Labour of Love - Volume IV

UB40 present 'Labour of Love IV', their first 'Labour of Love' album since 1998. The 'Labour of Love' series began in 1983, with a number one album and number one single ("Red, Red Wine"). This was followed in 1989 by 'LoL II', which spawned a no.4 single ("Kingston Town") and two US Billboard Top 10s. Another Top 10 album, 'LoL III', and single ("Come Back, Darling") were released in 1998.

'Labour of Love IV' comprises 14 tracks. Covers such as Delroy Wilson ("Close to Me"), John Holt songs ("I Don't Want to See You Cry" and "Man Next Door") and Rocksteady vocal groups the Melodians ("Get Along Without You Now") and The Paragons ("Holiday") bestow this new album with an infectious sense of joy. Also included are songs originally performed by Smokey Robinson ("Tracks of My Tears"), Sam Cooke ("Bring it on Home to Me") and Johnny Nash.

'Labour of Love IV' is the first to feature another talented Campbell brother, Duncan, on lead vocals. Duncan would have been one of UB40's vocalists right from the start had he not turned them down to pursue adventures around the world. Robin, Astro, Norman and Earl also sing lead vocals on various tracks on the album, and such versatility - twinned with UB40's remarkable consistency - make it another wonderful addition to the series.