More Specials

More chill than the st, but good on its own

Starts off how you'd expect, and just gets weirder. Some solid Ska and a great dancehall track on the front half. A couple tracks that sound almost mariachi that don't really do it for me. The muzak/lounge inspired pieces were interesting but crude compared to the jazz they pull from.

I had a relatively positive experience with them the last time. But this time it’s not something I would enjoy. The political satire is fun but the music is mid. 3.5/5

Kind of groovy

This was fun but not quite consistent enough to get to a 4.

The second album I've had from them in about two months. Surely this has to be the last one, I can't imagine that 3 out of the 1000 albums everyone needs to hear are The Specials.... Yeah this is not really for me. I don't hate it but I would never listen to this again. As with their other record from this list, I liked some things about it but not enough to make me want to listen again or even listen to anything else they've done. I'll politely declined if offered. 2.5/5

Enjoyable but missing some substance.

Different and kinda fun.

Some fun ska. Not sure how they alluded me this long.

Ska is ska is ska. Idk it’s fine and not bad to listen to.

I like the specials but this wasn’t my favorite album of theirs. Interesting experimentation but I thought the straightforward 2 tone tracks were the strongest ones. The lounge-y stuff really turned me against the album.

‘More Specials’ is an exceptional name for this album because that’s all it is. not sure we needed more than one entry from these guys in the list. they’re pretty fun but seems weird to be here

Solid but chaotic. Not for me.

Hm, war erstmal skeptisch als ich bei Wikipedia "Ska" gelesen habe, ne Musikrichtung die ich eigentlich null ausstehen kann. So schlimm war es dann nicht, aber die Lieder klangen alle gleich. Ein Punkt Abzug wegen der langen stillen Phasen am Ende der meisten Songs, wo man anfängt zu denken der Player wäre abgestürzt und sich fragt wann es denn endlich weitergeht

Ska, etwas verstaubt heutzutage.

3/5. A pretty solid collection of laid back reggae, ska and blues with some unique and smart lyrics to make it stand out from stuff like the Police. I love the diverse songwriting style, very British at times and then quickly transitions to world music and then right back. It's an expansive record that I feel will be more enjoyable the more I listen to it but for now this was fairly enjoyable. Best Song: Do Nothing, Man at C&A, International Jet Set

Some albums can manage a slightly disorganised nature - Cornershop seem to have mastered this, for example. This album doesn’t. I get why The Specials are Important and generally enjoy a bit of 2 Tone. But this moves a bit far away from that core sound for me. It’s fine, but no better. I’m glad I listened to it, but I doubt I’ll listen again.

Lots of fun! Fun lyrics, fun sounds, fun music.

Cool for Ska… but it’s skill ska

Cool ska

The first album is a classic. This one not so much.

Not really

It’s hilarious how all over the place the reviews are for this one. More than usual for this site IMO. Whatever the case, this is perfectly fine ska. Not the genre’s pinnacle, but good.

Great album, I can see how heavily 'life won't wait' was influenced by this

𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘴 is an album full of unexpected turns, where ska collides with lounge, dub, and even easy-listening influences. The mix is intriguing and at times surprisingly bold, though the results are uneven. Not everything works, but its eccentric charm makes it an interesting listen.

I was listening to this in the car, so not as much attention as it probably deserves. I liked the poppier ones but not the dubby ones quite as much! I guess I'm just not ready to be a ska fan yet

This was an odd album. Some of it enjoyable, some of it annoying af, none of it to be revisited by me.

3.5/5

I like the A-side. The B-side is almost unlistenable

neat

Solid 3 star

English 2 tone/ska revival band. Instrumentally, they verge on punk at points… They have that punk ska feel. This is the kind of stuff that influenced Mighty Mighty Bosstones and that whole U.S. ska revival scene

2.5

Enjoyed. Hey Little Rich Girl. Crazy mashup of sounds. Never was a ska fan. They would be real fun to see live and dance to in small club.

Ska/two-tone isn't something we get often on the list, and this is the second Specials albums I've gotten. I'm not sure how much I notice is different between their two albums. I do appreciate a cute album title, and The Specials picked well for their second album. If I remember right from 250 albums ago, this album still has whimsy and fun as their debut. It takes a rare band to write political lyrics on whimsy tones. I'll give the same rating as before: 3.5.

I am not sure where these guys fit into the Ska genre but they definitely have to be on the forefront. The band sounded like the Clash was attempting to be the Buena Vista Social Club. I have to say that the recurring opportunity for a trombone solo was a needed change of pace in my life. Enjoy Yourself grabs you as a pool party anthem from the get go. I think the struggle I had was there was some reggae mixed in, and some jazz, and some punk, but it didn’t feel fully cohesive, like eating a soup that hadn’t simmered yet. From a historical lens, it was a must listen but being spoiled with spectrum of late-90s ska bands that had them to pave the road, this would not be my “go-to” for ska. If you grew up in this time, wow! Otherwise, it’s okay.

Random thoughts: * I don't know much about The Specials but I've always enjoyed ska music. It's nice to have more ska music in my life. * This was a fun listen, I'd definitely seek more Specials in my life. * I just realized I am familiar with some of their more popular songs not on this album (Message to You Rudy and Ghost Town). * Enjoy Yourself was a fun track for both the opener and the reprise. I swear I've heard this covered in a pub before. Or maybe it just gives off "this should be played by a band in a pub" vibes. * Overall good listen, will break out more ska and The Specials, specifically.

Playful and fun, I get a sense of later Beatles albums with some of their whimsical tones. Obvious different composition and musical style but some definite influence. Wouldn’t listen again

I like Ska. This strays a little too far, while not doing anything that impressive. It does have some real good moments. 3.5/5 Probably will listen again

It’s alright. It’s quite perky and upbeat at times, and relatively inoffensive. It’s not wowing me. It’s a ‘sit gently in the background’ kind of album. 2.5 rounded up.

