and appreciate, if this album is here in place of those for any artist not named Bob Marley I'm going to be very unhappy. I didn't hate it. It's fine background music and played competently, it uses socially conscious political lyrics the genre is known for, albeit a much milder version of it. This will be a forgettable one
They should be unemployed and should have signed off. 1.0
Can't believe I liked this album. Pleasant. 4/5
I guess if white guys can rap then it stands to reason that they can make reggae music. This is more House of Pain than Em or El-P. Not bad.
I liked it more than I thought I would, they kept it mildly interesting for a ska band. Some tracks meandered, but some had a good jam feel for a recording
Enjoyed this thoroughly Playlist add: "I Think It's Going to Rain Today"
no
Solides Album, dass gut zu hören ist aber dem die Momenti fehlen.
Not bad, just a little boring.
It’s nice and consistently mellow all the way through. Sit back, smoke a fattie, close your eyes and imagine the palm trees and tropical sunset. Don’t be in any rush, some of these songs meander along for quite awhile.
Pretty good, not fully my style, but I enjoyed it
Honestly considering their British origins they pull off the reggae sound really greatly. This album had great instrumentation. I’ve never really paid much attention to UB40 before, but from the little I have heard, I don’t remember them sounding this good. Just a decent reggae album.
Honestly, surprising.
Not bad. But dull and not for me.
Decent reggae but madame Medusa just seemed to run on forever
Chill background music but not something I would choose to actively listen to.
They sold big. This is a much better album than the mainstream stuff they did later. But is it must listen? I mean this is pretty good, but the specials hit a bit harder. This hits a bit harder than their later stuff. 3.5 stars. With a question mark over how essential it is. So rounded down.
Polished. A toned down "after midnight" version of the UB40 I know.. A bit too gentle laid back, even for English reggae; lacks the joy, catchiness or excitement of their top 20 most loved tracks... What's it doing here? I guess this is a sentimental favourite for sleepy someone. Its very good at doing "mellow". Id listen to it again. But is it great? Perhaps, Track 8 is it hottest item. But I predict it has an average of 2.54 (and falling). I do like it but does it really belong???
I bought it in that mad two tone rush of 79-80, not that it was part of the Selector/Specials/Madness movement. It was/is very low key and yet has a great feel across all the tracks. Tyler, King and Food are standouts, for years I thought it was "I'm a prima donna lying up my butt', anyway... Lots of weed, guys learning how to play, no money, no studio, its captures a moment.
I was familiar with UB40's big hits from later in the 1980s. Mostly covers, with drum machines and cheesy synths. By that time, the band itself seemed largely sidelined to shift focus to Ali Campbell upfront, which makes the band come across like non-threatening white-boy faux-reggae. Ubiquitous and disposable. I do not care for it. I have seen zillions of copies of Signing Off in secondhand bins over the years, but never actually listened to it. And it turns out that this was a much better album than I was expecting. It actually sounds like reggae; the band is in the pocket and playing well. The lyrics are surprisingly political (an aspect they seem to have studiously avoided later in the decade to court popular success), and Ali Campbell is in great voice. I like his tougher approach. Food For Thought is the standout track for me. I had heard it before but never made the connection with the insipid sunny pop band that I was more familiar with. I could happily listen that song on repeat all day. There is a lot of filler here, though, especially amongst the instrumental tracks. Trimming 20 minutes off this would help it a lot. The mystery for me is "who mixed this?" It is a surprisingly good dub-influenced mix, which I really enjoyed. So, better than I was expecting and a far more convincing reggae album than I had anticipated. But this still doesn't explain why actual Jamaican reggae isn't better represented on the list.
Very groovy. Too one dimensional for me to rave about but fine nonetheless.
rab/dege brija koja mi se u stvari dosta dopala, toliko da sam preslušao i tri pjesme koje su se izvorno nalazile na, ako sam dobro shvatio, dodatnom EP-ju uz LP ploču. premda mi je bio vajb nedostaje mi neka umpf za četvorku, neke su mi pjesme bile slabije, stoga ću zasada dati jednu visoku trojku. moždaaa se ovomu još koji put vratim, pa ću možda drugačije (pr)ocijeniti
This was probably the most I’ve ever enjoyed reggae music. I gotta be in the right place and mood for it. I’m a sucker for a good sax, so points for that.
I had no idea UB40 has been around as long as it has, so that was impressive. A lot of the songs on this album felt too long and repetitive for my liking.
Good music. The 12 minute song was a bit too long foe the album though....
Interesting band history, groovy and enjoyable but not really special - all the songs sound the same throughout
not exactly exciting
Super groovy
Who knew?!?
