UB40 Albums in Order: From their roots in Birmingham, England, to an illustrious career spanning over four decades, the band UB40 has carved an indelible mark in the music industry…
UB40, an iconic English band, emerged onto the music scene in December 1978, originating from Birmingham, England. Recognized for their fusion of reggae and pop, the band swiftly rose to prominence with an impressive array of achievements. With over 50 singles on the UK Singles Chart and an extensive international following, UB40’s influence transcends borders. Their global impact is reflected in the sale of more than 70 million records worldwide, coupled with four Grammy Award nominations for Best Reggae Album.
The band’s ethnically diverse original lineup, comprising members of English, Welsh, Irish, Jamaican, Scottish, and Yemeni heritage, underscored their unique musical tapestry. UB40’s legacy is etched in history through chart-topping hits like “Red Red Wine,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and collaborations such as “Breakfast in Bed” with Chrissie Hynde. Notably, their albums “Labour of Love” and “Promises and Lies” claimed the top spot on the UK Albums Chart. Despite a stable lineup for almost three decades, the band encountered a significant transition in 2008 when frontman Ali Campbell departed, subsequently followed by keyboardist Mickey Virtue.
The departure of Astro in 2013 saw the emergence of a new iteration of UB40 alongside Campbell and Virtue. Legal disputes arose in 2014 regarding the band name’s usage, resulting in a division within the group. More recently, the band welcomed Matt Doyle as their new vocalist in 2021, succeeding Duncan Campbell, who retired due to health reasons. UB40’s journey is marked by their musical prowess, international acclaim, and the ongoing evolution that continues to define their enduring legacy in the world of music.So, if you are a die heart fan of UB40 Albums then check out here we have list of UB40 albums in order of release so far.
All UB40 Albums Available on: Apple Music
The discography of UB40, a British reggae band, consists of 20 studio albums, 19 compilation albums, six live albums, four remix albums, 64 singles.
Here is the list of UB40 Album in Order of Release Date
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UB40’s debut album, ‘Signing Off,’ emerged in August 1980 via Graduate Records, swiftly climbing to the UK albums chart’s number 2 spot. This early success solidified their presence as a significant reggae force in Britain well before their global acclaim. The album’s politically charged lyrics resonated in a divided socio-political landscape, tackling issues like unemployment and the rise of conservative policies and racial tensions. Embracing dub-infused rhythms, it mirrored the influence of West Indian music on British pop culture, akin to the 2 Tone movement. Celebrated as their finest work, the album’s 30th-anniversary reissue in 2010 included bonus tracks and compelling archival footage, a testament to its enduring impact.
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UB40’s second album, ‘Present Arms,’ released in 1981, made a resounding impact, spending 38 weeks on the UK album charts and peaking at number 2. Featuring socially and politically charged lyrics, tracks like ‘One in Ten’ critiqued Thatcherism, while ‘Sardonicus’ addressed political irony. The album embraced UB40’s advocacy for cannabis legalization through ‘Lamb’s Bread’ and ‘Don’t Walk On The Grass.’ Musically akin to their debut, the album’s heavy, reverberating style resonated. ‘Present Arms’ track became a staple opener for their concerts. Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, it birthed a dub version, ‘Present Arms in Dub,’ soon after, solidifying UB40’s impactful musical repertoire.
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UB44, UB40’s third original studio album, debuted in 1982 under the DEP International label. Despite being marketed as their fourth album due to a remix release, ‘Present Arms in Dub,’ it secured the No. 4 spot on the UK album chart. Notably, the early packaging featured a distinctive hologram cover. The album’s title, ‘UB44,’ derived from the Department of Employment’s form letter for British unemployment benefit claimants who missed their ‘signing on’ appointment, reflecting the band’s socio-political awareness. This release not only showcased their musical prowess but also emphasized UB40’s penchant for addressing societal issues within their art.
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UB40’s ‘Labour of Love,’ their pioneering fourth studio album, marked a shift as their debut cover version compilation. Released on September 12, 1983, it showcased the globally acclaimed anthem ‘Red Red Wine,’ alongside hits like ‘Please Don’t Make Me Cry,’ ‘Many Rivers to Cross,’ and ‘Cherry Oh Baby,’ all UK top 20 singles. Despite initially charting modestly in the US, reaching 39, its re-entry in 1988 soared to number 14 due to ‘Red Red Wine”s belated success. The album secured top spots in the UK, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. Building on its triumph, UB40 subsequently launched three more ‘Labour of Love’ cover version albums.
