Originally published by the Saturday Star, 10 November 2007
Ali Campbell
Running Free
3/5
Ali Campbell’s new solo album, Running Free, is as easy on the ears as any of UB40s previous offerings. This album sees Campbell, the voice of UB40, opting not to diverge from the trademark reggae/dub sound that has found himself and his crew worldwide fame. As UB40 themselves are best known for their re-interpretations of compositions such as Neil Diamond’s Red Red Wine and Elvis Presley’s (I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You, Campbell has on this release incorporated various cover versions alongside some of his own writings. Covered highlights include the Charles and Eddie hit Would I Lie to You, Johnny Nash’s Hold Me Tight and Bob Marley’s Hallelujah Time. But the strongest of all the tracks on this release is a Campbell composition, the title track – Running Free. It is striking composition and is performed with the required conviction so as to be convincing. However, certain performances featured here lack veracity, and the album wanes a little in parts, and the inclusion of various industry stars such as Mick Hucknall and Katie Melua could not incite enough fervour to make this a particularly remarkable release. It is, nonetheless, a fair adult contemporary album to be enjoyed alongside the pool this summer.