Signing Off UB40 1980 Genres: Reggae Styles: Dub 1. Tyler (★★★⯨☆) - Contexto: Inspirada en el caso real de Gary Tyler, un adolescente afroamericano condenado de forma muy controvertida por asesinato. Denuncia el racismo institucional y la injusticia del sistema judicial. 2. King (★★★☆☆) - Contexto: Homenaje a Martin Luther King Jr. La canción lamenta su asesinato y se pregunta si la sociedad ha traicionado los ideales por los que luchó. 3. 12 Bar (★★★⯨☆) - Contexto: Instrumental de reggae-dub. Funciona como una pausa atmosférica donde la banda muestra su gusto por las texturas y el ritmo. 4. Burden of Shame (★★★☆☆) - Contexto: Reflexión sobre el colonialismo británico. Critica la intervención del Reino Unido en conflictos africanos, especialmente en Rodesia (actual Zimbabue), expresando vergüenza por esas políticas. 5. Adella (★★★☆☆) - Contexto: Historia de una mujer atrapada en dificultades personales y sociales. Habla de la pobreza y de la falta de oportunidades desde un enfoque humano. 6. I Think It's Going to Rain Today (★★★☆☆) - Contexto: Versión del tema de Randy Newman. Conserva el sentimiento de tristeza y alienación, transformándolo en una delicada pieza de reggae melancólico. 7. 25% (★★⯨☆☆) - Contexto: Crítica a las enormes cifras de desempleo juvenil en el Reino Unido. El porcentaje alude a una parte importante de la población sin trabajo. 8. Food for Thought (★★★★⯨) - Contexto: Uno de los grandes clásicos de UB40. Critica la hipocresía de celebrar la Navidad mientras millones de personas pasan hambre y viven en la pobreza. -Fav 9. Little by Little (★★★☆☆) - Contexto: Describe cómo la desigualdad y la frustración social se acumulan lentamente hasta provocar cambios o estallidos. 10. Signing Off (★★★★☆) - Contexto: Cierre instrumental relajado que resume el clima del álbum y hace referencia al acto de "fichar" para recibir el subsidio de desempleo. -Fav 11. Madam Medusa (★★★⯨☆) - Contexto: Violenta sátira contra Margaret Thatcher. La presenta como una figura autoritaria y destructiva para la clase trabajadora. 12. Strange Fruit (★★★☆☆) - Contexto: Sobria versión del clásico inmortalizado por Billie Holiday. Describe los linchamientos de afroamericanos en Estados Unidos y mantiene intacta toda su fuerza política. 13. Reefer Madness (★★★⯨☆) - Contexto: Instrumental relajado y dub que cierra el álbum con un ambiente mucho más distendido tras la intensidad política de las canciones anteriores. -TOTAL = ★★★⯨☆ (3,31)
I can’t say I dislike UB40, but their music just doesn’t resonate with me. It’s refreshing to hear some reggae music after 159 albums, so that’s a plus. That the said reggae comes straight outta Birmingham, though was unexpected indeed. None of the tracks stood out, but it wasn’t torture to listen to. Awful cover art. 3 stars
Some easy going Raggae.
Nice
I’m assuming this album is more meaningful than I’m aware of but honestly… I just don’t care about reggae
These guys crawled so sublime could run
this got put on this list over 'the harder they come'
It was a nice sunny day when i listened to this which helped it i feel. I generally found it enjoyable in parts, but the songs just go on too long and font really feel like they go anywhere.
It may be their debut album, but this is UB40 at their absolute best. Overtly political lyrics that reflect a Thatcherite Britain against absolutely solid reggae and ska melodies. Standouts are “Tyler”, “Burden of Shame”, and “Food For Thought”, but the entire album is full of hard-hitting and thought provoking songs to a backdrop of catchy melodies. It does go on too long because of the handful of unnecessary instrumentals but, for my money, this is one of the greatest ever British debuts.
I have no idea why the majority of the albums the generator has provided recently have been over an hour, but they need to knock it off! Even with bands I love, I'm getting a bit angsty by that point. I have never listened to a full UB40 album before, but it should be something I'd really enjoy, given that I like reggae and love horns on records. At it was, I did enjoy it, but maybe not quite as much as I expected to. Should really be a 3.5, but due to length its getting 3/5
I really really wanted to love this, and I bet it's great to hear live.
"British Reggae Band"
have i reached peak?
I am no fan of reggae-ish music (other than some select Bob Marley discs). This album wasn't horrid, though I doubt if I regularly re-listen to it. But it wasn't absolutely horrid. I like that it was mostly just music. Because I am certain had they had words/lyrics I would have absolutely disowned it. Definitely great as background music, which I used today while doing some bank transactions and credit card comps. Absolutely made that task somewhat bareable. 3 "made today's chores bearable at least" stars.
Pocas cosas en la vida detesto tanto como la versión de Red Red Wine de UB40. En general no soporto el reggae y esa canción es uno de los motivos. Entonces, aunque no viene en este disco, le entré con cierta flojera y desgana. Y el disco no está mal. Tiene bastante cosa de reggae pero los arreglos salvan el asunto y termina siendo un disco considerablemente escuchable para alguien que no aguanta el género.
Grateful to Harness for setting my expectations so low. Ideal background music for an hour of admin. The album restarted without me noticing. Make of that what you will. 3.5 rounded up.
It's fine. Better than their last one. No danger of anything higher though.
Languid
Was probably a 2 but what was that cover of strange fruit
I’ve never been a fan of UB40, so the idea an hour long album from them sounded like absolute hell. And it mostly was! The first song on the album “Tyler” is actually good, plus it’s super catchy, and is far and away the highlight. Didn’t hate their version of “Strange Fruit” either, but could have gone my whole life without hearing it and been fine. “Tyler” is the only reason this is getting more than one star. I suggest everyone listen to that and then cut their losses.
heatwave
I've never cared for these guys (or reggae in general) and I don't see this album changing that any time soon. I'll concede this is slightly better than the impotent hits they had all over the US airwaves through the late 80s and early 90s, but only marginally.
Álbum de estreia do UB40 que combina reggae e dub com letras de crítica social, consolidando a identidade da banda e do reggae britânico <3
the first three ub40 albums are outstanding, with this as their defining achievement.
It’s easy to dislike UB40s music, and I do. But I love Britain. I particularly love Britain for being multicultural - this album is as British as the Beatles and every other band that has been inspired by music from around the world and the melting pot of where it was made.
Absolutely offended by their cover of “Strange Fruit.” How tasteless.
Not bad but reggae is just not my thing.
Smooth polished reggae with a relaxed floaty feel. Deep heavy bass holds it down. They keyboard sounds are really crappy sounding and the sax really smoothes it out - it's extremely generic and flat. But the last few tracks of thick smokey dub are solid.
zzz
Utöver en del oväntade instrumentella snuttar så kändes det här rätt tråkigt för att vara reggae.