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Geffery Morgan, UB40’s fifth album released in 1984, draws its title from a band roadie’s friend, symbolizing cross-cultural encounters. Marking a departure from their prior covers album, Labour of Love, this record showcased the band’s original compositions. Notably, the album featured the hit track ‘If It Happens Again,’ peaking at No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart. With a shift toward self-penned songs, Geffery Morgan exemplifies UB40’s creative evolution, steering away from covers to express their musical prowess and cultural narratives.
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Baggariddim, UB40’s sixth album, unveiled in 1985, distinguishes itself from the US EP, Little Baggariddim. It offers revamped renditions of prior tracks from Labour of Love and Geffery Morgan, spotlighting guest vocalists and ‘toasters.’ Renowned figures like Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders and Douglas Gilbert, lead trombonist of the London Symphony Orchestra, contributed. Released in select countries with a bonus 12″ EP in a gatefold sleeve, it spawned hits like the chart-topping “I Got You Babe,” a duet with Hynde, and the UK top-three track “Don’t Break My Heart,” originally the ‘B-side’ of “I Got You Babe.” This album marked a fusion of talent and reimagined classics.
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UB40’s seventh album, ‘Rat in the Kitchen,’ debuted in July 1986, showcasing hits like ‘Sing Our Own Song’ (UK No. 5, 1986) and ‘Rat in Mi Kitchen’ (UK No. 12, 1987). This album soared to No. 8 in the UK album charts and remained there for 20 weeks. Praised by critics, it drew acclaim for its innovative sound. The fusion of reggae and pop not only garnered chart success but also reflected the band’s versatility. ‘Rat in the Kitchen’ stood as a testament to UB40’s ability to craft engaging music that resonated with audiences, solidifying their stature in the music landscape.
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“UB40,” the eighth album from the British reggae band, debuted in 1988 under the DEP International label. Highlighted by the chart-topping success of “Breakfast in Bed,” a collaboration featuring Chrissie Hynde, the album soared to No. 6 on the UK charts. Infused with the band’s signature blend of reggae and pop, this release solidified UB40’s prowess in crafting hits and furthered their musical legacy in the UK music scene.
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UB40’s ‘Labour of Love II’, their ninth album and second covers release in 1989, resonated with chart-topping success. Featuring renditions like ‘Here I Am (Come and Take Me)’ and ‘The Way You Do the Things You Do,’ both soaring into the Billboard Hot 100’s top ten at No. 7 and No. 6 respectively, the album showcased the band’s adeptness at reinterpreting classics. Additionally, ‘Kingston Town’ surged to No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying the album’s commercial triumph. With these tracks, ‘Labour of Love II’ epitomized UB40’s ability to infuse their reggae-pop fusion into iconic hits, reaffirming their position as chart conquerors.
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UB40’s ‘Promises and Lies’, their tenth album, debuted in 1993, showcasing their reggae mastery. Featuring the cover hit ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ from the movie ‘Sliver,’ originally by Elvis Presley, it soared to No. 1 in the UK and No. 6 in the US. This album stands as their best-selling masterpiece, surpassing 9 million copies sold worldwide. With its seamless fusion of reggae rhythms and infectious melodies, ‘Promises and Lies’ solidified UB40’s global appeal, marking a pivotal moment in the band’s illustrious career.
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Guns in the Ghetto,” UB40’s 1997 studio album released via DEP International label, reflects the band’s socially conscious themes. This album delves into poignant narratives surrounding societal issues, employing reggae and pop fusion. Addressing themes of urban struggle and gun violence, it stands as a testament to the band’s commitment to lyrical depth and social commentary. Despite receiving mixed critical reception, the album showcases UB40’s dedication to exploring pertinent issues within their music while continuing to experiment with their signature sound.
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UB40’s ‘Labour of Love III,’ their twelfth album and third covers release, debuted in 1998 under the DEP International label. Continuing their tradition of reinterpreting classics, the album showcases the band’s signature fusion of reggae and pop. Featuring renditions of beloved hits, it pays homage to the group’s diverse musical influences. ‘Labour of Love III’ encapsulates UB40’s commitment to reinventing renowned tracks with their unique sound, affirming their position as pioneers in the realm of reggae-infused pop music.
