Ali Campbell, UB40’s front man, is back on form with his first solo album, Running Free.

This 14-track album comprises of solo songs and also joint ventures with current and past artists, and is 52 minutes and 16 seconds of pure chilled out, relaxed, reggae bliss.

Stars such as Katie Melua, Beverley Knight and Lemar feature on this album, as well as past greats like Smokey Robinson.

The first track on the album is also the album title Running Free. The track contains the vocals of Beverley Knight. It is the perfect chilled start and it is a signal for how the album is set to carry on.

The album doesn’t tend to get out of second gear, however with an album like Running Free, this is exactly what you want. Its chilled out mood and sound relaxes you and it takes you away in to a different world where hectic life can be forgotten about and you can feel that this is how life was meant to be.

UB40 fans will not be disappointed with Campbell’s solo album. It has a feeling that is very similar to that of his previous work, however this album is much more laid back and easy-going than UB40. This laid back feel will not disappoint fans as it is still very easy listen to and will draw a big following and undoubtedly sell well.

With stars such as Lemar, Smokey Robinson and Beverley Knight, it seems that the people in the know feel that the album is going to be successful and that Ali Campbell and his solo work is still as good as all the hits, Such as Red Red Wine and I Got You Babe.

With such a blissful, easy to listen to album, this will draw more people in to listening to reggae, and who can blame them. With this album it looks like the British reggae scene is back in the safe hands of Ali Campbell. If this album is anything to go by, the scene is looking strong and looks to be good for the foreseeable future.