21/1001 The Specials - More Specials Heard before? ✅ Revisit? 🫳 It's hard to deny the influence that the Specials had infusing ska, reggae, music hall, lounge and often times biting social commentary. Whilst their debut had the majority of the hits, their follow up feels more experimental and whilst I can appreciate it, it never lives up to the highs of the debut. I still had fun listening to it.

Some special variety mixed into this, not what I was expecting

a fun reggae inspired album with some great horn parts, pretty relaxed and spacy instrumentation, and just good vibes

Rude boys get in here! This was fine. Saying this a lot lately but no need for this when we already had their big album on the list.

This was fine but felt a little repetitive to me

Fine ska. I thought it was cute that the album started and ended with different versions of the same song but otherwise could have lived without hearing this.

Interesting but not enough to return to

A little uneven but good at times. 3.5

Different and fun styles with the band coming up with some pretty catchy earworms. 6/10

3 1/12 stars A good introduction to ska. .

A fun listen. PICK IT UP!

5/10… ska / reggae

This reggae too white

Had more fun with this than I thought I would, though I don’t think I’d listen again

There's a bit of everything on this album, lots of different moods and genres. It's clear the band was having a hell of a time, so even though I didn't love all of it, the vibes were consistently good. Fun listen! Standouts: Do Nothing, Holiday Fortnight

Much more expansive than their debut, some excellent songs and great grooves, but let down by the gleeful misogyny of "Hey, Little Rich Girl". By 1980, everyone knew better than that - it would have been 4 stars for the wide range of influences, and how well they are integrated, without that.

♫ Listening to "Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think)" by The Specials (More Specials (Remastered), 1980) ♫

Listened to this on the home stretch of a looong journey from the Yukon to the Bay of Fundy, without context or forewarning. Battling exhaustion and fog so thick you could eat it with a spoon, I asked myself "what the fuck is this music" before proclaiming, "this music is on drugs, I feel like I'm on drugs", and "we're going to die". Spoiler alert - we didn't die

It's just okay

De start isch sehr the no special gsi. Nachher hends mi defür mit ‚do nothing’ abgholt, aka the special chill sound. Denn wieder biz verlore. Jänuu 3 meerschweinli für das

wott mi ja nöd z'wiit us'm fenster lehne aber ich han's gfühl das isch eis für de neduzen gsi ich persönlich han's no intressant gfunde & au 1-2 lieder gspeicheret wirdi die jemals wieder lose? probably not

A bit of a fever dream, innit?

This one had major Madness vibes — jumpy, cheeky, and full of British eccentricity, but with a darker, more cynical edge underneath the ska beat. Most of the tracks blended together in a quirky, toe-tapping way, though Man at C&A totally lost me. I liked it, didn’t love it… but I’m glad I experienced this weird little detour into dystopian lounge-ska.

This was nice, always been a fan of ska, it is such good music to dance to. I’ve never listened to any album by the specials other than their self titled album. Great listen

This leans way too much into the Jamaican vocals, which gives it the sense of trying too hard. That’s especially true for when this gets all psychedelic, which doesn’t really suit the album. One Specials is plenty for this list.

I like this stuff. Always have. Doesn’t blow me away. But it hits me just right.

Ok

Surprisingly varied album with a lot of R&B sound I did not expect

It’s fun and the lyrics are quirky and interesting. I almost feel bad giving this a 3 but it’s not something I would choose to sit down and listen to again:

Ya Mon! Good record that with some ska music that can be sometimes a tad repetitive. I get it…less is more.

Aika erikoinen. Kuuntelin kyllä mielellään, mitä kaikkea he keksivät levyn aikana, mutta lopulta kolmen ekan biisin jälkeen ei juurikaan uutta.

This album is a bit of a head trip. Going in without any knowledge, it was hard trying to decide if this was going to be ska, or reggae, or rock and roll...and it turns out it's a bit of a mix of all of the above. A "second wave" ska band out of the UK from the 80s. They start the album off with their strongest song in my opinion, and the rest is either mildly interesting or flat. Neat to hear once, don't think I'd need to listen to it again though. Definitely the type of album that has to be "your thing".

Felt average.

Enjoyed it.

It was okay.

What a strange and somewhat schizophrenic album. I haven't yet heard their debut album in this collection, which is kind of a shame, as I could have perhaps had the experience that many of their early fans must have had when they heard what had happened to their ska-rocking band, especially the dramatic and undoubtedly alarming shift from side A to B as "Sock it to 'em J.B." transitioned to an almost unclassifiable and immeasurably schmaltzy "Stereotypes/Stereotypes Pt. 2". It's hilarious to read so many anecdotes that their peers all assumed that the album was a product of them touring and traveling too much, and all that exposure to Musak in hotels, bars and airports (curious that this seems to be attributed as a distinctively American phenomenon, as I naively assumed elevators and airports the world round had adopted weak loungey music at the same time). Sad, though, that the widely divergent visions among the band members for the future direction of the band, universal exhaustion from touring, and Jerry Dammers' militant insistence that Muzak was the future of interesting music, led to a clearly talented and functional band breaking apart not long after the album was released. I enjoyed reading about the context of this album perhaps more than I enjoyed listening to it (this is especially true of the second side's goofy tracks), but I have to say that the unremittingly bleak lyrics set to often upbeat and/or kitschy music was pretty engaging at times, especially "Man at C&A", "Pearl's Cafe" and the two renditions of "Enjoy yourself" (and "International jet set" sets itself apart with the Coen-Brothers-like macabre story set to vibraphones). It's interesting that the Wikipedia article connects this album to later trip-hop bands like Massive Attack and Portishead, as I see a lot more influence from The Specials (or maybe just this album) on bands like Fishbone and to some degree The Clash's Joe Strummer's solo work.

enjoyed this but doesn't wow me.

Softer side of ska. Reggae and poodle skirt vibes

The Specials have a sense of being very important to the UK's music story, but actually, there's not a great deal special (LOL) about it really. It feels fairly paint-by-numbers to be honest, and very samey indeed. Not bad, but I think I was expecting a little more.

Not the biggest ska fan. Lots of this was fine. Lots didn't do much for me. Odder than I expected.

