ALI CAMPBELL
Running Free
UB40 always had a way of taking classic songs, putting their own unique style on them, keeping them fresh and making the listener become of fan of the cover-version.
Now, front man Ali Campbell releases a new solo album featuring a mix of some new tracks and a selection of tried and tested classics that UB40 haven't managed to get their hands on yet.
The opening self-penned title track 'Running Free' features Beverly Knight who can hold her own on any song and this one is catchy and uptempo. Of the other self-penned tracks 'I Want One Of Those is one of the best with an unusual sounding percussion beat that is worthy of a single release. 'Flex' continues the percussion influence with a samba flavour, while 'Cold Around My Heart' is typically UB40.
It's the contribution from household names and covers of several classics that'll gain this albums attention. Lemar helps out on 'I'll Be Standing By' and Bitty McLean duets on a cover of Charles & Eddie's 'Would I Lie To You'.
No doubt a life-long ambition is fulfilled with the duet on 'Hallelujah Time' with Smokey Robinson, while Mick Hucknall shows up on the Robinson classic 'Being With You'.
For me the standout number is 'Don't Try This At Home', a duet with Katie Melua. She discards her squeaky clean '9 Million Bicycles' and 'Closest Thing To Crazy' for a more bluesy vocal that I'd love to see her repeat.
There's a brothers in arms moment on 'Devoted To You', a duet with brother Robin, and the Stevie Wonder classic 'Village Ghetto Land' features children on the intro but UB40 fans will love this and Sly & Robbie must be complimented for their Programming and Drum & Bass contribution. It's certainly an album that deserves to take Ali Campbell to a Higher Ground.
Now, front man Ali Campbell releases a new solo album featuring a mix of some new tracks and a selection of tried and tested classics that UB40 haven't managed to get their hands on yet.
The opening self-penned title track 'Running Free' features Beverly Knight who can hold her own on any song and this one is catchy and uptempo. Of the other self-penned tracks 'I Want One Of Those is one of the best with an unusual sounding percussion beat that is worthy of a single release. 'Flex' continues the percussion influence with a samba flavour, while 'Cold Around My Heart' is typically UB40.
It's the contribution from household names and covers of several classics that'll gain this albums attention. Lemar helps out on 'I'll Be Standing By' and Bitty McLean duets on a cover of Charles & Eddie's 'Would I Lie To You'.
No doubt a life-long ambition is fulfilled with the duet on 'Hallelujah Time' with Smokey Robinson, while Mick Hucknall shows up on the Robinson classic 'Being With You'.
For me the standout number is 'Don't Try This At Home', a duet with Katie Melua. She discards her squeaky clean '9 Million Bicycles' and 'Closest Thing To Crazy' for a more bluesy vocal that I'd love to see her repeat.
There's a brothers in arms moment on 'Devoted To You', a duet with brother Robin, and the Stevie Wonder classic 'Village Ghetto Land' features children on the intro but UB40 fans will love this and Sly & Robbie must be complimented for their Programming and Drum & Bass contribution. It's certainly an album that deserves to take Ali Campbell to a Higher Ground.
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