ARTIST SPOTLIGHT = UB40 (3 songs)

This reggae-pop band formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England.

#1
After early success in their native England, the band garnered an international audience with this song, the 1st release from their 4th studio album ‘Labour Of Love’. Debuting 08/20/1983, this single (a cover of Neil Diamond’s original 1968 tune) peaked at #34 that year on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, while reaching the Top 5 in 7 other countries: Australia (#2), Austria (#5), Canada (#2), Ireland (#1), Netherlands (#1), New Zealand (#1) & England (#1). A 1988 re-release claimed #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

#2
Mid to late 1980s success came in the form of songs like 1984’s “If It Happens Again”, 1985’s “I Got You Babe” (featuring Chrissie Hynde), 1985’s “Don’t Break My Heart”, 1986’s “Sing Our Own Song” & 1989’s “Homely Girl”. The band kicked off the 1990s with this song, a cover of Al Green’s 1973 hit. Their version peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1990; it also reached #3 in Australia, #9 in Netherlands & #6 in New Zealand.

#3
This song, the 6th release from their album ‘Labour Of Love II’ & a cover of The Temptations’ 1964 hit, was featured in the movie ‘Black Rain’. It was released as a single in late 1990 & peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 & #21 on the Adult Contemporary charts. Their last internationally successful song was 1993’s “Falling In Love With You”, a cover of Elvis Presley’s 1961 tune which claimed #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart & in 11 other countries.