Great opening track and then it all started to blend

Meh

Honestly wasn’t all that special. Not the biggest ska fan in the world, but there were some quality songs in the album and overall meaningful/fun lyric writing. 3 stars, feeling generous

So this is ska… huh. I like it. In fact, one might even say I enjoyed myself. It was not a load of bollocks. ALSO COVENTRY REPRESENTS LETS GOOOOO!!!

I was actually very excited when this album popped up. The follow up to their debut album, which I had ranked quite highly on this project previously? Yes please. Let me start by saying it’s a good album. Musically it sees the band attempt to evolve their sound. Incorporating more moody sounds into their repertoire, lyrics that are almost more observational storytelling, and they maintain some of the protest elements that I liked a lot from their debut. But it reminds me of how The Beatles went from the energetic ‘Please Please Me’ LP to the more studio conscious ‘With The Beatles’. Some of the magic went away and growing pains were apparent. The difference here is that ‘With The Beatles’ was still a damn solid album. ‘More Specials’ losing that raw energy from their debut kind of hurts them more. It feels disjointed when it shouldn’t. You’re waiting for tracks to really pull you up and make you lose yourself in and it just… never happens. Not that the song selection here is bad in any way, but ‘More Specials’ feels like a lackluster sequel to their excellent debut. Like they raised the bar too high and just couldn’t quite reach it here. It’s a good album. It’s just… knowing what they’re capable of it’s just a bit disappointing.

A sharp left turn away from their brilliant ska debut, this one has a distinct feel of electicism all under the banner of muzak. Political and unexpected - sometimes the ideas just don't feel as smart or ironic as they may have felt they were. Best Tracks: Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think); Hey Little Rich Girl; Do Nothing

I liked this album, but couldn’t really get into a few of the songs. I like how the one song just lists 007 titles. Neat use of horns throughout. Favorite songs were Enjoy Yourself, Hey Little Rich Girl, and Sock It To ‘Em JB.

Ska is not a genre I've spent much time with. I generally liked this though. Some colt spots, but the passion was there and I love the song Enjoy Yourself. 3/5

Eine solide aber nicht außergewöhnliche Mischung aus Beat, Blues und Ska.

This album is actually really fun, ridiculous, short, and a good distraction. Though it does get repetitive I can zone out and phase out nicely. Sure it's giving background music I can listen to at work and not want to jump out a window but still. However I have a deep hate for extended deluxe remastered versions of albums on streaming services that get to a point where you can't even find the original track list on, I refuse to listen to an hour and thirty one minutes of a deluxe album version no one asked for.

Admittedly, I know virtually nothing about the Ska subgenre, but this was a pleasant surprise. While it's nothing special, it was a fun album full of twists, and turns, with an obvious Caribbean influence. Favorite Track: "International Jet Set"-The long lost Gorillaz song?

Was a nice album to listen to while going on a walk.

Sounds ok, songwriting is weak

I enjoyed this. Very catchy. 3.5

Standouts were “International Jet Set” , “Stereotype” , “Hey Little Rich Girl” . The others were just not up to the level of these.

Okay! Fun AF.

Borrowed island sounds Mix neatly in pop rock blend Making friendly jams

My thoughts on this are pretty similar to the first album - to me this mostly sounds like the kind of music you hear in a Sainsbury's advert. I think I do slightly prefer it though, it has a bit more variety and does a few things that they didn't on that one (that I can't remember, anyway) and that saves it for me I quite liked the more smooth and lowkey reggae parts, like Man at C&A. That has a sleazy, kind of sinister vibe from the creepy guitars and the Halloween-esque organs. International Jet Set is a bit weird too, the strangeness of that was appealing to me. Rat Race and Sock It to 'Em J.B. are decent too Other than my Sainsbury's complaint, I like the style and presentation of Steretype/Stereotype Part 2 but it felt like it was going on forever, but it's only 7 minutes long. I don't know why I felt the length with that one when I quite liked it I think I would give this a 3.5, better than the debut Highlights: Man at C&A, International Jet Set

I’ll probably never *love* the Specials, but this grew on me a little. On the first listen, a couple of songs stood out in a good-for-a-summer-playlist way, but then it started to sound like more of an album to me, and I appreciated it more.

Nothing memorable

Ska will never die

Does having More Specials make The Specials less special? The Specials’ The Specials is one of my favorite records of the era and yet I never felt like I needed More Specials. Whenever I had the impulse to listen to The Specials, I’d just put on The Specials. That album was truly special, whereas this one is just good…Hey, Little Rich Girl, Do Nothing, and others still shine, but the critiques and anger have softened, the music more composed and developed. It’s more mature, sure, but in becoming more refined, they’ve ceded some of their bite.

Prefer the first album

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not great, but some of these ratings a bit too harsh. I’ve heard worse in this project.

Yes, I did indeed enjoyed myself, thank you.

Musiquilla divertida que no tiene mucho más. No creo que vuelva a ella. Canción destacada: Enjoy Yourself

Oo the specials. Just s nice listen. I used to be big into ska, 3rd wave, but I think wayyyy back Pandora used to throw on some specials too. I've never listened to this one. Was more into the 1st album tbh. More is a good time though. Not saving a bunch of songs but I'll throw the whole album on again for sure. Some little dub electronics beeping and boopin like clu clu land or some shit. I enjoy

Ok

You know what to expect from the specials

3/5

Fun music, sardonic, dark lyrics. I liked this better than the first.

Usually this doesn't matter but I really feel like I should have listened to the first Specials album before listening to this. I don't think this is bad. There are a lot of good moments on this album but equally as many annoying moments unfortunately. Maybe I'll revisit it after listening to their first album but I doubt I'll really change my opinion on it. Favorite track: Hey Little Rich Girl 2.5/5

A weaker outing from The Specials. Not bad, just weaker.

