Unearthing UB40’s Classic Gem: The Timeless Tale of “One in Ten”

UB40: Exploring the Impact of “One in Ten”

Picture this: It’s the early 1980s, and a group of multicultural musicians from Birmingham, England, have come together to form a unique and groundbreaking band named UB40. Named after a UK unemployment benefit form, UB40 was a clever nod to the socio-economic issues that were prevalent during the time. The band’s politically charged and influential song “One in Ten” boldly addressed unemployment, an ongoing global concern. In this blog post, we will dive deep into the song’s message, the band’s formation, and the roles of its members.

UB40 came together in 1978, and its original lineup featured the lead vocalist, lyricist, and co-founder Ali Campbell, alongside his brother Robin Campbell on guitar and Astro on trumpet. Other key members included Earl Falconer on bass, Michael Virtue on keyboards, Brian Travers on saxophone, Jimmy Brown on drums, and Norman Hassan on percussion. This eclectic mix of talented musicians brought a fusion of reggae, pop, and dub to the table, injecting their political perspective into the heart of their music.

“One in Ten,” released in 1981 as a part of their second album “Present Arms,” served as a protest song against the then Thatcher-led British government in response to rising unemployment rates. The lyrics are a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by those who lost their jobs, and the chorus “I am a one in ten” still resonates with listeners today. The song has since been considered one of UB40’s most essential tracks and contributed significantly to their widespread success.

Over the years, UB40 has undoubtedly made their mark on the music scene, selling over 70 million records worldwide and achieving multiple No. 1 hits in the UK, as well as the US. Their accolades include several Grammy nominations, with the band taking home the award for Best Reggae Album in 1995 for “Promises and Lies.” Despite their success, it’s worth noting that the band faced a few controversies, such as the departure of lead vocalist Ali Campbell in 2008, which led to a divide among fans and band members alike.

Despite these challenges, UB40 remains an influential force in the music industry, and “One in Ten” is a prime example of the band’s ability to create meaningful, thought-provoking music that transcends time. As we continue to face economic and social issues globally, UB40’s legacy lives on, reminding us of the importance of using music as a platform to voice our concerns and to promote change.

Charting the Success of a Reggae Hit

Upon its release on 9th July 1981, “One in Ten” quickly began its steady climb up the charts. The song entered the UK Singles Chart at an impressive position of number 33, almost immediately grabbing the attention of avid music listeners across the country. It’s worth noting that “One in Ten” was the third single from UB40’s second album, “Present Arms,” and it certainly didn’t disappoint fans and critics alike.

As weeks passed by, the catchy and poignant tune continued to rise through the rankings, eventually peaking at an impressive number 7 on the UK Singles Chart. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the band, as it was their first Top 10 hit in their home country. “One in Ten” spent a total of 11 weeks on the UK Singles Chart, showcasing its popularity and staying power during that time.

Not only did the song find chart success in the UK, but it also made its mark on the Irish Singles Chart. “One in Ten” reached a peak position of number 6 in Ireland, demonstrating the band’s widespread appeal and further solidifying their status as influential artists on the global music scene.

While the US charts didn’t embrace “One in Ten” as wholeheartedly as the UK and Irish charts did, the song still managed to make a dent in the American reggae scene. The song reached number 44 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, proving that UB40’s unique blend of reggae and political commentary resonated with listeners on the other side of the Atlantic as well.

In spite of not having a music video to promote the track, “One in Ten” remains one of UB40’s best-known and most enduring songs. Its chart success and lasting legacy are a testament to the exceptional talent and strong message behind the music.

Decoding the Powerful Lyrics of “One in Ten”

Before diving into the meaning behind the lyrics, let’s take a look at them:

Written in 1981, “One in Ten” by UB40 captures the bleak reality of the time, reflecting the social and economic struggles that the United Kingdom was experiencing. The lyrics serve as a powerful protest against the high unemployment rates, poverty, and overall hardship that many people faced during this era.

The song’s title and recurring phrase, “one in ten,” refers to the number of people in the UK who were unemployed at the time, sitting at around 10%. The song paints a vivid picture of the harsh conditions and consequences the population faced. The statistical nature of the phrase highlights the cold, uncaring attitude of the government and society towards those who were suffering.

The lyrics are a commentary on the lack of compassion and understanding for those who were struggling during this time. Phrases like “even though I don’t exist” and “nobody knows me” emphasize how the struggles of the unemployed and impoverished were often overlooked or dismissed.

The song also touches upon the physical and emotional toll of living in poverty, mentioning malnutrition, despair, and the impact on families and children. The mention of a “cancer-ridden spectre” further underlines the bleakness and hopelessness felt by those in this situation.

In the line “I’m an accident of birth,” UB40 brings attention to the idea that one’s social standing and quality of life can often be dictated by circumstances beyond their control – where and to whom they are born – rather than their abilities or efforts.

In conclusion, “One in Ten” by UB40 is a powerful reminder of the socio-economic struggles faced by many during the early 1980s. The lyrics poignantly capture the despair and hopelessness felt by those who were marginalized and neglected by society. The song remains a timeless anthem for those who continue to fight for social justice and equality.

A Visual Journey Through “One in Ten”

The music video for UB40’s socially charged track “One in Ten” was directed by filmmaker Bernard Rose, who has been behind the lens for a number of iconic music videos in the 80s, such as Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax” and Roy Orbison’s “In Dreams.” Rose’s experience in crafting visually memorable music videos is evident in the unique approach he took for “One in Ten.”

