On this day May 29, 1981, UB40 released their second studio album Present Arms. The album continued their socially conscious message while blending reggae rhythms with political themes that resonated with a growing audience in the UK and beyond.
Present Arms was a commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. The album featured standout tracks like One in Ten and Don’t Let It Pass You By, helping to establish UB40 as a leading force in British reggae and protest music during the early 1980s.
Fun fact: Present Arms was one of the first reggae albums to chart so highly in the UK without relying on cover songs, making it a breakthrough moment for original British reggae.
Present Arms was a commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. The album featured standout tracks like One in Ten and Don’t Let It Pass You By, helping to establish UB40 as a leading force in British reggae and protest music during the early 1980s.
Fun fact: Present Arms was one of the first reggae albums to chart so highly in the UK without relying on cover songs, making it a breakthrough moment for original British reggae.
