Reggae That Inspired UB40 - Various Artists

Advantages: Just as good as the Other two
Disadvantages: All songs are copied by UB40

...To anyone thinking about buying this album and has heard the other two, thinking maybe it is not as good as the first Labour of Love albums, it's really not true. Labour of Love III has a more uplifting sound compared to the other two, And like today's music it is almost buffered over to make it sound more crisp and digital i guess. The lead singer Ali Campbell has one of the sweetest sounding voices known in reggae music. All Labour of Love albums and all songs on them are from artists UB40 have respected, but UB40 has my respect for making these songs sound sometimes better and much sweeter sounding than the originals. Personally i Ioved this album, powerful lyrics and real musical instruments, it's not just the reggae lover that will like this album but also many other people. There that good and they will never stop making... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Great songs, great music, serious message
Disadvantages: Some of the songs have lost their context

...harvest scattered from the skies. Skin and bones is creeping, doesn't know he's dead. Ancient eyes are peeping, from his infant head. Politicians argue sharpening their knives. Drawing up their bargains, trading baby lives." To those that know UB40 of a later period they might find this record surprising in it's attitude and commitment. In later years probably flushed with their critical and commercial success the band moved away from this kind of politically engaged music and became a much poppier mainstream act increasingly adapting covers of some of their favourite reggae artist as can be seen on the 'Labour Of Love' albums. I suppose it would seem incongruous for a collection of by then very rich musicians to be still talking about unemployment and inner city squalor however in the early days their sentiment were sincere... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Fab compilation of all the hits
Disadvantages: None at all

...Wow! What a fantastic CD! I could tell when I listened to it, that every song had been carefully hand picked to create such a smooth album. The songs seem to intertwine into one another. All of the big reggae stars from the past captured onto two discs. Features such artists as: -Shaggy -Toots and the Maytals -Desmond Decker -Tony Tribe -UB40 Bob Marley Features such song as: -Boombastic -Mr Loverman -Welcome to Jamrock -Red Red Wine -Wonderful World, Beautiful People The makers of this compilation have done a really fantastic job rounding up these classic reggae hits. No need to such for odd songs in tens of CDs anymore. Everything I like about Reggae captured onto one CD. Excellent value and a great buy for the reggae enthusiast.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful