UB40 – Present Arms (VG/VG) – LP, UK 1981

Present Arms is an LP by UB40 from 1981 released on the DEP International label.

About this album

Present Arms is a taut, politically engaged reggae album that sharpened UB40’s sound and reputation in 1981. Mixing laid-back grooves with dub accents and pointed social commentary, it shows the Birmingham band turning everyday realities into accessible, radio-friendly protest music. One in Ten became one of UB40’s defining songs, while the title track and Sardonicus underline the group’s skill at balancing melody, rhythm and message. Following their breakthrough debut, this album helped establish UB40 as one of Britain’s most distinctive crossover reggae acts, bringing roots-informed music to a wider pop audience without losing its political bite.