There are certain albums that don’t just sit in your collection — they become part of your life. For me, The Wild, The Willing and the Innocent by UFO is one of those records.
So when I heard this new 2026 reissue was arriving — both as a 3LP vinyl set and a 2CD deluxe edition — I approached it with equal parts excitement and caution. This is an album I know inside out.
And I’ll say this upfront: this is a high watermark release in this ongoing UFO reissue series.
The 2CD edition follows the now-familiar format in this series: a fold-out digipak with period photography and a replica-style poster tucked inside. One side gives you a vintage press advert, the other an essay placing the album in context. It’s a lovely touch — just be careful with it, the paper is quite thin.
The 3LP vinyl set mirrors this design philosophy. You get larger imagery, more breathing space for the visuals, and that sense of scale that vinyl still does better than anything else. It feels like an album again — not just a product.
One small note (and you’ll expect me to say this): I’d recommend swapping those inner sleeves for polylined ones. These are quite stiff, and if you’re serious about preserving your vinyl, it’s worth the upgrade.
But overall? Consistency across the series, no corners cut. The Album is a career Peak
This album sits right at the summit of UFO’s catalogue for me — second only in my personal ranking, and on some days, it might even take the top spot.
By 1981, the band had moved beyond the Michael Schenker era, and there was still a question hanging in the air: could they truly move forward?
With Paul Chapman now fully embedded, the answer is a resounding yes. Everything just aligns here.
From the moment “Chains Chains” kicks in, you can hear it — this is a different beast. The drums of Andy Parker and the bass of Pete Way have real weight. There’s a bottom end here that earlier UFO records simply didn’t have.
And then there’s Phil Mogg.
I’ll say it again, because it needs saying: Phil Mogg is one of the most underrated vocalists in British rock.
His delivery is believable. Emotional. Human. Whether it’s the storytelling of “Long Gone” or the sheer power of “Making Moves,” he pulls you right into the song.
This is melodic hard rock at its absolute peak — hooks, attitude, atmosphere… and just enough experimentation (strings, textures, dynamics) to elevate it beyond the norm.
The Live Material – A Major Upgrade
The second CD features a complete 1981 Hammersmith Odeon concert, newly mixed for 2026 — and this is a massive improvement over previous version.
Earlier releases always felt a bit… off. Loud, slightly distorted, difficult to connect with.
This new mix is powerful without being crushed. Dynamic without losing impact.
You get a setlist that pulls from across their catalogue — “Lights Out,” “Rock Bottom,” “Doctor Doctor” — but delivered with a slightly heavier, dirtier edge than Strangers in the Night.
And again, Phil Mogg is on incredible form.
If anything, this live disc alone makes the CD edition essential.
Sound Quality – Is This the Best It’s Ever Sounded?
Short answer: yes.
This 2026 remaster, handled by Phil Kinrade at AIR Mastering, genuinely brings something new to the table.
I was sceptical — I’ve lived with the original vinyl for decades, and previous remasters (including the 2009 edition) already sounded very good.
But here’s what stood out to me:
- Andy Parker’s snare drum has more definition and precision
- The overall mix has greater clarity without losing warmth
- Phil Mogg’s vocals feel richer and more present
- The rhythm section has weight and authority
It’s not a radical reinvention — it’s a refinement. But it’s enough to make you sit up and go, yes… that’s it.
A High Watermark Release
Credit where it’s due — this series of UFO reissues has been handled with care, consistency, and respect for the music.
And this one? This is the standout.
If you’ve been following the series, you’ve probably already ordered it — and rightly so.
If you’re new to UFO, or perhaps you’ve only dipped into Strangers in the Night, then this is the one I’d point you towards — especially for the Paul “Tonka” Chapman era.
It’s powerful. Emotional. Timeless.
And in this new edition, it sounds better than ever.
ORDER UFO THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT ON VINYL
ORDER UFO THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT ON CD
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
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