Listen to the voices - Labi Siffre

In 1985, Labi Siffre came out of a self-imposed retirement from music after five years, when he saw a television film from South Africa showing a white soldier shooting at black children. He wrote '(Something inside) So strong', relaunching his career. The song has remained enduringly popular and is an example of the political and sociological thread running through much of Siffre’s lyrics - although personally I didn't like that song.

The follow-up 'Listen to the voices' appealed more to me, although that one was significantly less popular in the charts. It reached number 23 in the Dutch Top 40, but didn't chart in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 692
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, December 1, 1988
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Listen to the voices' / 'Never let you down'

It must be love - Labi Siffre

Made famous in 1981 by Madness, 'It must be love' was originally written and recorded by Labi Siffre. He was born on June 25, 1945 and recorded his debut album in 1970. 'It must be love' was released a year later as a track from his album 'Crying Laughing Loving Lying'. The original version is notable for its simplicity, whereas the Madness version was more heavily produced.

My collection: 7" single no. 3537

Found: Empire Records, January 9, 2009

Cost: 0,5 euro

Tracks: 'It must be love' / 'To find love'

Download: here