The artistic approach of the video is minimalist yet thought-provoking, with the primary focus on the band members performing the song against a simple black background. This visual simplicity allowed the viewer to be fully immersed in the powerful lyrics of “One in Ten,” which address unemployment and the ensuing social issues in the United Kingdom during the Thatcher era. The stark, monochromatic imagery serves to reinforce the somber mood of the song while highlighting the raw emotions expressed by the band members.

While the exact budget for the video is unknown, the production value is evident in the seamless editing and the use of multiple camera angles, which add depth and energy to the otherwise simple visuals. The video also effectively incorporates text that appears on screen as the lyrics are sung, further emphasizing the message of the song.

Although the original “One in Ten” music video remains the most widely recognized visual representation of the song, the track’s enduring relevance has inspired fans to create their own tributes on YouTube. These fan-made videos often feature unique interpretations of the song, such as combining the original audio with contemporary footage of social injustice and protests. This illustrates the lasting impact of “One in Ten” and its continued resonance with listeners more than three decades after its release.

In summary, the “One in Ten” music video by UB40, directed by Bernard Rose, stands out as an artistic and poignant visual counterpart to a powerful song. The minimalist approach, combined with the skillful direction and production, allows the message of the song to shine through and connect with viewers on a deeper level.

The Mastermind Behind “One in Ten”

Delving deeper into the creative mind behind “One in Ten,” we find the talented composer and band member, Ali Campbell. As the founding member and lead vocalist of UB40, Ali played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s distinctive sound. In addition to “One in Ten,” Ali has composed and co-composed numerous other hits for the band, such as “Red Red Wine,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and “Kingston Town.” After his departure from UB40 in 2008, Ali continued to make waves in the music industry, collaborating with notable artists like Shaggy, Bitty McLean, and Lady Saw. With his passion for music and his flair for penning unforgettable tunes, Ali Campbell’s influence on the world of reggae and pop is truly undeniable.

Award-Winning Legacy and Timeless Impact

“One in Ten” has held a lasting impact on both music and popular culture since its release. The track received critical acclaim, earning a well-deserved spot in the UK Singles Chart, where it peaked at number 7. This impressive ranking, along with the song’s thought-provoking lyrical content, cemented UB40’s status as a band unafraid to tackle socio-political issues through their music.

Over the years, “One in Ten” has also made its way into various forms of media. One such noteworthy appearance was in the popular British television series “Ashes to Ashes” – a show known for its strong 1980s influence and soundtrack. The use of the song cleverly added depth to the narrative, while simultaneously introducing the iconic track to a new generation of viewers.

Arguably, one of the most significant testaments to the enduring legacy of “One in Ten” is the range of cover versions it has inspired. A notable example is the 2002 rendition by the British electronica duo, 808 State. This electronic adaptation of the song, featuring UB40’s original vocalist Ali Campbell, gave a fresh spin on the classic tune. The cover was met with acclaim and was included in 808 State’s album “Outpost Transmission,” highlighting the song’s continued relevance in contemporary music.

Another intriguing cover comes from fellow British musician, Robbie Williams, who sampled “One in Ten” in his 2001 hit single “Supreme.” This creative incorporation of UB40’s classic further demonstrates the song’s timeless appeal and influence on musicians from different genres.

It is undeniable that “One in Ten” has managed to secure its place in the annals of music history. With its potent blend of compelling lyrics and infectious melodies, the song continues to resonate with audiences, remaining a defining anthem that crossed generations, transcended genres, and left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.

Diving into the Musicality

“One in Ten” showcases UB40’s prowess as a reggae band with a strong political message. Written in the key of E minor, the song features a classic reggae rhythm and tempo that makes it instantly recognizable and infectious. The chord progression primarily consists of Em, G, and Am, with occasional appearances of the C and D chords. This simple yet effective composition brings the lyrics to the forefront, allowing the message of the song to be crystal clear.

The tempo of “One in Ten” is relatively steady throughout, clocking in at around 76 BPM (beats per minute). This moderate pace is a defining characteristic of reggae music, which is known for its laid-back and relaxed vibe. The rhythm is driven by the offbeat guitar and keyboard skanks, a technique commonly used in reggae to create a syncopated feel. The bass guitar plays a crucial role in the song’s structure, with its melodic grooves and syncopated patterns providing the foundation for the rest of the instrumentation.

The use of brass instruments in “One in Ten” adds depth and richness to the overall sound. The saxophone and trumpet lines intertwine with the melody, providing a sense of warmth and soulfulness. The brass section helps to create a more dynamic and interesting arrangement, as well as adding a touch of sophistication to the mix.

One of the most notable aspects of “One in Ten” is its vocal arrangement. The lead vocals are performed in a plaintive and expressive style, with just the right amount of emotion to convey the song’s message. The backing vocals, on the other hand, provide a smooth and harmonious counterpoint to the lead, creating a beautiful contrast. This blend of voices is one of the key elements that sets UB40 apart from other reggae bands, and it’s used to great effect in this song.

A subtle but noteworthy component of “One in Ten” is the use of reverb and delay effects on the vocals and instruments. These effects create a sense of depth and space in the mix, giving the song an almost dreamlike quality. The choice to incorporate these effects was a deliberate one, as it adds an extra layer of interest to the song and enhances the overall listening experience.

In conclusion, “One in Ten” is a finely crafted piece of music that highlights UB40’s exceptional talent as musicians and songwriters. Its engaging rhythm, memorable melody, and thought-provoking lyrics make it a standout track in the band’s discography, and a must-listen for anyone interested in the reggae genre.