Most bands who’ve just celebrated their 28th anniversary would be forgiven for resting on their laurels, and especially when they’ve more than 50 hit singles and seventy million record sales to their credit. UB40 however, are an exception. Their last two albums, Who You Fighting For and TwentyFourSeven, have been widely acclaimed, and the way in which they’ve triumphed in the wake of lead singer Ali Campbell’s departure has proven truly remarkable. 

To suggest that UB40 are currently experiencing something of a renaissance is an understatement. Crowds still flock to their concerts, and Robin Campbell’s brother Duncan has quickly made his presence felt in the group. By returning to traditional methods of recording – i.e., playing “live” instruments as an ensemble, and also writing the kind of social commentaries that define the times we live in, just as they did on classic albums like Signing Off and Present Arms – UB40 have succeeded in rejuvenating themselves to extraordinary effect.