“Red Red Wine” is a hit song by UB40, a British reggae band, released in 1983 on their album Labour of Love. It became one of UB40’s most successful tracks, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and later topping the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. in 1988. The song is a cover of a 1967 track written and originally performed by Neil Diamond, but UB40’s version, with its reggae influence, is the one most listeners associate with the song today.
“Red Red Wine” is a simple, heartfelt song about the pain of a broken heart and the narrator’s attempt to drown their sorrows in alcohol, specifically red wine. Despite the somber theme, the song is delivered in an upbeat, relaxed reggae style, which adds a layer of irony to its melancholic message.
UB40’s version of “Red Red Wine” is done in a reggae style, marking a significant departure from Neil Diamond’s original pop ballad. The band’s arrangement features the distinctive off-beat guitar rhythm typical of reggae, a laid-back bassline, and warm, smooth vocals by Ali Campbell, UB40’s lead singer. The addition of reggae instrumentation, such as horns and keyboards, gave the song a tropical, mellow vibe that made it stand out from other pop hits of the time. The reggae flavor made UB40’s version widely accessible and helped introduce many listeners to reggae music, particularly in the UK and the U.S. Despite its island feel, the song retained its emotional core, creating a balance between a sorrowful theme and an easy-going sound.
“Red Red Wine” was a major commercial success for UB40. It first topped the UK Singles Chart in 1983, establishing the band’s reputation as one of the leading reggae acts in Britain. Five years later, the song found renewed success in the U.S. when it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988, after the band performed it at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert.
The music video for “Red Red Wine” features UB40 performing the song at a party, with scenes of people dancing, drinking, and enjoying themselves. It reflects the casual, relaxed atmosphere that the song evokes, capturing the essence of UB40’s reggae sound. The video played a major role in boosting the song’s popularity during the early years of MTV, especially in the U.S., where the song found new life after its initial UK success.