Think you know everything about UB40? Think again.

Even the most die-hard fans of the iconic reggae band might be surprised by these hidden gems lurking in their discography.

In this article, we’ll uncover five rare UB40 tracks that flew under the radar—complete with the fascinating stories behind them and why they’re worth a listen.

1. “Don’t Let It Pass You By” (1980)

Buried in the B-sides of their early singles, this track is a raw, soulful departure from UB40’s polished later work.

Recorded during the Signing Off sessions, it showcases Ali Campbell’s haunting vocals over a minimalist dub rhythm.

Fun fact: The band almost left it off the final cut because they thought it was “too experimental.”

2. “The Pillow” (1983)

This politically charged deep cut from the Labour of Love era was inspired by a late-night conversation about income inequality.

With its hypnotic bassline and cryptic lyrics, it’s a masterclass in UB40’s ability to blend protest themes with danceable grooves.

Why it flopped? Radio stations found it “too dark” for their playlists—but today, it feels eerily relevant.

3. “Riddle Me” (1988)

A collaboration with Jamaican legend Pato Banton that somehow never made it onto an album.

Recorded during the UB40 sessions, it was shelved for being “too upbeat” compared to the rest of the tracklist.

Rumor has it the original tape is stored in a vault in Birmingham—and fans have been begging for a re-release for decades.

4. “Cest La Vie” (1993)

UB40’s forgotten French-language experiment, recorded for a European EP that barely saw the light of day.

The band joked that their pronunciation was “terrible,” but the track’s breezy, accordion-laced melody is pure joy.

Pro tip: Play this at your next party and watch everyone ask, “Wait, this is UB40?!”

5. “Silent Witness” (2005)

A haunting acoustic ballad written for a scrapped documentary soundtrack.

Featuring Astro on lead vocals, it’s one of the band’s most vulnerable performances—and a stark contrast to their usual upbeat style.

Critics called it “the song that got away,” and once you hear it, you’ll agree.

So, how many of these tracks did you recognize?

UB40’s hidden catalog proves there’s always more to discover—even for superfans.

Now go give these underrated gems a spin, and let us know which one blew your mind the most.