Labour of Love III

UB 40

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 29, 1998)
• Original Release Date: March 23, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Virgin Records Us
• ASIN: B00000GBL0
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #88,796 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This band of Birmingham, England, roots rockers launched the Labour of Love cover series to show their devotion to the mid-'60s-to-early-'70s period in Jamaican music, when ska was slowing down to become bass-led rock steady. Soon after that, innovations in the drumming style helped create the next mutation, reggae, but UB40 still can't get enough of that wonderful rock-steady stuff. Since their list of top favorites numbers upwards of 200 titles, this series should last as long as they do. Volumes 1 and 2 spun off huge hits "Red Red Wine," "The Way You Do the Things You Do," and "Here I Am." Volume 3 packs guaranteed boomshots in "Holly Holy" and "Mr. Fix It." Some grouse that this band--the biggest reggae outfit in the world in terms of sales--is ripping off the music of black Jamaican artists. But reggae transcended national borders a long time ago, and UB40 have a stack of thank-you letters from artists they've covered in the past, names such as Honey and Winston Groovy, who were grateful for the recognition--not to mention the publishing fees! --Elena Oumano

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Creating a division, April 25, 2000

By	Max Headroom (USA) - See all my reviews

This album seems to have created a rift in the UB40 fan base. It seems that people either think it is a rip-off, or a work of genius. It would be interesting to know the age and background of the people who have voiced an opinion, but my guess is as follows. Those in their late 30's and 40's (myself included) who grew up with reggae in the late 60's and 70's and have followed UB40 from the late 70's will see this as one of their best albums. Far better than volumes 1 and 2 (which I still think are well worth listening too) and on a par with 'Signing Off', 'Promises and Lies' and 'Guns in the Ghetto'. Younger people, and those on the fringes of reggae in the 60's and 70's - and this is in no way meant to be offensive - will probably not like it so much. It is not as 'light and fluffy' as the previous 2 LoL's with the possible exception of 'Come Back Darling' which will bring back wonderful memories to those of us who remember the original.

I used to hear UB40 practicing in the Eagle and Tun in Birmingham - and I saw them in concert in Philadelphia last year. They are professional to the core and would never produce a rip-off album. Everything they do is a true labour of love, and much as I oppose their pro-drug stand I hope they continue to produce a mixture of original music and cover versions for many years to come.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars They did it again, June 2, 2000

By A Customer

I've got every UB40 album, and I love them all, including this one. I can't believe these guys are still going strong--it must be their music (so chill) that's keeping them together. There's no other music that can chill you out like this music, and at the same time get you so fired up. They are the best, hats off to Ub40.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars another great album from UB40, July 15, 1999

By A Customer

They still have it going on. Their music always makes me happy (it's the reggae). (Their concert was great too). One of my favourite songs of the album is Mr. fix it, but the rest is great also. I recommend this album to everyone who likes to hear nice relaxed music!!