Had to jump in when I saw this was not a 5-star rated CD...

This CD finds the band in 1986 at the peak of their song-writing and production talents. Blending a totally unique meld of Reggae meets dub overlaid with wonderful melodies, this CD is the one to have if you only buy one.

The title track and Sing our own Song are eternal faves, but other songs like "Looking down at my reflection" and "I don't like the words" make this a can't miss CD.

The title track is wonderful -- an absolutely great recording. UB 40 has never been better and Herb Alpert (remember him? ) does a great solo on this track (hasn't lost his chops yet!). If you're a UB40 fan, you won't be disappointed with this one.

This is the one that started it all for me, a fairly obvious and unoriginal pick, but an absolutely solid album. You can't beat tracks like "You Could Meet Somebody" - it will stay with you forever when you let the simple lyric sink in, as well as "The Elevator" and "Watchdogs". A great collection, accessible to anyone whether they be a fan or not. Some put it down as being part of their "pop" sound era. So what. It's damn good and you should have it in your collection.

Sure to go down on record as an all time UB40 classic album. Fan of the band or not, you will really love this.

I have been able to be truthful in my critiques of my favorite groups and artists. This is no doubt one of their best works, unlike some of their later works, each song has a different jive to them. Not one song is worth skipping, you'll love them all..a definite buy.

Others to consider are UB44, Geffrey Morgan, and UB40 (that's the title of the album). UB44 is a little more polished than Present Arms, but very old school like Present Arms and Signing Off. Present Arms and Signing Off are very repetitive and may disuade you from giving them a try...hence start with Rat In The Kitchen...you'll dig it.

Amandla Awethu