Viss brist på bangers men bra vibe.
This album is a great example of the modern question: if someone has a passion for what do, is it still considered cultural appropriation? Part of me says a group of guys doing reggae in Birmingham England would be a solid yes. But in the 1080s they became the gateway album that introduced me to other reggae artists like Marley, Cliff and Bantan. The first half this album was good, but with the long instrumental interludes felt more like stoner background music. I liked the middle of the album better, with groovy songs like Food for Thought and Little By Little. Their reggae interpretation of Nina Simone’s Strange Fruit was interesting, and take on a different context when done by white dudes from England. I did appreciate that even back in 1980 they were showing some social consciousness with this and songs like Burden of Shame. I’m divided on this album and would probably go 2.5 honestly.
Random thoughts: * This is not the UB40 of Red Red Wine. * This is legit reggae. Not some cover pastiche. * I like this album quite a bit and would definitely come back to this one. * Madam Medusa went on quite awhile but the repetitiveness was kind of soothing. * There were several extended jams and some nice 80s keyboards in there just to remind you of the era. * Then near the end they drop a cover of Strange Fruit. Damn! No wonder the switched to Red Red Wine and Can’t Help Falling In Love to breakthrough. * I’ll pull this one out to listen to again.
Better than Red red wine, but that doesnt say a lot. HM-reggae that cant even been interesting at the time, even less now.
The most amazing dub record outside of Jamaica I have ever heard. I used to be a hater, but I take it all back. Mashing up dub, traditional reggae, ska, rocksteady, a played with some passion. A wee bit like a dark reggae version of General Public without the poppiness. A a deep social consciousness, gives it the authenticity of hardcore reggae in a more palatable form. Love. ❤️
funky music with important lyrics. favourite song: adella
Sounds like the good shit to me. I'm familiar with UB40's pop hits but this has true grit. Impressive.
I was really only familiar with UB40's Red Red Wine and a couple of their other hits, and I didn't particularly like them. Maybe because they were too mainstream and were covers. I had not heard this album, and it surprised me. I was not expecting the topics covered in the songs. This album was a great springboard with my young adult kiddo to talk about wrongful convictions and racism. Maybe not an album I'll listen to often, but I might put it on in the background.
Reggae isn’t for me. It’s ok, you can have it on in the background. 5/10
Chill reggae album.
Great - didn't know their early stuff, and it's much better than I would have expected. Excellent reggae soundtrack to a sunbeaten London day.
Starts out with that classic reggae beat. Rock solid reggae album front to back. Madame Medusa drug on a bit. Solid but I'm not coming back to it.
Solid
Wow an hour of reggae may be my personal hell
This was some pretty lame reggae
I bailed out early. Love me some anti-thatcher class warfare but I just can’t do reggae
Okay album - but I like the Spotify radio based on the album so I'll probably keep it in my library. 3/5
020726 22:57 3.5
Wow, what a fantastic debut album! My wife has gotten more into reggae this past year so I've gotten used to the rhythms and sounds of the genre, but I forget how deep and sophisticated the lyricism can be and this album is a shining example of it. This group not only captured historical racism, corruption, and social strife but manages to do so with top-notch vocals, smooth instruments (the saxophone and drums go hard), and great transitions from purely instrumental tracks to ones that have messages for all of humanity to learn from. My favorite tracks are "Tyler" and "King", and I would enjoy listening to how this group would shine off this stunning debut, a snapshot of 80s music overseas.
Not a fan of reggae sorry.
All the songs end up blending together. Nothing really stands out.
— Altijd goed! King!! Tijdsdocument
Socially conscious reggae music with dark undertones. I guess I expected reggae to be more upbeat, but this wasn't that. It was very instrumental, lots of saxophone and repetitive beats. I would almost describe it as atmospheric, too.
First Listen: NA OVERALL: UB40 make what is possibly the whitest move in history by doing a reggae cover of Strange Fruit. I didn't enjoy this.
I like Reggae, it's a hard genre not to like at least a little, and I don't mind some boys in Birmingham producing some. There's a lot I appreciate with this album; from the implementation of Reggae music to the sociopolitical lyrics that are littered in the tracks. There's a lot to listen and chew on. I'm not on the boat (more like swimming beside it as I can kind of feel this way sometimes) when people say Reggae music sounds too similar to one another. I'm only dipping my toes into the waters that is the Reggae genre but, if I'm capable of noticing the distinctions between the Reggae music/albums I've listened to thus far then I don't understand how anyone could say something like that (I can be guilty of this too). Saying that, I love the unique style UB40 is implementing into Reggae and I'm excited to explore their other stuff. Going to say this again, there's a lot to appreciate with this album. A lot of noises. Listening to a track like Madam Medusa, a track that is almost 13 minutes long (almost too long), would normally be a huge negative for me but the atmosphere its providing is something special. The piece is about Margaret Thatcher (very bitterly) and I know very little on her but even still the piece has jazz-elements that's so relaxing to sit and listen to. If an album can poke my curiosity then it's doing a good thing. Overall, the album surprised me and now it has me interested in UB40s other works (hoping it stays along the same lines like this album). This was a rather long album but it didn't feel like it dragged on. It provided this inviting feeling where I can play this and, despite any mood I may be in, start feeling immediately relaxed. Smooth and impactful both on the listener and the music scene at the time. (more a 4 than a 3) Also, really enjoyed the tracks where it was only instrumentals. T3: Burden Of Shame, Signing Off, Reefer Madness
This was a very surprising 4 for me. Expected an album of Red, Red Wine but instead it was more akin to a Clash album but with politically charged reggae instead of punk. Really enjoyed it.
not my style
++: 12 Bar, Burden of Shame, 25% +: Tyler, Adella, I Think It's Going to Rain Today, Food for Thought, Signing Off, Madam Medusa, Strange Fruit, Reefer Madness +-: King, Little by Little 6,7/10
Really cool to sit with some Dub. Had a great time!
