UB40 stands as a monumental force in the realm of reggae music, captivating global audiences with their infectious rhythms and socially conscious lyrics. Emerging from Birmingham, England, in the late 1970s, this multicultural band, named after a UK unemployment benefit form, defied expectations to become international superstars. Selling over 70 million records, UB40’s unique blend of reggae with pop sensibilities produced a string of hits that continue to resonate today. Even with band iterations over the years, the core catalog of Ub40 Songs remains beloved. Here, we delve into ten of their most iconic tracks, celebrating the enduring legacy of UB40 and their profound impact on music history.
10. Kingston Town
Originally penned by Lord Creator in 1970, “Kingston Town” found a new generation of admirers when UB40 reimagined it for their 1990 Labour of Love II album. This rendition transformed the mellow tune into a reggae-pop anthem, characterized by its laid-back vibe and evocative lyrics that paint a picture of Jamaican life. “Kingston Town” became a significant hit for UB40, particularly in France, and solidified their mastery of interpreting classic reggae for a contemporary audience, showcasing their ability to select and revitalize hidden gems within the reggae canon.
UB40 performing Kingston Town, showcasing their reggae-pop fusion sound
9. Red Red Wine
Perhaps one of UB40’s most globally recognized songs, “Red Red Wine” is a testament to their skill in taking a relatively obscure Neil Diamond track from 1967 and turning it into a worldwide phenomenon. Released in 1983, UB40’s version stripped away the country undertones of Diamond’s original and infused it with a smooth reggae groove. Initially a UK number one, its popularity surged again after their performance at Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday concert, propelling it to the top of the US charts in 1988. “Red Red Wine” remains a staple in UB40’s discography and a quintessential example of their crossover appeal.
UB40 performing Red Red Wine in concert, their signature hit song
8. (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You
Elvis Presley first immortalized “(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You” in 1961, drawing inspiration from the French love song ‘Plaisir d’amour’. Decades later, UB40 put their distinctive reggae stamp on the ballad for the soundtrack of the film Honeymoon In Vegas. While Bruno Hernandez’s version was ultimately chosen for the movie, UB40’s rendition, released in 1993, proved to be the bigger hit. Robin Campbell’s foresight that it would be a “smash hit” proved accurate as it topped charts worldwide, demonstrating UB40’s knack for transforming diverse musical styles into reggae gold and creating one of the most memorable UB40 songs of the 90s.
Ali Campbell of UB40 singing (I Can't Help) Falling In Love With You, a popular cover song
7. Food for Thought
“Food for Thought” marked UB40’s debut single in 1980 and immediately established their unique sound and socially conscious lyrical approach. Reaching the UK top five, this reggae-infused track tackled themes of global inequality and hypocrisy, particularly surrounding the Christmas season. Robin Campbell explained the lyrics addressed “the hypocrisy of Christmas, the fact that there are starving people in Africa and here we are all sat around eating our Christmas dinner and praising the Lord.” Its thought-provoking message, combined with its catchy reggae rhythm, made “Food for Thought” an instant classic and a powerful start to UB40’s illustrious career, showcasing their commitment to blending meaningful lyrics with engaging music.
UB40 performing Food for Thought live, their debut single with social commentary
6. I Got You Babe (with Chrissie Hynde)
Originally a defining duet by Sonny and Cher in 1965, “I Got You Babe” was revitalized in 1985 when UB40 collaborated with Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders for their Baggariddim album. This unexpected pairing brought together reggae and new wave influences, creating a unique and compelling version of the classic love song. The chemistry between Ali Campbell and Chrissie Hynde propelled their rendition to the top of the UK charts, proving UB40’s ability to innovate and collaborate across genres, further cementing their status as versatile musical innovators and producing another chart-topping UB40 song.
UB40 and Chrissie Hynde performing I Got You Babe, a successful cross-genre collaboration
5. Baby Come Back (with Pato Banton)
While technically a Pato Banton track featuring UB40 members Ali and Robin Campbell, “Baby Come Back” is often considered among the essential UB40 songs due to its strong band presence and sound. A cover of The Equals’ classic, this 1994 release soared to number one in the UK, becoming a massive summer anthem. The distinctive vocals of the Campbell brothers alongside Pato Banton’s reggae stylings created an irresistible blend that resonated widely, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the reggae scene and further demonstrating the Campbell brothers’ integral role in popularizing reggae-pop.
UB40 and Pato Banton performing Baby Come Back, a popular collaboration featuring UB40 members
4. One in Ten
Released in 1981 from their second album Present Arms, “One in Ten” is a politically charged song that directly addressed the socio-economic issues of early 1980s Britain. The title refers to the then-unemployment rate in the West Midlands, UB40’s home region. Reaching number 7 in the UK, the song became an anthem for the marginalized and unemployed, showcasing UB40’s willingness to use their music as a platform for social commentary. “One in Ten” remains one of their most poignant and politically relevant tracks, solidifying their reputation as artists who weren’t afraid to tackle tough subjects through their music.
UB40 performing One in Ten, a politically charged song about unemployment
3. Many Rivers to Cross
Jimmy Cliff originally released “Many Rivers to Cross” in 1969, and it has since been covered by numerous artists, but UB40’s 1983 rendition from their Labour of Love album remains particularly notable. Their version, while staying true to the soulful essence of the original, infused it with UB40’s signature reggae instrumentation and harmonies. Reaching number 16 in the UK, it introduced the song to a new generation and underscored UB40’s talent for interpreting reggae classics, while also highlighting the timeless quality of Jimmy Cliff’s songwriting.
UB40 performing Many Rivers to Cross, a cover of a Jimmy Cliff classic
2. Please Don’t Make Me Cry
Following the immense success of “Red Red Wine”, “Please Don’t Make Me Cry” further cemented UB40’s place in the pop charts. Also featured on their breakthrough Labour of Love album, this track, originally by reggae artist Winston Groovy, reached the UK top 10 in 1983, peaking at number 10. UB40’s smooth reggae interpretation brought a wider audience to Winston Groovy’s work and demonstrated their consistent hit-making ability during their early 80s peak, solidifying their status as reggae-pop pioneers.
UB40 performing Please Don't Make Me Cry, another hit from their Labour of Love album
1. Always There
Often cited as an underrated gem in UB40’s extensive catalog, “Always There” was the lead single from their 1997 album Guns in the Ghetto. While it didn’t achieve top 40 success upon its release, its enduring quality and sophisticated reggae sound have earned it a special place among fans. “Always There” exemplifies UB40’s later period sound, showcasing their continued evolution within the reggae genre while maintaining the melodic hooks and lyrical sincerity that define their best work. For its musical richness and lasting appeal, “Always There” tops our list as the greatest of UB40 songs, representing the depth and breadth of their musical talent.
