Top 10 Best Songs of UB40

Their first single and their best. A dark, haunting song about famine in Africa ("Ivory Madonna"). The saxophone intro is cold and cutting.nnThe lyrics are a fierce indictment of Western indifference, while Christmas bells ring. The contrast between the holidays and poverty is poignant. Danceable, but with a black edge. Reggae with a conscience.

A tribute to Duke Ellington and the greats of jazz. The brass riff in this song is iconic and lightning fast; every musician tries to play it.nnIt's pure pleasure. "Music is a world within itself." Ali celebrates the power of music to bring people together. It's happy, virtuosic, and irresistible.

Written for the birth of his daughter Aisha. The joy and pride of a new father splash all over it. It's a simple, sincere, and radiant song. A celebration of new life that touches everyone. And the harmonica solo is one of the most famous in the world.

One of the most beautiful declarations of love ever. It starts gently and builds to an exultant gospel finale. It lasts seven minutes, but never bores.nnThe lyrics use impossible natural phenomena to describe eternal love ("Until the ocean covers every mountain high"). It's warm, complex, and deeply moving.

The funkiest track of all time. That opening on the drums, followed by that clavinet riff... that's magic. Jeff Beck came up with the beat, Stevie made it a worldwide hit.nnIt's about superstition and fear of the unknown. "When you believe in things that you don't understand." The groove is so fat and compelling that your body moves on its own. Stevie Wonder at the absolute peak of his powers.

Stevie's ode to Bob Marley. It's a lovely summery reggae song with plenty of soul. The beat is tight and swinging.nnIt's about peace and unity ("Hotter than July"). The atmosphere is festive and positive. It shows how effortlessly Stevie takes on different genres.

A funk-rock track driven by a dirty, scraping clavinet riff. Stevie played all the instruments on this song himself.nnIt's about reincarnation and getting a second chance in life (written shortly before his serious car accident). The energy is driving and spiritual.

A dark, serious song with a hypnotic strings section (from a synthesizer). Famous from the sample in "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio.nnThe lyrics criticize people living in the past and ignoring today's problems. The atmosphere is ominous and haunting. A masterpiece of atmosphere and social criticism.

An early Motown classic. It's raw, energetic, and full of soul. The brass are sharp and the "shout" at the beginning sets the tone immediately.nnIt's about completely surrendering to love, even if you've made mistakes. "Here I am baby." It's an explosion of joy that fills every dance floor.

His biggest hit, written by Neil Diamond. The rap (toast) by Astro in the middle is legendary.nnIt's about drinking to forget, but the music is so happy you almost forget that. The groove is lazy and hypnotic. It was the song that brought reggae definitely to the hit lists. A timeless classic.