This band of Birmingham, England, roots rockers launched the Labour of Love cover series to show their devotion to the mid-'60s-to-early-'70s period in Jamaican music, when ska was slowing down to become bass-led rock stea... more »dy. Soon after that, innovations in the drumming style helped create the next mutation, reggae, but UB40 still can't get enough of that wonderful rock-steady stuff. Since their list of top favorites numbers upwards of 200 titles, this series should last as long as they do. Volumes 1 and 2 spun off huge hits "Red Red Wine," "The Way You Do the Things You Do," and "Here I Am." Volume 3 packs guaranteed boomshots in "Holly Holy" and "Mr. Fix It." Some grouse that this band--the biggest reggae outfit in the world in terms of sales--is ripping off the music of black Jamaican artists. But reggae transcended national borders a long time ago, and UB40 have a stack of thank-you letters from artists they've covered in the past, names such as Honey and Winston Groovy, who were grateful for the recognition--not to mention the publishing fees! --Elena Oumano« less
This band of Birmingham, England, roots rockers launched the Labour of Love cover series to show their devotion to the mid-'60s-to-early-'70s period in Jamaican music, when ska was slowing down to become bass-led rock steady. Soon after that, innovations in the drumming style helped create the next mutation, reggae, but UB40 still can't get enough of that wonderful rock-steady stuff. Since their list of top favorites numbers upwards of 200 titles, this series should last as long as they do. Volumes 1 and 2 spun off huge hits "Red Red Wine," "The Way You Do the Things You Do," and "Here I Am." Volume 3 packs guaranteed boomshots in "Holly Holy" and "Mr. Fix It." Some grouse that this band--the biggest reggae outfit in the world in terms of sales--is ripping off the music of black Jamaican artists. But reggae transcended national borders a long time ago, and UB40 have a stack of thank-you letters from artists they've covered in the past, names such as Honey and Winston Groovy, who were grateful for the recognition--not to mention the publishing fees! --Elena Oumano
"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."
They did it again
Max Headroom | 06/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've got every UB40 album, and I love them all, including this one. I can't believe these guys are still going strong--it must be their music (so chill) that's keeping them together. There's no other music that can chill you out like this music, and at the same time get you so fired up. They are the best, hats off to Ub40."
Another great album from UB40
Max Headroom | 07/15/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"They still have it going on. Their music always makes me happy (it's the reggae). (Their concert was great too). One of my favourite songs of the album is Mr. fix it, but the rest is great also. I recommend this album to everyone who likes to hear nice relaxed music!!"
Labour of love III is awsome
Max Headroom | 06/18/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"No other band in the world has reproduced better the rich Jamaican music we know as Reggae. This album is UB40's musical essence. it's a true labour of love, nothing to envy from their previous two. To tell you the truth is contagious. It's so contagious that sometimes I really believe is better than all their other masterpieces. I reccomended with 6 stars but here they only have 5. UB you did it again. PLEASE PLEASE don't ever quit do Labour of love 4,5,6,7 but don't ever quit. your music is always great. I'm so excited because I'll be in their concert this thursday in Orlando (June 24) I'll be rocking and jamming. People I swear you'll have a smile of satisfaction after buying this CD. No regrets. Romantic hot-blooded rythmic melodies that's UB40."
Excellent choice for anyone looking for a nice change...
Max Headroom | 05/31/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The most misunderstood band in the US music world. Perfect for if you're tired of everything else out there. It's sort of 'pop-rock-blues-reggae' (No wonder the music industry doesn't know what to do with them!) Very listenable, even if you know nothing of reggae."