UB40 - Sing Our Own Song (DEP International)

Here we have the mighty UB40 getting back to their reggae roots. This bouncy little track has a playful melody with lots of sweet backing vocals but there is a moral to this story. 'Sing Our Own Song' has a strong anti-apartheid message with the chant of 'Amandla Awethu' (meaning 'power is ours') ringing out from behind the chorus. If this is a taste of what we can expect from UB40's forthcoming album then it is sure to be a biggie! 4/5 (Paige Kilponen, No 1, June 28, 1986)

Bubbling up-tempo anti-Apartheid anthem lacking the languorous, dragged out beat of their best work. I always like 'em better when they sound a bit miserable, a bit dour Midlands, but this is OK. (Jim Reid, Record Mirror, June 28, 1986)

At least this time it is their own song as they've thankfully resisted the temptation to lift yet another reggae "classic". A simple, catchy and pleasing song that wears its political heart on its sleeve and manages to do it without once using the words "revolution", "constitution" or "solution".  (Lola Borg, Smash Hits, July 2, 1986)

Philip Jap - Save Us (A&M)

In which Jap half-heartedly tries to be Bowie and Producer Trevor Horn (Any relation, Dave? - Ed.) proves that even he can make mistakes. (Dave Rimmer, Smash Hits, May 13, 1982)

UB40 - All I Want To Do (DEP International)

Mein Gott! Never have UB40 sounded so forceful! Without losing sight of the fact that it's the tune that counts, they've cranked up the clattering drums and encased the reggae in a big, bold, brassy arrangement that nothing short of a Sherman tank will stop. You even get the lyrics on the sleeve so you can make out what Ali "I sang that without moving my lips" Campbell is slurring on about (i.e. escaping the drudgery of work for an island in the sun with the loved one). Perfectly splendid stuff and Runner Up Single Of The Fortnight. (Ian Cranna, Smash Hits, September 10, 1986)

If they wallowed, UB40's tales of life's sweet injustices would be unbearable. Instead they splash on the water-colours and you come out wondering what you were fussing about. "All I Want To Do" is as chirrupy as the robin at the end of Perkins' garden. 4/5 (Paul Simper, No 1, September 20, 1986)

This is real Max Bygraves' reggae, singalongadreadlock. Strange band UB40, they either move me close to tears with the emotion in their singles, or leave me untouched. This waxing, which seems to have been rushed out while the taste of "Sing Our Own Song" still lingers, falls into the latter category. Just another track I'm afraid. (Robin Smith, Record Mirror, September 20, 1986)