Got very excited about this album. Old UB40 is amazing.
Love this one. It reminds me of my childhood, growing up with its socially relevant songs. Had this as an album and a CD. Love the bass and the dub. I'm gonna ignore the cover of strange fruit - no one else should be allowed to do it after Billie Holiday sung that.
Probs 3.5, but I feel I need to listen to it again
If I was going to listen to reggae then this is definitely what I’d put on
Laid back reggae. Sounds like it was a lot of fun to jam to, but I found it repetitive and boring to listen to front-to-back. I think reggae is just not really my vibe.
...
More enjoyable than I expected.
This album has been much reggae for my like, but it has been such an enjoyable experience, nevertheless. I've loved the political side of it, as well as some really nice moments that are very interesting. It's an album in which silence is also present, something I've loved finding. UB40 really know how to play with different sounds and dynamics in their music, which is not monotonous at all. I've not found it much thrilling, but surely it has been an album to enjoy listening to.
Jazzy Reggae. I know it might seem like they are posers but they do seem to understand the point of Reggae. Music that is up beat but can have a message. UB40 seems to get that. 3
I think if you’re in the mood for this it could be 4 stars and if you’re not it’s like a 2. The album on the whole feels awfully redundant with the same reggae time signature used for multiple songs. Lastly nothing really stood out to me here which kinda added to the “ok these are all just reggae songs”…
UB40...? More like you U be 80 (with hearing loss) to enjoy this. Blech
This reggae pop is not my thing but its nice enough
Very beachy album Is this a protest album? Songs starting to sound the same. Lyrically, very interesting. Strange Fruit is haunting, lyrically, but musically, decently upbeat. Definitely an interesting album.
Kinda boring after a few songs
perfect for humid hot summer
I like the sound that the band makes but have never enjoyed the vocals.
UB40 - Signing Off Surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Maybe it's the hot weather, but it's got the right vibe. Only the cover of a Randy Newman song hinted of future horrors that lay in store from the band.
Good
too long, too white, band's name sounds like a cheap suncream brand. But I do love dub!
Reggae Político Tiene mucha vibra, de verdad que hacen un balance increíble entre instrumental y mensaje Elementos del reggae muy bien ejecutados Todas las canciones hacen sentido en el álbum, nada sobra, no podría decir que falte algo tampoco Creo que este es uno de esos álbumes que te terminan gustando más y más conforme se escucha más, así que recomendado en ese sentido Me gustó mucho como en varias piezas de verdad no hacía falta que cantaran para que la canción sonara bien Muy talentosos y muy buen concepto de álbum Otra muestra de lo que el ámbito Brit puede entregar Y a comentario personal como poco a poco me está gustando la propuesta de esta región
Thankfully it’s easy to listen to but really didn’t need to be an hour long.
Signing Off - UB40 While Signing Off captures a distinct historical moment, the LP ultimately lands as a somewhat middling experience. There has always been a slight hesitation or disconnect when it comes to reggae music that does not originate natively from Jamaica, and this record does not quite break through that barrier. However, the instrumental charm of "Adella" is a genuine highlight that stands out from the rest of the tracklist and earns the album some well-deserved credit. A decent but ultimately passable project. 3/5
I did not have the capacity to listen to this today. It all sounded the same and I'm not on a beach sipping a margarita.
I would like it a lot more if I was on a beach… but I’m not. 2.7
Not unpleasant. But so repetitive and overall boring. 4/10 Acceptable
i liked burden of shame
First time listening to reggae it was unexpectedly good
I’m sure this is great for people who are into this kind of music. I really have no way of knowing.
Yeh I think Ima sign off too actually
3/5
Great British reggae. No red red wine yet, but I definitely listened to that song afterward.
More reggae and ska than I expected. I don’t hate it
Pleasant. Resonates today. Feels difficult to be proud to be British...
This is a great album. The music is fantastic and it contains messages and social commentary on the time. That this album was even released is incredible, and I am thankful it was. Years before Bob Geldof jumped on the bandwagon and told everyone to "get your fucking money out" these guys were doing it on track after track. Of course, they're all probably millionaires now, made from the very system they were singing out against, but at the time this album came out they weren't.
Really not impressed can only give this a 2
That’s a huge slice of happy nostalgia right there. All the better for the lack of cheesy cover versions that were to come later on. A high 3 stars.
When this came out I thought it was good. I was 9. Later I ended up hating UB40 with their crap covers and rats in kitchens. Then 15 - 20 years ago I heard 'Food for Thought' again on the radio. Since that time, that song features on mix CD's and more recently streaming play lists. It is a beautiful, soulful desolate sounding song that makes things feel bittersweet. The rest of the album has a great chilled vibe, very much unlike most reggae. Its top stuff and I really should track down a copy.
Belo álbum de Reggae. Os instrumentais são fenomenais! O Contrabaixo é o destaque. QoA Vesper.
My grandma loved classical music and UB40. There’s always been a kind of cheesy fondness for them, but this album really surprised me.
