Running Free

Known to several generations as the voice of UB40 Ali Campbell shocked the Brummies’s legion of fans last year by striking out on his own following a bitter feud with his long-time bandmates and their management. His second solo album includes a mix of covers and originals, many featuring some fairly high-profile guest vocalists. In truth, though, it’s not all that different from UB40 in style, substance and execution, apart from a bit of rapping here or a massed choir there. In fact the opening track ‘Nothing Every Changes’ (featuring Gentleman) just about sums up Campbell’s long standing approach to songwriting. Still, the maxim “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” probably works in his favour here. The title-track is a skanking, brassy instrumental, while his take on the pop standard ‘My Happiness’ is respectful rather than adventurous. ‘Everyways’, featuring Craig David, is a pleasant, if run-of-the-mill slice of reggae-pop. Elsewhere he embraces hip-hop culture on ‘It’s A Crime’ which features Sway while ‘Visions’ with Danny K and the Soweto Gospel Choir is undeniably rousing. Arguably, the highlight comes when Shaggy adds his inimitable vocal style to good effect on a version of the Tom Jones hit ‘She’s A Lady’.
Not unenjoyable but hardly necessary.

Key Track: ‘She's A Lady’