The Time Has Come

In The Time Has Come, UB40 presents a piece that, with its 4 minutes and 55 seconds duration, invites listeners to immerse themselves in a sound that feels designed to be enjoyed without haste. The production, handled by Dan Armstrong, Danny Canaan, and the band itself, along with UB40's arrangements, shapes a particular atmosphere that unfolds throughout the song.

The history of UB40 begins in Birmingham, England, back in 1978. The group's name, which evokes a UK unemployment form, reflects the origins of its eight members, childhood friends from the working class and diverse backgrounds. Curiously, they bought their first instruments with money from compensation received after a fight. After recording a demo that caught a radio station's attention, they started playing in venues. It was Chrissie Hynde, from The Pretenders, who gave them a boost by inviting them to be opening acts on her 1979 tour. By 1980, they released their first album, Signing off, and founded their own label, DEP International, with which they released Present Arms in Dub. Massive recognition came in 1983 with their cover of Red Red Wine, originally by Neil Diamond, included in the cover album Labour of Love. By 2010, the band remained active with international concerts, although Ali Campbell, their vocalist, had left the group in 2008 to form his own act.