"Geffery Morgan" was the follow-up to UB40's breakthrough album "Labour of Love". It had favorable sales, but I think it was a disappointment to those buyers looking for another "Red Red Wine". As such, its been sort of an overlooked release, sandwiched between UB40's purer reggae/dub releases earlier in their career and the less-adventurous radio-friendly "reggae karaoke" they seem to be into these days. But "Geffery Morgan" is one of the great UB40 albums, with some of the best original material they ever did. The opening trio of tunes, "Riddle Me", "As Always You Were Wrong Again" and "If It Happens Again" are incredibly strong, and set the tone of quality for the rest of the album. Other highlights include the beautiful "Seasons", the jazzy experimental "the Pillow", the superb "I'm Not Fooled So Easily", and one of their great closers "You Eyes Were Open". This is truly UB40's transitional album. While the reggae groove is still strong, in many songs ("Riddle Me", "You're Not An Army") you can sense their movement to the mainstream. Note that their next U.S. release, "Little Baggariddim" featured their Top 40 remake of "I Got You Babe", followed by the "Rat In The Kitchen" album, full of watered-down reggae hits. If you're looking for the last, best representation of UB40 as accessable but authentic REGGAE BAND, this album is highly recommended.