++: Do Nothing, Sock It to 'em J.B., Holiday Fortnight, I Can't Stand It, International Jet Set, Enjoy Yourself (Little Reprise) +: Enjoy Yourself, Pearl's Cafe, Stereotypes/Stereotypes Pt. 2 +-: Man at C&A, Hey, Little Rich Girl 7,0/10

Ska

Having only heard The Specials' debut, I was actually more impressed with this one. It's very much leaving behind the 'pure' ska punk sound, and it loses some of its bite and punk attititude as a result. Not that the band's defining checkered ska aesthetic is gone entirely, and their politics of radical working class solidarity between whites and blacks is still there and as on-point to this day as it was under Thatcher. I think they integrate ska instrumentation into the other genres explored extremely well. There's all sorts of stuff infused with ska - lounge, Mexican music, northern soul, sounding great and comedic at the same time. I yearn for some more VICIOUS ska but I appreciate this softer style and can get the former from Rancid and The arrogant sons of bitches.

Decent album, reggae vibes, love the concept of the band 3/5

It's ok for a ska album, or pre-third wave. Not something I would have sought out

Solid

3.0/5

Hey little rich girl a standout, just not a ska person I suppose

Fun album

It was ok. Not the best ska

Pretty good but not as good as their debut

For this review, I'm not bothering with the second disc of the 2015 deluxe version. I've heard a song or two from the Specials, a very influential ska revival band. Given their legacy, I'm not surprised they had an album on the list, though I was not expecting to see their second album here. From what I gather, More Specials was more influential to later trip-hop acts like Massive Attack and Portishead, given the range of styles implemented. That got me curious, and after a full listen, I've come to appreciate the experimentation, even if it didn't work half the time. For sure, there are still fun ska tracks in between like "Enjoy Yourself", "Hey, Rich Little Girl", and "Sock It to 'Em J.B." that maintain a fast-paced energy with the guitar and horn complements and Terry Hall's powerful vibrato vocals. Even some of the wilder experiments near the beginning were cool to listen to like the apocalyptic reggae of "Man at C&A" and the laidback vibes of "Do Nothing" with its lyrics warning about obliviousness. But then side two gets weirder, and not necessarily for the better. They took more inspiration on side two from lounge music and exotica, with more dour sentimentality mixed in. As a result, I hate to say it but side two sounds more of a slog, except for the calypso-themed "Holiday Fortnight". Keyboardist and founding member Jerry Dammers was pushing the band in this lounge direction at the time, and I consider it a detriment. I can see why other members fought back to include more rockabilly and soul vibes because they needed the energy. More Specials is an interesting curiosity for this list, one I didn't mind checking out despite its glaring issues. Cherry-pick your favorites and go from there.

Fun Ska swanky. 3/5

Very special Ska with Mariachi and other styles.

Not their best album but a ground breaking sound nonetheless

Can't say that the Specials broadening the scope beyond ska a little for their second album yields to an unpleasant listen. Apart from the easy-on-the-ear opening (and closing) cut "Enjoy Yourself", *More Specials* has its share of moody hidden gems, like "Man At C&A", and even more crucially, the frankly incredible "International Jet Set". Call to hedonism are here a nice, snarling way to underline the topics such as mortality, the nuclear threat or, more pointedly, the roasting of the Tory agenda at the start of the eighties. The thing is, there is still something a little too disjointed in this LP lacking in clear stakes l. Which is a little maddening when you know the terrific non-album singles from that particular era of the band's career ("Ghost Town", "Gangsters"...). Call that a missed opportunity to release a truly 'essential' album. 3/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums 8/10 for more general purposes (5 + 3). Number of albums left to review: the 80-ish extra LPs listed on this app, included because different past editions of the book have mentioned albums that have since been dropped in subsequent editions. Number of albums I'll keep in my own list: half, approximately Number of albums I *might* keep: a small quarter, approximately (including this one) Number of albums I won't keep: a large quarter

Fair to middling

I saw it was Ska and groaned. I listened and heard Muzak and double groaned. Like shopping in a super market owned by Pee Wee's fun house.

Overall an OK album. I liked some songs, but I did not like the funk in International Jet Set.

Actually alright, something about Coventry etc etc

Previously rated: The Specials (3/5) ********************* More from these guys. I didn't remember the first one very well. This was British reggae/ska-ish stuff. A couple catchy tracks (Enjoy Yourself). A couple of annoying ones (Stereotype/Stereotype, Pt. 2). I'm not sure we needed a second one on this list. Not my thing.

A bit too campy and cheesy in songs like Enjoy Yourself, Hey, Little Rich Girl, Pearl's Cafe Prefer the 'cooler' & subtler approach in songs like Man at C&A, Do Nothing.

ekki nærri jafn gott og sú fyrri. en sprettir inn á milli. 3,5.

I like ska. I like The Specials. Or at least I liked The Specials first album. It seems those lads peaked with their debut release then quickly dropped off. Still a cool vibe but I don’t think we need More Specials on the list.

For the first half of this, I wasn’t really enjoying it. It sounded like a weird novelty act. It was momentarily saved by Sock It To ‘Em J.B. which I thought was pretty good then I sort of lost interest again. Holiday Fortnight was catchy though. A weird mixed bag. 2.5 stars but call it 3

Very good but I just didn’t ’love’ it as I find with The Specials

This was all over the place.. my first listen was probably around a 2.5 but subsequent listens grew on me and I enjoyed it more. 3.25/5

not as good as the first album, but not bad.

Positiv overraskelse! Ikke lige sådan noget jeg sætter på men jeg havde det meget sjovt. Amy Winehouse lavede et godt cover af Hey Little Rich Girl som var på Back to Black deluxe edition, kan anbefales

Synes virkelig det starter fedt, var helt klar til at kalde den et mesterværk for a-siden, men den taber en del energi hen mod slutningen

This is how western ska is done! I wish that Ghost Town was on the album instead of the extras.

I live the Ramones. 7/10 That said I NEVER put a Ramones album on.

A really odd mix of sound and genres but overall, it was a good listen

skanky

Strano, simpatico

I like the eerie undertones - Man at C&A, Pearl's Cafe, Stereotype, International Jet Set are the standout tracks.