Reggae I don't think can be bad
This may be somewhat blasphemous, but I think this is my favorite reggae album I've heard through the project thus far. UB40 has a lot of my favorite lane for reggae to be in, which is very angular, almost sparse, with a really rhythmic guitar presence. The mix is filled out with really cool percussion and some amazing sax playing too. Yes, this is long, but honestly, I can't spot any obvious filler. UB40 just builds an incredible vibe, and rides it until the album ends. Not to say this is background music though, these are some very detailed compositions, and the lyrics here are really politically scathing. A lot of themes of the immigrant experience in The UK pop up, and it (and other themes) are handled with a lot of grace. Some of my favorites here are Burden Of Shame, Signing Off, Strange Fruit, and Reefer Madness. Signing off is pretty rhythmically fascinating, reefer madness and Burden of Shame have a really unique energy, and Strange Fruit is a surprisingly great cover of a very heavy song that treats it with the utmost respect. But as I said, there's not a whole ton of filler here, even the 13 minute Madam Medusa justifies the time it takes. This was surprisingly good, and stands as one of my favorite reggae albums at the moment.
Favorite Track: Reefer Madness
A vibe. 3.5
I found it pleasant to listen to, quite atmospheric dub. Seems UB40 started off as a decent band but the quality then deteriorated in their later works.
Good album - didn't write anything at the time of listening so no further notes.
★★★½
Review - oh no, are UB40 good? Score - 7.5/10
meh
Me empezó gustando mucho, Tyler es un temón, pero después se aburre y me hizo dejarlo de fondo. Me gusta la onda igual. 3 estrellas.
First listen
Fine for the right setting. Not earth shattering.
I was pleasantly surprised with this one. Really good musicianship and nice to see them showcasing that they have a lot more to offer than the overplayed Red Red Wine. This definitely grooves in the right setting, but a little too long for my tastes.
Was shocked not to hear red red wine. These guys did other stuff? Not great but very listenable. 2.75
Actually quite like this, just struggling with the length (that's what she said). Solid chill listen. 3.5/5
Hard pass
Just ok — a number of tracks sounded too similar.
I’m a bit ambivalent about reggae as a genre of music. This album doesn’t alter that. Like some UB40 songs, but also dislike others. Food for Thought and Tyler are both good on here.
I'm a fan of UB40 and this album contains a couple/a few classic tracks. However, although I like the instrumental tracks indiviually on this album, there were too many for my liking (sounded a bit samey).
Reggae; I loved it!
80s reggae. Debut. Political.
I’m sure this is good for reggae either, she’s not me. Two starts.
'Tyler is guilty, a white judge has said so / What right do we have to say it's not so?' Appreciating the politics of an artist is not a sustainable practice, particularly for a leftist like myself, which is not to say that there's no great leftist art, or that conservatives have an aesthetic advantage in this regard, only that political leanings are neither necessary nor sufficient. W/ UB40, this fact comes to the fore almost immediately, Ali Campbell lamenting the unjust sentencing of a black man by a white judge, a righteous project but not done engagingly or charmingly. Just compare this group to The Clash, or The Specials, & it's apparent who gets it & who doesn't. Besides a few moments of blessed reggaeism, Campbell is just too whiney to fit the bill.
Great first album. Favorite tracks were Tyler, Burden of Shame and Madam Medusa, even though that last track ran a little long. UB40 had such a great light reggae sound.
Probably the best UB40 album before their big single hits. Good fusion of pop/reggae made this a very accessible album on its release in 1980, certainly in my school, although not really for me.
Cool. I like the sax, but the album as a whole does not rock my world
a veces pienso que debería escuchar mas reggae, pero la verdad es que si me canso un toque rápido :/ si me gustó tho, guarde un par
This is the best reggae album I have ever heard.
I was expecting this to suck since the only songs I've heard before are their shitty Elvis cover and Red Red Wine. This was fine for a reggae/dub album, 2.5 stars.
Way different than I was expecting based on what I’d heard from them before. I like it but it could definitely be 20 minutes shorter.
People who've known me long enough know my disdain for UB40, particularly the songs "Red Red Wine" and their cover of "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You". I have a hard time with reggae as it is, and British reggae sounds potentially even more awful . So this album pops up, and I let out a sigh mentally...ugh, not these guys. Well, I still don't love this album that much, but I didn't hate it, so its not a 1. I found it interesting that it has a bit more of a dismal feel than say a Bob Marley record, in both the lyrics and the music. It's difficult for me to get through this entire album, being very same-y sounding. It's a pass for me, but I came out of this respecting this a little more than I did.
Its fine, just not my type of music.
The most repetitive album since Houmous & Chutneys ‘Here We Go Again’ 2.5 8/13 Food For Thought
I like their reggae blend sound. This was quite a good album. I enjoyed it.
Yknow what? Like a lot of these other comments I was also ready to pass this off as white people reggae and it is, but there are a few solid grooves on this, some sweet harmonies and vox, and preeeetty good writing as far as being socially conscious goes. Some of it comes off to me as just a hair off the mark (the groove and vox on King are maybe my favorite on the album, but the lyrics would suggest that his work just up and died with him, which isn't true), but that doesn't bother me TOO too much. I wish there were a full horn section instead of one sax sometimes overdubbing the octave above for arranged parts and then kinda noodling around for solos. I also wish the white guy lead singer wasn't doing an accent, that's always been a dumb thing to do. If you feel the need to fake Jamaican patois when performing reggae, maybe uh don't? I think a 2.5 is appropriate. I do wanna note here mostly if not entirely for myself: one of the top reviews mentioned that Americans often view non-Jamaican reggae as poser music and that view is ameri-centric. I get where that thought is coming from, but I don't think it's the non-Jamaican aspect, I think it's the white guy reggae aspect. Steel Pulse is another band formed in the same city as UB40 years prior and is made up of guys who migrated as kids or whose parents migrated from the Caribbean to the UK. I'd take any album from Steel Pulse over this record on the list - I think they sound better, but pretty similar bands as far as time period, success, and musical/lyrical style go.
