Ali has one of the UK's most distinctive and recognisable voices and as lead singer with the world-renowned group UB40, he has sold over 60 million records worldwide, toured across the globe, notched up four number number one worldwide singles, over 40 top 40 UK singles, released 24 studio albums and received an Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement.
Flying High is very much a reggae-pop record, made up of a mixture of original material and interesting covers.
The album isn't short of collaborations either, with appearances from an exciting cast of international artists including Craig David, Sway, Jamaica's Lady Saw and Shaggy, Germany's Gentleman and South Africa's Danny K and the incredible Soweto Gospel Choir, whose music I could listen to for days on end.
Soaring melodies and reggae rhythms glide and bounce along throughout the album with themes that include conspiracy theories, politics and love.
The contagious and moving rendition of
Out From Under highlights Campbell's world class vocal ability - the first single to be taken from the new album, this beautiful ballad evokes strong emotions and lyrically may help to shed some light on his departure from UB40.
She's A Lady, a cover of Tom Jones' Seventies smash, sees a pair-up with dancehall superstar Shaggy, whose raspy Jamaican rhymes entwine with Campbell's huge soulful vocals so fluently and with such kick that you're left wondering why the two haven't collaborated before.
True reggae lovers will be excited to learn that there is a cover of John Holt's 1970 lost dub classic
My Heart Is Gone.
Visions, written by Ali, sees Danny K and the Soweto Gospel choir join Ali on what is an anthemic and uplifting look at South Africa's future.
Ali Campbell will be at Newcastle City Hall on Monday, June 22.
Tickets priced at £30 are available by calling the 24 hour ticket hotline on 0870 735 5000 or online at
www.bookingsdirect.comTrack Listing: 1. Nothing Ever Changes ( Pierrot)
2. Out From Under
3. Everways
4. She's A Lady
5. That's Supposed To Hurt
6. What You Gonna Do Bout It
7. Visions
8. My Heart Is Gone
9. Don't Shoot The Messenger
10. It's A Crime
11. Flying High
12. My Happiness