Blends a lot of stuff: Reggae, rock and jazz at least. Sounds kind of weird.

For the most part, I enjoyed myself! 3.5

Not really sure why they bothered putting this one on here. Their debut album without question up there but this was very half-arsed

Some enjoyable ska but not the best on the list

Let's call this one "eclectic." All over the place, ok highs and very bad lows.

Ska uit 1980, maar wel van het meligste soort. Flauwigheid regeert, maar het wil nergens aanstekelijk worden. Leuk genre, vergeetbare plaat.

Pretty good, but I prefer other stuff by The Specials.

the specials aren't so special

**In-Depth Review of *More Specials* by The Specials** Released in 1980, *More Specials* marked a significant departure for The Specials from their energetic and socially charged debut. Known as one of the flagship bands of the British ska revival, their self-titled debut was a high-octane blend of punk energy and Jamaican ska rhythms, laden with biting social commentary. By contrast, *More Specials* offered a far more eclectic sound, blending a variety of genres while diving into more melancholic and surreal territory. This album stood as a reflection of the turmoil within the band and the socio-political landscape of Britain at the time. In this review, we’ll examine the lyrics, music, production, themes, and overall influence of the album, assessing its strengths and shortcomings. ### Music Musically, *More Specials* takes significant risks, pushing far beyond the upbeat ska and punk fusion of their debut. The album blends ska with elements of easy listening, lounge, muzak, and dub reggae. At the time, this shift was jarring for many fans who expected the same frenetic energy the band had previously delivered. However, it showcased The Specials' willingness to evolve and challenge their listeners. The album opens with "Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think)," a cover of a 1949 song by Guy Lombardo. It sets a strange tone right from the start, with its upbeat, almost carnival-esque rhythm juxtaposed against the bittersweet, cynical lyrical message. The band uses cheery, easy-listening instrumentation to convey a darker, existential sentiment — a key contrast that pervades the record. Tracks like "Man at C&A" and "International Jet Set" highlight the dub reggae influences that shape much of the album’s atmosphere. "Man at C&A," in particular, is eerie and apocalyptic, its slow, hypnotic beat creating a feeling of dread that complements its Cold War themes. Jerry Dammers’ use of organ and synthesizers on these tracks provides a surreal, detached vibe that, while distinctive, can sometimes feel alienating to listeners expecting something more conventional. Another standout is "Stereotype," where a lilting ska rhythm eventually morphs into a more chaotic, jazz-infused breakdown. The song's structure is unusual but works in its favor, blending melody and discord in a way that reflects the song's theme of societal decay and personal self-destruction. Songs like "Do Nothing" feature more traditional ska elements, with infectious brass lines and upbeat rhythms, though the melancholic lyrics still cut through the veneer of musical brightness. The instrumentation throughout *More Specials* is highly inventive, but at times, the mixture of genres can feel disjointed. The juxtaposition of cheery muzak and heavy thematic content is creative, but the lack of cohesion between tracks can make the album feel scattered and less focused. **Pros:** - Diverse musical experimentation, showcasing the band's range and versatility. - Unique blending of easy listening, muzak, and ska creates a surreal, disorienting atmosphere that mirrors the album’s themes. - Tracks like "Stereotype" and "Man at C&A" are innovative and deeply immersive. **Cons:** - Some listeners may find the eclectic mix of genres disorienting and lacking cohesion. - The laid-back sound might be underwhelming to fans of the band's more energetic, punk-infused style. ### Lyrics Lyrically, *More Specials* delves into dark, complex topics, often dressed in deceptively cheery melodies. Themes of societal collapse, urban decay, and existential angst dominate the album. Whereas their debut album tackled themes like racism and unemployment head-on, *More Specials* feels more personal, cynical, and inward-looking. "Stereotype" is a biting commentary on British lad culture, focusing on a man whose life is ruled by alcohol and promiscuity. It paints a bleak picture of a person trapped in a cycle of self-destruction, his fate sealed by societal expectations. The lyrics, "He's just a stereotype / He drinks his age in pints," offer a mix of wit and tragedy that typifies The Specials' lyrical approach. "Man at C&A" is perhaps one of the most overtly political tracks, with lyrics that depict Cold War paranoia and the looming threat of nuclear annihilation. The line "Warning came like a bolt from the blue / Now for a second time the world was at the edge," taps into the fear and anxiety of the era. The minimalist lyrical structure here enhances the sense of dread, as if the band feels powerless in the face of larger global forces. "Do Nothing," another standout, explores the frustration and nihilism of working-class life in urban Britain. The lyrics, "Every day I get angry / And I will say / That the day is in my sight / When I'll take a gun and shoot the lot," echo a sense of helplessness and rage in the face of systemic inequality. It's a haunting reflection of the time, capturing the disillusionment many felt under Thatcher's Britain. Though the lyrics across the album are consistently sharp and insightful, they often feel like they’re working against the easy-listening music rather than with it. This tension can be seen as a positive, creating a sense of unease that mirrors the band’s discontent. However, for some listeners, it can be jarring, leaving the album feeling emotionally impenetrable. **Pros:** - Sharp, incisive lyrics that tackle serious themes such as urban decay, societal collapse, and personal disillusionment. - Clever juxtaposition of dark themes with bright, often ironic musical backdrops. - Songs like "Stereotype" and "Do Nothing" stand out as poignant, relatable commentaries on British life. **Cons:** - The darker, more introspective lyrics might feel overly cynical or nihilistic to some listeners. - The lyrical themes can feel overwhelming when paired with the seemingly cheerful musical arrangements. ### Production Jerry Dammers, the band’s keyboardist and primary songwriter, handled much of the production on *More Specials*, and his fingerprints are all over the album's sound. The production style is bold, with Dammers' affinity for vintage lounge music and dub reggae evident throughout. The album is laced with haunting effects, reverb-drenched vocals, and a muted, detached feeling that amplifies the sense of unease. The use of muzak-style production on songs like "International Jet Set" plays into the album's themes of disillusionment and boredom, yet it also strips the songs of some emotional immediacy. The production often makes it feel like the listener is floating in a surreal, dystopian environment. This works to the album’s benefit on tracks like "Man at C&A," where the spacey, dub-influenced production heightens the song's apocalyptic mood. At times, however, the heavy use of effects and the subdued atmosphere can make the album feel cold and distant. Some tracks suffer from overproduction, with too much focus on creating a surreal soundscape at the expense of emotional engagement. This can lead to a sense of detachment, where the listener may appreciate the creativity but feel less connected to the music on a visceral level. **Pros:** - Innovative production techniques, blending lounge music, dub, and easy listening to create a unique soundscape. - The surreal production enhances the album’s themes of disillusionment and existential dread. - Jerry Dammers’ use of reverb, echo, and spacey effects contributes to the eerie, detached mood. **Cons:** - The cold, detached production can make the album feel emotionally distant at times. - Some tracks feel overproduced, losing emotional immediacy in the process. ### Themes The central theme of *More Specials* is disillusionment — both personal and societal. The album captures a Britain on the brink of collapse, struggling under the weight of Thatcherism, unemployment, and Cold War tensions. While their debut album was a more direct attack on societal issues, *More Specials* is more of a slow, cynical reflection on the futility of change. The band no longer sounds angry — they sound defeated, trapped in a world that’s slowly crumbling. Tracks like "Do Nothing" and "Stereotype" address personal disillusionment, exploring themes of hopelessness, self-destruction, and the numbing effects of routine. The characters in these songs are trapped in a cycle they can’t escape, their lives defined by boredom, excess, and a lack of purpose. On a broader level, the album also tackles themes of political and social decline. "Man at C&A" reflects the anxieties of the Cold War, while songs like "International Jet Set" critique the superficiality and emptiness of modern consumer culture. Even the seemingly cheerful "Enjoy Yourself" carries a darker message beneath its bright exterior, reminding the listener that time is fleeting and life is ultimately meaningless. **Pros:** - Thought-provoking exploration of themes like disillusionment, urban decay, and existential angst. - The album effectively captures the mood of Britain in the early 1980s, offering a bleak but insightful commentary on society. - The juxtaposition of dark themes with cheery music creates a powerful sense of irony. **Cons:** - The overwhelmingly dark themes may be off-putting to listeners looking for something more hopeful or uplifting. - The album's themes of disillusionment can feel repetitive and emotionally draining over time. ### Influence While *More Specials* didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as The Specials' debut, its influence on the music world is undeniable. The album's fusion of genres and innovative production techniques laid the groundwork for future bands to experiment with genre-blending and atmospherics in popular music. In particular, the album's use of dub and lounge influences can be seen as a precursor to the trip-hop movement of the 1990s, with bands like Massive Attack and Portishead drawing on similar sonic palettes to create dark, moody soundscapes. The album also helped solid ify The Specials as one of the most forward-thinking bands of their time, willing to take risks and push boundaries even at the cost of alienating some of their fanbase. **Pros:** - The album’s innovative use of genre fusion and production techniques helped pave the way for future musical experimentation. - Its influence can be seen in later genres like trip-hop and in the work of bands exploring darker, moodier soundscapes. **Cons:** - The album’s initial lack of commercial success limited its immediate impact on mainstream music at the time. ### Conclusion *More Specials* is an ambitious, complex album that showcases The Specials' willingness to evolve and experiment. Its eclectic blend of ska, dub, lounge, and easy listening creates a unique, surreal atmosphere that mirrors the album’s dark lyrical themes of disillusionment and societal decay. While its eclecticism and cold production may alienate some listeners, the album’s innovative approach to genre-blending and its sharp, thought-provoking lyrics have ensured its place as an influential work in the band’s discography and beyond. **Overall Pros:** - Diverse and inventive musical experimentation. - Sharp, insightful lyrics that tackle complex, timely themes. - Innovative production techniques that enhance the album’s mood and themes. **Overall Cons:** - The disjointed mix of genres may feel jarring to some listeners. - The cold, detached production can make the album feel emotionally distant. - The overwhelmingly dark themes can feel repetitive and draining. Despite its imperfections, *More Specials* stands as a bold artistic statement from a band unafraid to challenge expectations and push musical boundaries.