What a jam
I fail to see how a genre (that I don't particularly enjoy anyway) is improved by adding Brummie-influenced.
Better than I expected.
Good easy listening music, just a bit boring
Wonderful
fav songs: king dub, mellow, one-dimensional 30/100
5/10 Best songs: Burden of Shame Okay, to be entirely honest, I find this album musically repetitive, with many tracks lacking lyrics or repeating the same one line over a tropical reggae beat for 5 minutes. That being said, the song Burden of Shame (and Tyler, somewhat) comes close to rescuing this album from complete blandness. The political lyricism this album is supposedly known for is at its peak in this song, and it works really, really well. Unfortunately, one track can't save a dull album from itself. I think this band has the makings of something absolutely incredible, but I don't think it's shown in this album (contrary to its apparent popularity at the time).
Eh
5 I loved it!
UB40 are perhaps most well known for 'Red Red Wine', however this album proves there's far more than meets the eye with them should one dare to dive into their backlog.
Good vibe while I worked, nothing that had me hitting save though
It wasn’t bad, but after a while it starts to all sound like the same song
Reggae, enough said
This album will do nothing to change my opinion that reggae is redundant. It's the same rhythm and beat for an hour
Any possibility of a score higher than 1 is immediately shot down by what they did to Strange Fruit.
I find it hard to believe this is a must listen Reggae album? There’s nothing wrong about it and it is a pleasant listen but you’re telling me this is something I have to listen to before I die? There’s gotta be better Reggae out there. I get UB40’s greater cultural significance to Reggae but really, nothing better? Nothing more experimental? What am I missing?
It's alright I guess
When I think of UB40 I always think Red Red Wine or the bloody awful duet with Christie Hynde but I forget they were once a proper band with proper songs and a political message! This was a pleasant reminder.
So…. Well, it was better than expected. But not good enough to get me to 4 stars. It could be in the background far too easily. 3 Boolean: yes, glad to hear before I kick it
Reggae just doesn't do anything for me. It's just there, I can listen to it as background music, but trying to actively listen is boring. This album does nothing to change my opinion. It's not bad, just boring.
Mira que me gustaba ub40,pero esto es 7na bazofia sin sentido. Cortes en medio de las canciones,mal grabado,subidas y bajadas de voz.....sin sentido
Weak 4
ok
Bit of a slog. All very samey to me.
I like the instrumentals on this album better than other reggae albums I've heard. The music is pretty chill but some of the lyrics are dark; it's a fascinating juxtaposition.
The kind of album I started this challenge for. Something I'd never heard of and probably never would have but turns out to be a really good listening experience.
Pitkästä aikaa reggaeta. Täytyy kuitenkin todeta, ettei UB40 ole mikään The Wailersin tasoinen pumppu. Tämä levy on liian pitkä, mutta parhaimmillaan se on aika hyvä.
Yeah, it’s ok.
It's inherently a concept that's hard to take seriously - a UK-based band, which couldn't be further in spirit from the sun-soaked Jamaican beaches the genre's usually associated with. I first became aware of UB40 by finding out they have their own UB40-themed cruises, which is a hilarious concept. That said, knuckling down on the music and it's an admittedly compelling package. It's well-produced, well-written and perfectly enjoyable reggae/dub. Just kick back, relax and enjoy the ride. It's not really for me, but you can feel that this would be PERFECT for exactly the right guy. You can just picture some sunny-looking older British bloke enjoying some UB40 while sipping a beer on the porch and enjoying the smashin' 20-degree weather. Provided he's not listening to the more progressively-attuned lyrics, probably. Fav tracks: Tyler, 12 Bar, Burden of Shame, Madam Medusa
7/10
A nice reggae album from UB40. I had only previously listened to a couple of UB40 albums, so this was a nice addition. Lots of purely instrumental stuff, making for good background music while working on projects.
Did not expect to like this, pleasantly surprised.
Wait a minute… These guys suck !
This rocked my world when it was new, and it still sounds amazingly fresh.
This was a lot better than I expected. In my youth I was a little prejudiced about English reggae as I thought it all very pop compared to Jamaican beats (in fairness this was in the time of Musical Youth, latter UB40 and there was a lot of ska and 2-tone around). This is a good proper Reggae album with an English feel and I wish I’d given it more time when my Brother seemed to have got a copy many years ago.
Very samey but very fun
Expected a much weaker album and just thoroughly enjoyed all of it, even if I wish it cut the three or four weakest songs.
We should be ruder to ska
another one in the "this album is too long but the longest song is the best one" canon. i *guess* i can see the appeal of having a vinyl record of mild vanilla reggae to set a vibe but listening to this in a time when i can skip ahead or play something on loop, it felt tedious more than anything
No ~!
Неплохо для прослушивания на фоне, а так бы я не выдержал сидеть час с лишним и слушать однотипные песни. 2/5
This started off being much better than I'd imagined (admittedly my preconceptions were based on Red, Red Wine). But really, there's only so much saxophone a man can handle. Having said that, I took the time to listen to the lyrics, and any enemy of Thatcher is a friend of mine, so they gain a lot of credit there.
Wild, all these years and I had no idea UB40 was an unemployment form for being on the dole. Highly enjoyable listen for me. I'll put this band in the rotation next time I'm listening to reggae.
I tend to not listen to reggae that much, but this is mostly pretty good stuff. I think it goes on for a bit too long, but it's hard to ignore the talent on display here.
I enjoyed it.
...
The audio equivalent of ordering jerk chicken but receiving chicken seasoned with only salt and pepper.
Jeg synes faktisk den er ret fed og et interessant eksempel på jamaicans indflydelse på UKs musik. Synes måske dog at Strange Fruit coveret var lige friskt nok
Helt fint lyt men synes det blev lidt ensformigt
Feels very long, which is probably due to the slow nature of ska. It's good, but very monotone.
