Top tracks — play these first
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C’est la vie Start here — This track opens the album with its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, showcasing UB40's signature fusion of reggae and pop that appeals widely to listeners.
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Bring Me Your Cup — A standout track that reflects UB40’s social consciousness, it combines infectious melodies with lyrics that encourage unity and sharing, resonating with the band's ethos.
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Can’t Help Falling in Love — UB40's reggae-infused cover transforms this classic love song into a laid-back anthem, demonstrating their ability to reinterpret well-known tracks while maintaining emotional depth.
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Things Ain’t Like They Used to Be — This track captures a sense of nostalgia and critique of modern life, combining poignant lyrics with a smooth reggae rhythm that exemplifies the band's style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends reggae and pop effectively but lacks strong cohesion and depth for repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm.
- Several tracks feature prominent brass sections that enhance the reggae influence, particularly in 'Reggae Music' and 'Bring Me Your Cup'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- lyrical storytelling focus
- relaxed afternoon vibes
- gentle melodic flow
- reflective listening moments
- soothing background ambiance
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Achieved significant commercial success, solidifying UB40's reputation in the 90s.
- Themes
- reggae-infused nostalgia· emotional longing· cultural storytelling
- Career context
- Released on July 27, 1993, 'Promises and Lies' marked UB40's seventh studio album during a period of commercial success following their breakthrough in the 1980s. This album came after their hit 'Labour of Love II' and contributed to solidifying their status as one of the leading reggae bands in the UK.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Steel Pulse· Toots and the Maytals· Jimmy Cliff
Tracklist
- 1 C’est la vie Start here 4:31
- 2 Desert Sand 4:48
- 3 Promises and Lies 3:38
- 4 Bring Me Your Cup 5:41
- 5 Higher Ground 4:21
- 6 Reggae Music 4:06
- 7 Can’t Help Falling in Love 3:27
- 8 Now and Then 3:40
- 9 Things Ain’t Like They Used to Be 4:01
- 10 It’s a Long Long Way 4:29
- 11 Sorry 4:27
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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