UB40 - Love Is All Is All Right (DEP International)

Another neatly-wrapped parcel of political wisdom, delivered with the usual adenoidal preachiness, this makes its way at snail's pace towards the obligatory timid dub section. Why anyone should buy this rather than a Bob Marley, Burning Spear or Aswad record is entirely beyond me and you can write all the angry letters you like, I still won't understand. (David Hepworth, Smash Hits, May 27, 1982)

UB40 - I Won't Close My Eyes (DEP International)

UB40 singles are always deceptive, seeming to have no obvious melody or structure at first, yet turning out to be hypnotic and addictive. Even so, this one does sound lacklustre on the few plays I've been able to give it. (Charlie Gillett, Smash Hits, February 4, 1982)

UB40 - Red Red Wine (DEP International)

Very neatly reggaed version of a heartbender by Neil Diamond from the days when he was a songwriter. Spine-shivering synthesiser plays sparing little lines that help drive it along. Deserves to be a hit. (Johnny Black, Smash Hits, August 18, 1983)

UB40 have always struck me as being a modern equivalent of Eddy Grant's Equals. They specialise in airy pop reggae that can scintillate you live and lull you into a false sense of security on record. This is very clever, lashings of memorable harmonies and a lilting tune. It's the acceptable face of schmaltz - but then Neil Diamond, who wrote it, knows a thing or two about the wiles of the public taste button. Could even be a hit if UB40 split up soon (just joshing, lads). (Max Bell, No 1, August 13, 1983)

UB4O - Don't Break My Heart (DEP International)

"I Got You Babe" may end up being something they'll never be allowed to forget (perhaps they don't want to forget!) but this beautiful song goes some way to restoring my respect. An irresistible rhythm section supports the band's most textured and atmospheric ballad to date. Love it. (Paul King, Smash Hits, October 23, 1985)

British reggae's pride and joy, UB40 return to the throes of the national charts, this time without the vocal aid of Chrissie Hynde, but with a remixed track from their 'Baggariddim' dub album. This is satisfaction on a more mellow scale. Throbbing bass and richly wondrous entities are entwined around a simple plea from Ali Campbell. Ambitious? Not really; but ardently superior. A hit? Absolutely. (Anna Martin, No 1, October 26, 1985)

UB40 - Watchdogs (DEP International)

Whatever the magic formula is for turning out good records which all sound remarkably similar without ever becoming boring or unduly repetitive, UB40 have definitely found it. This is another slab of big, bold, brassy reggae whose cheerful, chattering style belie some sharply sneering lyrics about the moral guardians of the nation. And, er, that's about it! (Ian Cranna, Smash Hits, May 8, 1987)

UB40 - So Here I Am (DEP International)

So here I am, dutifully listening to their new effort, optimistically noting the fact that they've got out of that reggae rut and started to bounce just a little. But still that sleepy feeling starts to creep over me and, without knowing it, I'm reaching far the alarm clock and starting to brush my teeth and . . . sorry about that, I was very nearly off just then. (David Hepworth, Smash Hits, September 2, 1982)

UB40 - Sing Our Own Song (DEP International)

Here we have the mighty UB40 getting back to their reggae roots. This bouncy little track has a playful melody with lots of sweet backing vocals but there is a moral to this story. 'Sing Our Own Song' has a strong anti-apartheid message with the chant of 'Amandla Awethu' (meaning 'power is ours') ringing out from behind the chorus. If this is a taste of what we can expect from UB40's forthcoming album then it is sure to be a biggie! 4/5 (Paige Kilponen, No 1, June 28, 1986)

Bubbling up-tempo anti-Apartheid anthem lacking the languorous, dragged out beat of their best work. I always like 'em better when they sound a bit miserable, a bit dour Midlands, but this is OK. (Jim Reid, Record Mirror, June 28, 1986)

At least this time it is their own song as they've thankfully resisted the temptation to lift yet another reggae "classic". A simple, catchy and pleasing song that wears its political heart on its sleeve and manages to do it without once using the words "revolution", "constitution" or "solution".  (Lola Borg, Smash Hits, July 2, 1986)

UB40 - All I Want To Do (DEP International)

Mein Gott! Never have UB40 sounded so forceful! Without losing sight of the fact that it's the tune that counts, they've cranked up the clattering drums and encased the reggae in a big, bold, brassy arrangement that nothing short of a Sherman tank will stop. You even get the lyrics on the sleeve so you can make out what Ali "I sang that without moving my lips" Campbell is slurring on about (i.e. escaping the drudgery of work for an island in the sun with the loved one). Perfectly splendid stuff and Runner Up Single Of The Fortnight. (Ian Cranna, Smash Hits, September 10, 1986)

If they wallowed, UB40's tales of life's sweet injustices would be unbearable. Instead they splash on the water-colours and you come out wondering what you were fussing about. "All I Want To Do" is as chirrupy as the robin at the end of Perkins' garden. 4/5 (Paul Simper, No 1, September 20, 1986)

This is real Max Bygraves' reggae, singalongadreadlock. Strange band UB40, they either move me close to tears with the emotion in their singles, or leave me untouched. This waxing, which seems to have been rushed out while the taste of "Sing Our Own Song" still lingers, falls into the latter category. Just another track I'm afraid. (Robin Smith, Record Mirror, September 20, 1986)