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UB40’s fourteenth studio album, ‘Cover Up,’ emerged on October 22, 2001, marking a return after a musical hiatus. Produced alongside Gerry Parchment at DEP International Studios in Birmingham, the album stirred internal discord due to its reliance on programmed rhythms, later criticized by vocalist Ali Campbell. Despite its distinct reggae/pop essence, the album faced a lukewarm reception, peaking at 29 on the UK Albums Chart, reflecting the band’s waning prominence. The lead single, ‘Since I Met You Lady,’ featuring Lady Saw, received limited airplay, reaching 40 on the UK Singles Chart. ‘Cover Up,’ addressing AIDS prevention, followed, hitting 54. The band commemorated their 21st anniversary with a charity concert and embarked on The Cover Up Tour, alongside politicized performances in South Africa.
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UB40’s sixteenth studio album, ‘Homegrown,’ released on November 3, 2003, via Virgin Records and DEP International, succeeded their prior work ‘Cover Up’ (2001). Produced at DEP International Studios in Birmingham, the album, described by Robin Campbell as a classic UB40 record, showcased a blend of love songs and politically charged tracks. Despite utilizing programmed rhythms, sparking internal differences, and drawing criticism from Ali Campbell, the album debuted at number 49 on the UK Albums Chart, the band’s lowest charting album at the time. Notably, the single ‘Swing Low,’ recorded as England’s rugby anthem for the 2003 Rugby World Cup, surged to number 15 on the UK Singles Chart post-England’s victory. UB40 toured extensively in 2003 to support ‘Homegrown’ and released the live DVD ‘Homegrown in Holland’ in 2004.
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UB40’s ‘Who You Fighting For?’—their fifteenth album—debuted on June 13, 2005, and garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album in 2006. This release signifies a resurgence of the band’s earlier politically charged, roots-infused sound, reminiscent of their work from the early 1980s. Notably, it marked the band’s inaugural album under Rhino Records in the United States, representing a significant milestone in their international career trajectory.
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TwentyFourSeven, UB40’s sixteenth studio album, marks the end of an era as the final release featuring vocalist/guitarist Ali Campbell and keyboardist Mickey Virtue, both departing from the band in 2008. Released in 2008, this album encapsulates the band’s signature reggae-pop fusion, serving as a swansong for the classic lineup. With its distinct sound and poignant significance, TwentyFourSeven stands as a testament to the collective artistry of the departing members, marking a pivotal transition in UB40’s storied musical journey.
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Labour of Love IV, UB40’s seventeenth album and fourth covers release, debuted in 2010 under Virgin Records. Marking a shift, it’s the initial album without the iconic lineup following departures of vocalist/guitarist Ali Campbell and keyboardist Mickey Virtue in 2008. This transition saw vocalist Duncan Campbell taking the forefront. Despite lineup changes, the album maintained UB40’s signature homage to reggae, featuring reinterpreted tracks in their distinctive style. Labour of Love IV signifies a pivotal juncture in UB40’s evolution, showcasing their ability to adapt while staying true to their reggae roots.
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Released on September 2, 2013, ‘Getting Over the Storm’ stands as UB40’s eighteenth studio album. This release holds a poignant significance as it marks the departure of the band’s talented trumpet player and vocalist, Astro, who left the group later that year. The album encapsulates the band’s signature reggae style, delivering a blend of soulful melodies and rhythmic tunes. As the final collaboration with Astro, ‘Getting Over the Storm’ symbolizes a chapter’s closure in UB40’s musical journey, showcasing their continued prowess while bidding farewell to a valued member.
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UB40’s nineteenth studio album, ‘For the Many,’ debuted on March 15, 2019, under the Shoestring record label. The album cover, crafted by saxophonist Brian Travers, portrays tower blocks, inspired by the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy. The album title’s ties to the Labour Party’s slogan ‘For the many, not the few’ were acknowledged by Travers, affirming the band’s socialist and Labour support. Featuring vocalist Duncan Campbell for the first time on an original material album, drummer Jimmy Brown highlighted its essence as a return to the band’s reggae roots of the 1970s. A limited edition 2-CD version offered dub mixes alongside the standard tracks.
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UB40’s sixth album, Baggariddim, distinguishes itself as a reworking of prior hits from Labour of Love and Geffery Morgan, spotlighting guest vocalists and toasters. Released in 1985, it features collaborations with Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders and Douglas Gilbert of the London Symphony Orchestra. The UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium editions included a gatefold sleeve with an extra 3-track 12″ EP. Notably, the album soared with hits like the chart-topping “I Got You Babe,” a duet with Hynde, and the UK number-three track “Don’t Break My Heart,” originally the ‘B-side’ of “I Got You Babe” with added vocals.
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