The Very Best of UB40 1980-2000

UB 40

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 18, 2001)
• Original Release Date: November 21, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Virgin Records Us
• ASIN: B00005176I
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #41,062 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It's hard to believe that UB40 have been around since the early 1980s, but the proof is right here in the 18 tracks on this album. While most famous for their cover songs, UB40 have written a good portion of original material that's excellent. But songs like "Red Red Wine" and a previously unreleased version of the Doors' "Light My Fire" will attract the majority of listeners to this collection. Following in the footsteps of greats like Bob Marley and Burning Spear, this band from Birmingham, England (led by the two sons of folkie Ian Campbell, have helped keep the flame of roots reggae alive with their easy sound. They've even made over rock standards into their reggae template, including Sonny & Cher's "I Got You Babe" (with guest Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders). In their own little way, UB40 have been gnawing away at musical barriers for the last 20 years, and this is an ideal summary of their achievements. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best "Best Of" Available, March 12, 2004

By	Steve Vrana (Aurora, NE) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

If your reggae collection is going to include only one UB40 album, this one wins out over all the others hands down. Virgin released two 10-track "best ofs" in the mid-90s, but this 2000 release duplicates 15 of those tracks and adds "Cherry Oh Baby" from 1983's landmark LABOUR OF LOVE album, "Tell Me Is It True" from 1997's GUNS IN THE GHETTO, and the previously unreleased cover of the Door's "Light My Fire."

While most American listeners only recognize UB40 for their covers of songs that hit the Top 40 like Neil Diamond's "Red Red Wine," Elvis's "Can't Help Falling in Love" and Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe," the band had hits in the U.K with original material like "Food for Thought" (No. 4, 1980), "If It Happens Again" (No. 9, 1984), "Don't Break My Heart" (No. 3, 1985), and "Rat in Mi Kitchen" (No. 12, 1987).

While UB40 may be viewed merely as a populizer of reggae music, they do it exceedingly well. This album is a joy from start to finish. [Running time: 66:59] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Essential UB40!, October 21, 2000

By A Customer

This collection is a very good introduction to their music, there are the best selling singles ("I Got You Babe" and "Can't Help Falling In Love") and other 18 great tracks. I wasn't able to find in the whole collection a bad song... Personally I love "Come Back Darling", "Kingston Town", "Tell Me Is It True" and "Bring Me Your Cup". There is also a previously unreleased cover version of The Doors' "Light My Fire". Buy this CD, and you'll be satisfied!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars from a casual fan, November 14, 2001

By	James Dann "busta-k" (Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've always liked UB40, but never been so drawn to any one song that I felt compelled to purchase a CD. After seeing the track listing I recognized 3 or 4 songs, so I picked it up. It is fantastic!! Although I can't stand their version of Light My Fire, I see from the other reviews that others enjoy it...and I think that sums up this CD pretty well. My wife & I both like it, but we like completely different songs. With 18 songs, you're almost guaranteed to find something you'll like. So if you're on the fence about purchasing this or not, do yourself a favor & go for it....you won't regret it.