UB40 earned its status as Britain’s most popular reggae act not because the group is racially mixed or homegrown but because it has consistently taken a pop-friendly approach to the music. The group has done a remarkable job in keeping up with the changes in reggae over the decades. The compilation album 1980–83 introduced the band to American audiences, but U.S. interest picked up with Labour of Love, a collection of cover tunes that reprises many of the band’s favorite early reggae hits. Campbell’s vocals are particularly expressive, and the album eventually became a hit on the strength of the chart-topping single “Red Red Wine.” With UB40, the band’s pop instincts are in full working order. The songs are wonderfully strong, from the relentless “Dance with the Devil” to the insinuating “I Would Do It for You.” Labour of Love II isn’t quite as appealing as its predecessor, despite the soul-cum-reggae groove of the Al Green tune “Here I Am (Come and Take Me),” but Promises and Lies is as strong as any album in their catalogue, thanks to “Bring Me Your Cup” and the irresistible “Reggae Music.” Having sold over 70 million records, UB40 continues to tour and win over new fans.