Squeaked out a 3 in the final songs for me. A few good ones but nothing “special”. “…it’s later than you think”

Great sampling. Need to listen again properly as was somewhat of a background listen. Solid solid album.

This album has a LOT going on musically and historically.

It was okay

An excellent and new to me early album by the Specials. Quite a blend of sounds and a fascinating mix.

Rock and roll plutôt classique qui puise dans plusieurs traditions (hispanique, caribéenne, funk, presque ska parfois). Dénote une joie candide, sans partage, même quand se fait sarcastique.

Enjoyed this, but was hoping for more from it.

This album was just fun. I loved it.

It was fine

Not special. Forgettable british music with a touch of ska. Stand-out: Do Nothing

Not for me

2.5

Depsite first song being a nice beginning for a day and a pleasant mix of World music overall, it falls a bit in the second half of the album.

It starts off ok with some fun ska-type stuff, but about half way it seems to loose the plot and becomes utter nonsense. It's a weird one but I don't fully hate it.

Pretty interesting Ska with some really crazy sound effects thrown in at parts. The random salsa song with Holiday Fortnight was an unexpected song that's for sure. Definitely liked this more than the last Specials album.

What in the British Jamaican fusion hell is this?? This album was all over the place. Really weird but definitely worked sometimes.

Eccentric ska that is more of a mix of genres and styles and less rowdy than typical ska. Standouts are "Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think" and "International Jet Set".

Enjoy Yourself // Hey Little Rich Girl // Stereotype // 2.5/5

Fun, bouncy and a touch spicy – just fine Ska. First record better by some distance.

I hadn’t heard of these before, and with good reason, because none of them are great

Ahh not that special. Simpsons: No

It wasn't the best. But they sounded like they were enjoying themselves and it did lift my mood so they get extra points there

The specials are like a bit shit, but in a good way? Like they’re just having a good time and vibing it. If I thought for one moment they took themselves seriously this would be a 1 star album.