This music is not real. I don’t believe real people listen to UB40.
I don’t know much reggae apart from Bob Marley. This one is not bad, more polished production wise.
Reggae’s a genre I always enjoy more than I think This one’s super listenable; great vocals, powerful in your face bass lines, and just really nice sounding instruments. I always love saxes and brass in music, and I think UB40 does a great job not necessarily making them the focus but using them to build up the music and add more layers to it. Really don’t have a whole lot of complaints about this one other than being a tad too long and there being not quite enough variety. It’s not too bad just listening to the album but after like an hour you kinda just want it to be over Before listening to this one I was familiar with Red Red Wine which is definitely has a poppier sound, so I was a bit surprised when it sounded like more traditional earlier reggae. This one was a nice surprise, just has good vibes and I got a ton of work done listening to this one
Reggae is a little too samey for me. It did take me back to being in the Carribean walking past all the food stalls and gift shops but I wouldn't seek it out. Very solid at what it is though.
At first, I was going to give this album a 4, but then I realized that just about every song did the same thing, which was to get really exciting like halfway through the song. At first, I loved that, but then every song did that and I got bored of it.
While this isn't exactly my style of music, I did really enjoy this one. It's super chill and fun to listen to. I think it is a bit long, I was kind of ready to move on after half an hour or so. But I could definitely see myself throwing this on in the future to have on in the background while doing other things. And I don't get the hate for reggae that comes from outside Jamaica. I mean It's just adding different flavors. People don't get so upset about all the British invasion bands playing blues, why would they be upset about this? Makes no sense. I like the more instrumental songs better. I'm a little too young to get the full effect of the problems with Margaret Thatcher so a lot of the lyrics just kind of washed over me. 3/5
This is a fine reggae album. I enjoyed it overall, but nothing really stands out from track to track. There’s nothing bad here, but it also doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Been a while since I have listened to reggae! Nice!
Pretty easy listening, but just not my jam.
Dont love rasta tbh
Кажется, я послушал дважды. Но все равно не помню. Не хочу слушать в третий раз.
I didn't find this all that profound. Not bad, but not what I was expecting. I thought it would have more energy.
A solid album, nothing spectacular, but easy to listen to on a drive.
Best reggae album on this list so far but nothing major stands out to give more than a 3
This was good. I expected the jolly, glossy, bland commercial reggae which they have been known for, but this being their first album didn’t have any of that. It’s an honest and solid album prior to the band’s popularity increasing. That’s my assumption anyway. I enjoyed it.
Before hearing this I was only familiar with UB40's big hits in the late 80s. I had no idea the band name was from a UK unemployment form. There's got to be a band out there named for the US 1040 tax form right? All in all this was an enjoyable listen -- socially conscious songs speaking truth to power all to a reggae beat. Musically very tight, there are some nice saxophone flourishes and just enough synth to give it that 80s flare. There are some nice instrumental tracks that really showcase this nicely. The only downside for me would be how much sameness seems to be across the album. Despite enjoying it, I wouldn't be able to easily discern which song is which.
Another rock solid reggae release with some cool early 80’s flare. It is a bit too long for something that lacks variety sonically as much as this. Reefer Madness is an all-timer name for a track in the genre. 1 listen Favorite Track: Food For Thought
Expectation: -> I think I know two UB40 songs and they are not here. After listening: -> More reggae and less pop than the top 40 hits I remember. The songs on this album gel well into a cohesive project/listen. One long hour-plus listen with each song sounding a lot like the last. Making a track ranking was thus difficult. They are good at what they do and on this album they just kept doing it. Track ranking: 25% Reefer Tyler Little King Medusa Rain Shame Food Signing 12 Adella Fruit
Love me some reggae, this is another great one.
1.5
Honestly this was not as bad as I was expect. It's a much closer to reggae than wheggae, as opposed to the obnoxious covers they were known for within a few years. That being said this album should have ended at the title track which was the end of the proper album. Unfortunately everything on the eP part of the album, starting with the endless "Madame Medusa" and including the abhorrent cover of "Strange Fruit" that's pretty much nosed dived the album into the thumbs down territory for me. It was probably a moderate to upper three-star territory before the EP... but giving it as a whole (5.8) ★★½
Very bpring reggae. 2 stars
Better than I thought it would be, but still meh. 3 stars.
2.5
UB40 minutes of my life I won’t get back. Actually, UB67 minutes because it’s an album with a bonus/penalty EP. UB40 of course stands for Unemployment Benefit and in this case also Ultra Boring. Band should have stuck to the day job(seeking).
Boring as hell, dawg
Just way too monotonous.
I didn’t realize that British Reggae existed. Not disappointed by this though.
Easy-listening. Bit repetitive after a while but I spose that comes with the genre a bit
After some pretty uninspiring albums here comes one where the musians can play. A tight solid album with an excellent production. It's a 5 from me
Really fun album to have on ambiently
I could listen to this all day. 5 stars or A-.
Something I'm just not getting, here. I find this quite turgid, albeit well played and well produced.
Favorite Track: King
This is probably good reggae...it doesn't sound like bad reggae...but I'm sad to say reggae doesn't agree with me.
Pretty good
I always thought of UB40 as a two hit wonder. I never really looked into their other songs. I also had no idea they’re an ensemble band. For some reason I just thought it was a duo. Overall the reggae supplemented by jazzy horns and R&B vocals works really well. One thing rubbed me the wrong way. If you’re a mostly white English band making music from a Jamaican genre most people associate with getting stoned and chilling out, maybe don’t do a cover about the horrors of Jim Crow?
