UB40 und Soul II Soul

Over the course of a career that’s now lasted for well over thirty years, UB40 have made a name for themselves as one of the most successful reggae acts in history. They’ve been successful the world over, but are probably best loved in their native United Kingdom, where they’ve had no fewer than fifty singles make the singles chart. In the U.S., meanwhile, they’ve had two huge number one successes, including “Red Red Wine” - probably their signature song - and their take on Elvis Presley’s classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love”.

It’s difficult to speak too clearly about the current lineup of the group, not least because it’s subject to legal proceedings; there’s now both a UB40 and a ‘UB40 Reunited’, with the latter band boasting original singer Ali Campbell, long-time trumpeter Astro and keyboardist Mickey Virtue. At the heart of the conflict is a spat between Campbell and his brother Duncan, who remains in the original UB40 - who, confusingly, are also still a going concern. Either way, it shouldn’t be allowed to overshadow an impressive legacy, the most important part of which is likely the example that UB40 set, with their diverse ethnic background, for other multi-cultural musical outfits in the UK.

Founded by Jazzie B in 1988, Soul II Soul began as a sound system playing records at house and street parties. Featuring a rotating cast of members including Nellee Hooper, Simon Law, Phillip “Daddae” Harvey, and Caron Wheeler, the band's debut release was the dubplate “FairPlay” in 1988, which secured them a deal with Virgin Records. Following the subsequent release of a few un-charting singles in 1988, the group rose to recognition with in 1989 with the release of “Keep on Moving”. The same year Soul II Soul issued the single “Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)”, which went on to top the UK Singles Chart for four consecutive weeks. Featuring Wheeler on vocals the single paved the way for the group’s debut album “Club Classics Vol. One” which also found the top spot of the UK Albums Chart.

Soul II Soul also enjoyed moderate success in the U.S. at this time with the single “Back to Life” reaching the Billboard 200’s Top 10. The band’s debut also secured the group two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group for “Back to Life” and Best R&B Instrumental for “African Dance”. The group’s sophomore album “Vol. II: 1990 - A New Decade” followed in May 1990 once again rising to the top of the UK Albums Chart. Led by the singles “Get a Life”, “A Dream’s Dream”, and “Missing You”, the album was recorded without Caron Wheeler, however earned the group three Soul Train Awards. A third album, “Vol. III: Just Right” arrived in 1992, which spawned the group’s last Top 10 hit, “Joy”.

The following year Soul II Soul released the greatest hits album “Vol. IV: The Singles 88-93”, which rose to No. 10 on the UK Albums Chart. Marked by a decline in sales, the band’s fourth full-length “Vol. V: Believe” was released in August 1995 peaking at No. 13, and was followed by “Time for Change” in 1997.