Idk what that was but it was interesting, definitely deserves a second listen. 3.5

This is definitely another band worth checking out. Loved some of the tracks on here and am looking forward to listening to other albums.

I quite enjoyed this despite it not being my cuppa tea. First 3/4 songs are the strongest for me, quite liked Stereotype too. Sometimes it does verge on the novelty, but overall its a nice, happy album.

The first specials was so unexpectedly great which got my hopes up, making this one unexpectedly disappointing. I can't imagine a worse direction to take your second album in than lounge muzak. You can still hear a great band in this being completely stifled by the songs they are playing. If I was the rest of the band I'd be pissed too. Every so often it kind of works, particularly when they take it out and back into key every now and then, but it doesn't make up for how bland it is. Saying all this it's still okay, a 2.5, but such a letdown.

Still funky and relaxing but nothing compared to The Specials album. I always forget they are like a thoughtful Chas n Dave, I think I confuse them with other, more sombre bands.

Definitely not as good as the eponymous album, but I still enjoyed it mostly. Lost their edge a bit. Does get a bit generic license free music sounding in parts. Thought it started much stronger than it ended. Overall not bad Highlights were enjoy yourself and hey little rich girl 3.5

As far as Ska albums go (of which I'm generally not a huge fan of), this one is perfectly alright, even quite solid for a few of the tracks. 3/5

This album has its moments, and I enjoyed it more than their first, but not for long.

I don’t know if their first album is in this list, but if there’s only one, it shouldn’t be this one. I really like the Specials and I get it, this was “artistic growth” and a departure from their ska roots. But come on, it’s no where near as fun. And maybe I’m missing something, maybe it requires a second listen, but it just wasn’t as cohesive of an album to me. It felt like they couldn’t decide what they wanted to do, so they did a little of all kinds of stuff. I liked it, but not as much as I wanted to. Also, disappointed that there’s not one song about Rudy.

Det är ska. Det har vissa begränsningar, kan aldrig bli asbra. Det är lite najs, men kommer nog sällan (aldrig?) nå över fyra. Det är mer plojig musik, som råkar vara ok är lyssna på. Passar som stämningsfull musik på typ Bruna dörren.

Tycker denna var snäppet sämre och mer ojämn än debutskivan. Generellt är mitt omdöme liknande, dvs det är bitvis rätt bra men bitvis också rätt jobbig lyssning. Gillade Stereotype mest.

The Specials had some truly great songs but this is not a great album. The first album absolutely deserves a place on this list but i'm not so sure this one does. The ska tracks (Enjoy Yourself, Do Nothing, Rat Race, Man at C&A, Rude Boy Outta Jail) are stellar but the rest is just a hodge-podge of styles that never really hit for me. The first album + 4 or 5 from this album + Ghost Town is really all the Specials anyone needs.

The British bias of the book continues. This was popular in the UK. Not much elsewhere. The music isn't bad, but I wouldn't give it about 3.5, and as is often the case, I don't believe it belongs with the typical 4 star album, so I'm rounding down.

Decent Album

Good music probably new in the 70s for England. Had only heard 2-3 song before and obviously ghost town. But mice rythm and even thou I dont love ska pr 2 step this is a solid album. A little too long 24 songs its a lot but the nature of slow tempo ska is long songs so good for their genere.

Definitely loyal to the ska genre, but given that it's an 80s album, I expected something new to be brought to the table. The Specials delivered a messy array of fun, proto-reggae-ish bops with dated production and decently catchy melodies. Pros: it's just such a joyful, fun time. Almost reminds me of the Beach Boys' "Party" album, or possibly a live album recorded at a Jamaican bar. If I encountered the band playing this in public, I'd jump on the dance floor and have a grand time. A festive kind of feel, especially with tracks like Enjoy Yourself, Hey Little Rich Girl, Pearl's Cafe, and Holiday Fortnight – some fairly complex arrangements and interweaving of instruments here. Also, when the band hits its groove, it really hits it... Cons: ...but when the band misses, it falls flat. The female harmony is not at all synchronous with the male vocal, and anytime they're singing together I'm hoping the song will end soon. The drumming is also generally not great. It's either so simplistic that it's overshadowed (International Jet Set, Sock It to 'Em J.B.), leans heavily on other percussion (Pearl's Cafe), or it's very washed out in the mix (most of the remaining tracks). 3/5 Key tracks: Enjoy Yourself, Hey Little Rich Girl, Do Nothing

Good album. Ska is cool. I liked the general concept and vibe. This is an easy album to listen to, but not earth shattering. I didn’t have a ton of time to listen properly, so I will reevaluate on the next The Specials album or another ska album. ***

I like the mix of things happening here. Some songs would make for a great bar band number, while others are more kitschy and then others are a bit trippy, in a fun-house kind of way. And of course, there’s ska in the mix. But it never feels jarring. Each song seems to lead to the next. I could do without the female vocalist, though. She’s out of tune and just singing in octaves vs harmonizing. 3.4

It's pretty good, upbeat, and a solid groover. More nuanced and layered than I might have expected, which I like. The B side is pretty eclectic, but the fun of the A side helps propel it forward and keeps it cohesive overall - on its own the B side might be too out there. Pretty out there all the same. 3.7 (I learned the Go-Go's were around earlier than I realized).

This was pretty fun. I had only heard Enjoy Yourself before.

Good album

Who doesn't dig the sound of old Yamaha keyboards? More seriously though, I dig what's being rolled here, a blend of fun ska and rock but with incredibly grim lyrics about a rocky, disjointed society - that said, it is pretty dated sounding, and I'd be hard pressed to add any of these songs to my regular rotation. However, this is leagues away from the "unlistenable trash" some have proclaimed it to be. Tracks: "Man at C&A", "Stereotype, Pt. 1"

A classic. As a nipper I grew up with the Specials, so always nice to revisit old friends. Much more diversity in the genre of music found here, with calypso vibes as well as the ska/reggae sounds they paved the way with. Lovely.