Chill
I couldn't name any UB40 songs (upon googling afterwards, yes obviously "Red Red Wine") but I'd heard of them. I'm not sure if I had somehow conflated UB40 with B-52s or something, but I was expecting some kind of 70s/80s pop and then BAM... completely blindsided by Reggae. I was up until 3am last night with my neighbours' malfunctioning intruder alarm going off and keeping me awake... So I don't have a lot of patience today. This would be a problem for any Reggae - a genre that is famously simple and repetitive by nature - but then they went ahead and did the one thing I hate most. Do you know what it is? I don't shut up about it in my reviews. Here's a hint: looking at you, Madam Medusa... That's right! A nearly 13 minute song that doesn't earn even 4 of its minutes by being interesting. Over 12 minutes of the same Reggae bounce on the same progression, and nothing to change it up or provide any contrast. Now, I don't mind a long song... as long as it's engaging from start to finish. Give me "Tubular Bells", "Jesus of Suburbia", "Sinnerman" - heck, even "Free Bird". Songs that grab your attention and hold it either by evolution or escalation. The only other angle from which I give these long songs a pass is if they're background music. Lo-fi or ambient tracks that are designed to just fill a space with a sound and live in that sound. Music to forget you're even listening to. It's hard to forget you're listening to Reggae. Please stop. It's too long.
Never heard of them, a good find I really enjoyed while driving.
Not my style, although I like the well known UB40 hits
While I only learned today how UB40 got their name—thanks to listening to their debut album, Signing Off—the record immediately paints a vivid scene. It feels like the soundtrack to a lonely traveling salesman in 1982, sitting in a hazy, smoke-filled hotel lounge with his tie hanging loosely around his neck like an albatross, drinking bottle after bottle of Red Stripe and wishing he were on a beach in Jamaica instead of killing time between meetings. He fends off sketchy barflies, worries about getting enough sleep before tomorrow’s sales conference, and quietly reevaluates every decision that led him to this life of middle management. Meanwhile, he watches the band onstage in disbelief, wondering how just a few average-looking white guys, a Casio keyboard, and an electronic drum machine can produce a lounge-band approximation of Caribbean sound. It’s not Bob Marley and the Wailers, but it’ll do for a Wednesday night at the Radisson.
Decent reggae album, but seemed lacking in real feeling. Most of the tracks were defined by an early 80s Casio keyboard sound and very quiet vocals. The tracks all kind of blended together as well.
This is my first Reggae album, Pretty good
I liked it a little at the beginning but it really dragged for me and by the end I was bored out of my skull. It's so boring!!!
I quite enjoyed the instrumentals. The vocals were not as appealing to me unfortunately. Overall I had a nice time listening to the album.
I don't think I like reggae tbh. I am indifferent to this album. There are some nice instrumentals but not enough to captivate me -- vocals are fine. It is just fine? 3 I guess.
really nice stuff! some instrumentals could’ve been cut by maybe 30-60 seconds to shorten the album but i wouldn’t necessarily complain about this being too long the same way many other 70 minute+ records can slog. my mind’s not blown but its very very solid!
Empezó bien. Un reggae fresón ambiental pero bien. Luego se alarga y su mota se ve que ni estaba tan chida
I guess I really like reggae?
It is consistent and grounded, but also quite narrow in scope. The political intent gives it weight, and the performances are solid, yet the musical palette does not expand much across the runtime. After a while, it starts to feel more repetitive than immersive. It works, but it rarely surprises.
Rating: 8.5/10 Favorite song(s): Tyler, I Think It’s Going to Rain Today, and a lot of the instrumental tracks. Review: Great album. Super easy to listen to and enjoy. Honestly, kind of difficult to make a bad reggae record as long as you have good musicians. I wasn’t familiar with UB40 outside of Red Red Wine, but I would definitely check out other albums of theirs. Listen again?: Yes
3,5 1. "Tyler" 2. "Food for Thought" 3. "Signing Off"
i agree with the messaging, but this is very boring to listen through.. fav song: Adella
Reggaezao batendo
me copo para laburar
Långt från Red Red Wine. En jämn svängig ska-platta utan höjdpunkter. En fyra
Reggae?
Only knew this band for Red, Red Wine previously. A lot more to often here. A very pleasant listening experience.
Like being stuck in a head shop for an hour.
Okay Reggae stuff here, the 13 minute ling sing is one of the best here which takes up a large % of the album so it at least makes this album have a good amount of quality throughout it's length. Nothing really special about this but it's pretty fun
Better than I imagined. Sometimes the best review I can give an album previously unknown to me is that I won’t delete it yet. I’ll give it another listen.
ni fu ni fa, sonidos extravagantes
Me terminó resultando un disco larguísimo y bastante monótono. Si bien el reggae suena bien y rescato algunas variaciones puntuales en los instrumentos, caen en la trampa de repetir el mismo beat en casi todas las canciones. Como no le di mucha vuelta a las letras, sentí que los temas terminaban mezclándose entre sí.
This was an hour and change of relaxing dub from a group that I wasn't expecting much out of. The music here is easy to vibe to, but it is politically charged and very punk in that manner. One look at that cover art and you can hazard a guess at their opinion on the Tories! No song particularly stood out to me, but the band has a consistent reggae sound with an unmistakably British working-class tinge. Even the covers didn't immediately jump out to me. I'm unsure if I will revisit this, but this album was enjoyable and didn't drag despite its length. I've always wrote UB40 off as a soft pop act that you constantly see on the bill of nostalgia-driven eighties festivals nowadays, but I'm glad to see that they had some edge to them at some point.
I didn’t hate it. But I also didn’t really like any of the songs. None of them stood out.
UB40 is more than Red Red Wine.
honk if thatcher's deid