The entire album consists of cover versions of songs originally released by the group's musical idols. The most notable track is the cover of Neil Diamond's "Red, Red Wine," which reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom upon its release. The song originally reached #34 in the United States, but upon its re-release in the US in 1988, it topped the chart. The album and 12" version included a toasted verse by Astro, later copied by Neil Diamond in his live performances. The band would later continue the series and release three more cover albums, Labour of Love II, Labour of Love III and Labour of Love IV. The album was accompanied by a video also entitled Labour of Love, consisting of various music videos for the songs and tied together with a storyline showing the band working in the dump yard and relationships with wives, families and girlfriends. The film was directed by Bernard Rose.