Can't Help Falling In Love
by UB40

Album: Promises And Lies (1993)
Charted: 1 1
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Elvis Presley originally recorded this in 1961. UB40 were asked to record an Elvis tune of their choice for a new film called Honeymoon In Vegas. The band's drummer, James Brown, suggested they record this song because it was one of his favorites. The band agreed but when they presented the song to the film director Andrew Bergman, they learned that a few other acts had recorded the same song, with Clarence Giddons and Bruno Hernandez's version making it into the film, whilst Bono's version ended up on the soundtrack album, even though it wasn't in the film. However it was included on the soundtrack for the movie Sliver, starring Sharon Stone and William Baldwin.

    Guitarist Robin Campbell admitted in 1000 UK #1 Hits by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh: "We weren't all that happy with the finished version. But we thought it might have been used in Honeymoon In Vegas. We were going to scrap it because we were working on our new album Promises and Lies at the time and we were determined not to put any cover versions on it." Most of the band were against including the track on the album because, as Robin said, "They thought it wasn't representative of the album, but I persuaded them that it would be pointless not to, as it was likely to be a smash hit."
  • This was UB40's biggest hit. It was #1 in the US for seven weeks.
  • UB40's only other US #1, "Red Red Wine," was also a cover. It was originally recorded by Neil Diamond.
  • Like ZZ Top and the Irish band U2, UB40 has managed to maintain a steady lineup for 30 years. While they did use session musicians and certain members pursued solo careers, the band really never had to replace any members at all. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Aram - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Comments: 7

  • Cam from OhioMost covers are never as good as the original. This one is an exception. The horns at the end make it!
  • Luke from Manchester, UkEisso, the band were Lick The Tins and Allison Marr was on vocals.
  • Eisso from Groningen, NetherlandsThere was a version at the end of the film 'The snapper' which I really loved, it was sung by a woman, but I don't know who it was.
  • Stephen from Beloit, WiTrue that, Victor. True that.
  • Pete from Nowra, AustraliaVictor as John McEnroe used to say "you cannot be serious"
  • Victor from Vienna, Vathis cover was much better than Elvis' version
  • Kei from Salem, OrCorey Hart's cover of this song (on 1986's Fields of Fire album, peaking at US #24) was far better.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he Inspired

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he InspiredSong Writing

Before he was the champ, Ali released an album called I Am The Greatest!, but his musical influence is best heard in the songs he inspired.

Michael Sweet of Stryper

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.

Devo

DevoSongwriter Interviews

Devo founders Mark Mothersbaugh and Jerry Casale take us into their world of subversive performance art. They may be right about the De-Evoloution thing.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Tom Bailey of Thompson Twins

Tom Bailey of Thompson TwinsSongwriter Interviews

Tom stopped performing Thompson Twins songs in 1987, in part because of their personal nature: "Hold Me Now" came after an argument with his bandmate/girlfriend Alannah Currie.

Evolution Of The Prince Symbol

Evolution Of The Prince SymbolSong Writing

The evolution of the symbol that was Prince's name from 1993-2000.