Labour of Love III

by

UB40

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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.

The original Labour of Love was a fantastic album, a work of true enthusiasm, with a noticeable reverence for the songs that UB40 were re-recording. It was, truly and obviously, a labour of love for them.

Volume II did not succeed quite as well, but still had enough fire and quite a few very good tracks to make it a great album, too.

Now here we are at Volume III, and it appears to me that UB40 are just trying to milk their most successful formula for all that it's worth. The enthusiasm is gone. The band is just going through the motions. And if you have ever heard Neil Diamond's version of "Holly Holy" on Hot August Night I, you can instantly tell the lack of intensity and feeling in UB40's version.

And what's with this Neil Diamond fixation, anyway? I mean, I like Neil (at least, old '60s and early '70s Neil), but come on! Hey guys, for Labour of Love IV, how about doing a reggae-fied version of "You're So Sweet, Horseflies Keep Hangin' 'Round Your Face," and then calling it a day?