UB44 — Mediated Wiki

{{For|the World War I German submarine|SM UB-44}} {{EngvarB|date=May 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}} {{editorial|date=March 2014}} {{Infobox album | name = UB44 | type = Album | artist = UB40 | cover = ub44.jpg | alt = | released = 27 September 1982 | recorded = | venue = | studio = Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin | genre = Reggae | length = 40:13 | label = DEP International | producer = UB40 | prev_title = Present Arms | prev_year = 1981 | next_title = Labour of Love | next_year = 1983 }} {{Album ratings | rev1 = Allmusic | rev1Score ={{Rating|3|5}}<ref>[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=mw0000545322|pure_url=yes}} Allmusic]</ref> | rev2 = ''Sounds'' | rev2Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Swayne |first=Karen |date=2 October 1982 |title=UB40: ''UB44'' |magazine=Sounds |page=31}}</ref> |}}

'''''UB44''''' is the third studio album of original material by UB40, released on the DEP International label in 1982. It was advertised as their 'fourth album' (hence the title)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/51106326@N00/7482058788/in/album-72157630376581378/|title=UB44: The fourth album by UB40|date=30 September 1982|access-date=1 October 2018|publisher=Smash Hits}}</ref> although ''Present Arms in Dub'' had been a remix album. The album reached No. 4 in the UK album chart and the early release of the packaging had a hologram cover. UB44 was the Department of Employment form letter sent to British unemployment benefit claimants when they missed their 'signing on' appointment.

== Releases == The album was initially released on LP and cassette. A CD reissue followed in 1993.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/UB40-UB44/master/88761|title=UB40 - UB44|website=Discogs|year=1982 |language=en|access-date=2019-04-27}}</ref> Some releases incorrectly state that the album was recorded in 1981.

==Content== This album was effectively the last one in their early musical style, again mixing heavy, doom-laden reggae soundscapes with politically and socially conscious lyrics. In particular, "I Won't Close My Eyes" and "Love is All is Alright" use reverb, echoes, and stereo positioning for a shimmering, three dimensional feel indicated by the 3D cover. Droning rhythms induce a trance, evoking reggae's substance behind the muse. "Love is All is Alright" is a slow number with close sounding, harmonised vocals. Sax and trumpet echo in a huge hall, sounding like some Caribbean band of long ago. A funky, effected, simple guitar twang adds to the old and new feel. The lyrics challenge the listener that "a little more hate" may be needed in polarised racial and class conflicts.{{Citation needed|date=April 2019}}

==Track listing== All tracks composed by UB40 #"So Here I Am" – 3:54 #"I Won't Close My Eyes" [Remix] – 3:46 #"Forget the Cost" – 4:22 #"Love Is All Is Alright" [Remix] – 4:57 #"The Piper Calls the Tune" – 3:50 #"The Key" – 5:05 #"Don't Do the Crime" – 4:12 #"Folitician [Remix]" – 4:10 #"The Prisoner" – 5:57

== Personnel == ;UB40 * Ali Campbell - vocals, guitar * Astro - trumpet, vocals, toasting * Brian Travers - saxophone * Robin Campbell - guitar, vocals * Michael Virtue - keyboards * Earl Falconer - bass * James "Jim" Brown - drums, vocals, synthesized percussion * Norman Hassan - percussion, trombone ;Technical *Rafe McKenna - assistant producer, mixing engineer *Paul Thomas - recording engineer *Optec Design - artwork, hologram

==References== {{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ub44}} Category:1982 albums Category:UB40 albums