The band is one of the most culturally diverse dub Ska bands with musicians of English, Scottish, Irish, Yemeni and Jamaican parentage. The band is named from the paper form issued by the UK government's Department of Health and Social Security at the time of the band's formation for claiming unemployment benefit (UB40 = Unemployment Benefit, Form 40).
UB40 were influenced by the many Blues Parties they attended as teenagers in the multiracial Balsall Heath area of Birmingham, their love of ska and reggae inspired such original tracks as King, Madam Medusa, Food for Thought, Signing Off and One in Ten.
Their early music style was unique, with a heavy influence of analogue synthesizers, psychedelic rock guitar, saxophone and dub producer techniques which were later perfected by the late Pablo Falconer.
Ali and Robin Campbell have a musical heritage, being sons of Ian Campbell, a folk musician.
The band purchased its first instruments with compensation money Ali Campbell received after a bar fight. They have had a number of hits, most commercially and to amusement of the band, "Red Red Wine", a cover version of a Neil Diamond song (in an arrangement similar to that of Tony Tribe's version). Their most successful single release is the cover of the Elvis Presley ballad Can't Help Falling In Love which was intended to be the main title to the 1992 Sharon Stone movie Sliver and was a Number One hit across Europe and in the U.S.
Many of UB40's recordings were inspired by 1960s ska and early lovers rock songs that would have otherwise been forgotten in the public eye. Their new injection of life into so many old Jamaican hits has resulted in many musicians' and producers' renewed popularity and income.
UB40's early music often tackled social issues such as racism and unemployment.
Other artists that UB40 have collaborated with include: Pato Banton, Madness, Bitty McLean, Chrissie Hynde, Robert Palmer, Hunterz, Japanese artist Mikidozan, French artist Nuttea, Lady Saw and Afrika Bambaataa.
Sweet Sensation
UB40 Lyrics
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When you hold me tight
Now I feel those pains aching over
When you say goodnight
[Chorus]
Oh what sweet sensation
You've got love and devotion
And I won't forget your charm
Now there's nothing left for me to say girl
But stay in your world
You've got so much soul deep inside girl
And love that's richer than gold
[Chorus]
The lyrics of UB40's Sweet Sensation speak about the rollercoaster of emotions and sensations that one experiences when the love of their life holds them tight. It starts with the thrill of excitement that courses through the body upon their embrace. However, as the night ends and the time comes to say goodbye, the pain of separation takes over. In spite of the pain, the singer finds comfort in the sweet sensation of their love and their strange devotion towards each other.
The chorus speaks to the power of their love and devotion towards one another. The singer acknowledges that the love they share is a source of sweet sensation and a strange devotion. He knows that her charm has captured him and that he will never forget it. In the second verse, the singer resigns himself to accept the fact that nothing more needs to be said between them, as they both understand the depth of love that they share. He acknowledges that she possesses a strong soul, and love that is richer than gold.
The lyrics of Sweet Sensation capture the mysteries of human emotions and love. They convey the feelings of excitement, pain, and devotion that one experiences when in love. The lyrics are expertly crafted to convey the rollercoaster ride of human emotion and the sweetness that comes with true love.
Line by Line Meaning
I can feel those thrill's walking over
I feel excited and thrilled when I'm close to you
When you hold me tight
I feel safe and secure when you embrace me
Now I feel those pains aching over
I feel sad and unhappy when I have to say goodbye to you
When you say goodnight
When you bid me farewell for the night
Oh what sweet sensation
What I feel when I'm with you is super amazing
Lord what strange devotion
The love and affection that I have for you is deep and unique
You've got love and devotion
You possess both love and dedication which I admire
And I won't forget your charm
I will always remember how charming and attractive you are
Now there's nothing left for me to say girl
I cannot find any more words to express my feelings to you
But stay in your world
I hope you continue to be yourself and live your best life
You've got so much soul deep inside girl
You possess an incredible amount of inner beauty
And love that's richer than gold
Your love is more valuable and priceless than any material possessions
Oh what sweet sensation
What I feel when I'm with you is super amazing
Lord what strange devotion
The love and affection that I have for you is deep and unique
You've got love and devotion
You possess both love and dedication which I admire
And I won't forget your charm
I will always remember how charming and attractive you are
Lyrics ยฉ Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RENFORD COGLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
PELI_C_275
Lyrics...
I can feel those thrill's walking overย
When you hold me tightย
Now I feel those pains aching overย
When you say goodnightย
[Chorus]
Oh what sweet sensationย
Lord what strange devotionย
You've got love and devotionย
And I won't forget your charm
Now there's nothing left for me to say girlย
But stay in your worldย
You've got so much soul deep inside girlย
And love that's richer than gold
Emer Murphy
This album and song gave me so much solace when I was a teenager. Played it constantly when I was pregnant and in hospital after that when I had my daughter and now she loves them too โค great memories, always of one of my favourite bands. Had the pleasure of meeting them at a concert in Dublin
IBE BANGIN
There's a ittle bit of UB40 in everyone, I just stole that from a Cadbury advert but the sentiments the same.
Kwaku atta Yorke
I have loved this music when I was a kid and will love it till I die...infact UB40 remain the best
Nah bro
Yeah bro. UB40 are the classics. Also the Melodians and general saint versions of this song are awesome too. Check em out
Thembisile Mene
To this day this is still as great as ever.. I'm very appreciative ๐๐
Curie Fong
Thank you for such wonderful sweet memories UB40... you're quite a "one of a kind" band....
Eva Urrutia
โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
Nikki Tepai
Nothing but good vibes. can't get enough ๐๐
Tony Gardner
I grew up to ub40 im now 31 and I still listen to them daily
Lia Vili
You can never go wrong with UB40๐Forever my Favs! Tropical vibes and Christmas Wishes to all around the world๐ฒ๐๐