UB40 - Homely Girl

What this video is

Released in October/November 1989 as the lead single from Labour of Love II, 'Homely Girl' represents UB40 at the apex of their commercial crossover appeal, translating classic soul and reggae repertoire for a mainstream European and British pop audience. The Chi-Lites original (1973) was itself a touchstone of early 1970s soul, and UB40's cover — produced entirely by the band on their own DEP International label…

Why it matters

A landmark example of British reggae-pop's commercial zenith, 'Homely Girl' demonstrates how UB40 synthesised Jamaican riddim structures, American soul melody, and UK pop production values into a globally viable format. The video is a period document of the late-1980s performance-clip aesthetic…

The director

Julian Caidan is a British film director and editor active in the 1980s and 1990s UK music video industry. His directorial credits include The Power Station: Communication (1985), Marillion: Lady Nina (1986), Iron Maiden: Stranger in a Strange Land (1986),…