The Very Best of UB40 1980-2000, the compilation that encapsulates two decades of their musical journey is now certified 4x Platinum in the UK by there British Phonographic Industry on July 12, 2024.
The 20 track reggae set of hits has sold 1.2 million album equivalent units in streams and sales as measured by the Official Charts Company.
This greatest hits album offers a curated selection of the band’s most iconic tracks from their early days up to the turn of the millennium, with the UK edition of The Very Best of UB40 1980-2000 featuring 20 tracks, such as “Red Red Wine,” “Kingston Town,” and “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You.”
Among the highlights are “One in Ten” from their 1981 album Present Arms and the chart-topping “Red Red Wine” from Labour of Love released in 1983. The soulful “Kingston Town” is taken from Labour of Love II (1989), while “Higher Ground” hails from their 1993 album Promises and Lies. Their debut album Signing Off (1980) is represented by “King” and “Food for Thought,” showcasing the band’s early reggae influences.
Other notable tracks include “Cherry Oh Baby” from Labour of Love (1983), “I Got You Babe” from Baggariddim (1985), and “Come Back Darling” from Labour of Love III (1998). The single releases “The Earth Dies Screaming” and “Light My Fire” add to the comprehensive nature of the collection. Songs like “If It Happens Again” from Geffery Morgan(1984), “Don’t Break My Heart” from Baggariddim (1985), and “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You” from Promises and Lies (1993) further illustrate UB40’s versatility and appeal.
The US version of the album presents a slightly different lineup, featuring 18 tracks that include many of the same hits from the UK release. However, it also offers unique selections such as “Here I Am (Come and Take Me)” from Labour of Love II (1989) and “Until My Dying Day” from Promises and Lies (1993), catering to the preferences of the American audience.
Released in 2000 via EMI Virgin Records, The Very Best of UB40 1980-2000 performed remarkably well on various international charts. It peaked at number 10 on the Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders) chart and reached the second position on the Danish Albums (Hitlisten) chart. The album also saw significant success in the Netherlands, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, and Sweden, reflecting UB40’s widespread popularity. In the UK, it secured the seventh spot on the Albums Chart, solidifying its status as a beloved collection of UB40’s work.
On the year-end performance, the album ranked notably in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK, demonstrating sustained popularity throughout the years following its release. It achieved gold certification in Denmark, platinum in the Netherlands, and an impressive five times platinum in New Zealand. In the UK, the album was certified three times platinum, underscoring its commercial success and the band’s enduring legacy. Furthermore, it was awarded platinum status in Europe by the IFPI, with over a million units sold.
While the band has gone through numerous changes, the talent on The Very Best of UB40 1980-2000 includes the core lineup of features including Robin Campbell on guitar and vocals, Earl Falconer on bass and keyboards, James Brown on drums, and Norman Lamont Hassan on percussion, vocals, and trombone. Ali Campbell contributes his distinctive vocals and guitar, while Astro adds his vocals and trumpet. Keyboards are played by Dan Armstrong and Michael Virtue, with additional backing vocals by Jacki Graham, Mo Birch, and Ruby Turner. The brass section is particularly vibrant, with Brian Travers on saxophone and horn arrangements, Martin Meredith on alto saxophone, Henry Tenyue on trombone, and Patrick Tenyue on trumpet. Laurence Parry rounds out the ensemble, playing trumpet, flugelhorn, and trombone. The album’s production was helmed by Bob Lamb, Howard Gray, Ray ‘Pablo’ Falconer, and the band itself, ensuring a cohesive and polished sound that perfectly captures UB40’s unique style.