Time has been harsher to Ska than other genres but there are bops a plenty.

More Specials is a great mood with terrific songs. Stylistically its a little bit of a mixed bag but I liked taking the journey.

Worth listening to, if only to try to figure out if it is good music. For me, it had really good moments (like the second half of “Stereotypes”) and a lot of juvenile tracks (especially on the second side). Other bands did the sound better.

This album started off so great. Loved the first track and was hoping the rest would follow suit. I still enjoyed its energy and oddness, but nothing quite measured up to that first tune. Still good stuff, and especially love the horns.

Each song was basically a different genre, they were mostly fine in their own right but it didn't feel blended particularly well. It kind of felt like a weird mixtape

I didn't realize it had been so long since I had their debut album. Time has really flown. Anyway, this music is a novelty to me. I can't think of anything else that sounds like this, except maybe No Doubt. That said, I'm not a huge fan of ska music, although I don't mind it in small doses. I kinda wish I liked this more, because it's so interesting.

A ok album

Very fun take on reggae. Could imagine listening to this by a poolside or sun bathing. Don't know if I'd listen in any other context though. Top tracks: Hey Little Rich Girl, Do Nothing, Stereotype

A bit too scattered for me. I like several of the songs here, but it's all over the place stylistically which makes it not the best listen as an album. The ska elements are improved from their debut when they do appear.

The first Specials album is a true classic. The follow up is not.

Not for me.

The Kinda-normals

7/10

It's decent ska, but I've heard so much better. I love reggae and all its subgenres it's just that this album just didn't hit me like this genre often does. It meandered on without really taking it anywhere. Whenever it bent to another genre, it fell flat.

Ska sounds like kids on a spending spree in a 711

Like a reggae and blue type feel I could be so wrong

I want to like the specials but they just don't get there for me

Good fun and interesting but not sure how this is "cited as an influence on the trip hop genre". Enjoy Yourself sounds like the a good song to sing at the pub with your mates. I enjoyed the journey on Stereotype / Stereotype Pt 2.

It certainly doesn't have the punch of the debut and sometimes feels like its running out of ideas Ok.

Lots of 70s sounds mixed with ska and some proto-hip hop. A fun listen, but not sure I'll come back to it

Music like this can be fun, but a while album gets a bit tiring unless it the best of the best, which this album isn't

Some songs were good. Others not so much Standout songs: Sock it to em J.B. Enjoy Yourself

jsut ok

Ska makes me feel like the walls are closing in. Run while you still can, the goblin army is approaching from the west. All over the place - random mariachi, spaghetti western and post-punk influences that sound like they were pulling music genres out of a hat. It surprisingly works. Apparently influenced Massive Attack and I can sort of hear it. I was going into this with the preconceived notion that I would hate it, but it's actually pretty fun, all things considered. I genuinely think this might be the best Ska album I've heard so far.

Album has its ups and downs. Definititely interesting to listen to. Best tracks: "Sock It to 'em J.B"and "International Jet Set"

A whole week+ with no albums from before 1980 let’s go. This was alright. If you’re into ska I could see this going crazy. Some nice moments, some that blended all together. Another song about fearing the bomb in 1980’s, just a few days after another 80’s album with a fear of the bomb song on it

Not my style.

The first song is so nostalgic for me !!

give them points for trying

First song not great. Got better. Lots of funky sounds. Ska music that just didn't quite go there enough. Two songs I liked: International Jet Set and Do Nothing.

Hello, I'm Terry

This seems yet another example of the author overstuffing the box with a beloved band. I too am a fan of the Specials, but there is not that much that's, uh, Special about this one. Like many other bands, it's great to put their top or most influential release on the list, with the hope/ expectation that people will explore the catalog if they like it. More Specials had a couple of standout tunes (always have loved JB style!) but otherwise didn't really show us much we hadn't already seen in their debut. I fully expect that the list's author will present us with the entirety of Fun Boy Three and The Colour Field catalog just to be sure we didn't miss it the first time . . .

Not really my genre ska but it was quite enjoyable on the bus to work.

Stick a 12 bar blues in the middle of any album and I'm happy.

Good beats.

Sounds like a wilder, reggae-infused version of The Kinks. It's ultimately less catchy than The Kinks, but at least it's more fun than their self-titled debut.

Better on a second listen, but there's some road bumps for me.

A fun jumble

A lot of this album is mostly the same all the way through, but it's definitely still worth it for the small moments when it does feel very unique. Ska isn't a genre I am really that familiar with at all, so this was a nice gentle way in. Definitely nothing mind blowing, a lot of it is very safe. But a fun listen.

Eh it's ok kinda weird driving music. I liked the James Bond song and International Jet Set

first listen it's not very good imo

Fun but I don't know how often I'll revisit it. Hanging out for third wave representation on the list

The first Specials album lives up to the band's name. This, the second, doesn't look nearly as good in comparison, but it's still one of the strongest "sophomore slumps" you're gonna find.

Ok fine not all ska is bad. Interesting to hear the influence of American R&B on this album of Jamaican music made in England. "I Can't Stand It" sounds like a Stereolab song.

Didn’t care for it….stylistically all over the place and the musicianship was not very good…I’ll double back and give it another listen, but for today…

It was fine.

I was unaware that ska went back this far! Solid album.

More Specials indeed, good stuff!

Love the Specials

that first track was a hot mess but the rest was fun to listen to. probably won’t listen again tho. not bad!

I liked the hits, didn’t mind the fillers. But I can understand this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea

good fun

Album is fine. Not great, not bad. I don't mind ska and not sure why this one is considered so great.

Mostly liked the UK ska sound, theme seemed to be lacking

This was probably my first time listening to an entire ska album. It’s a bit much

2.75

It's fun and different, and I appreciate their uniqueness, though I wouldn't say I really enjoyed listening to this record. Also none of the songs are memorable in the sense that I would remember the tune or lyrics. It's a solid 3 I think.

This has a few good songs, I don't think it stands up to their first though (although it's been ages since I've listened to that one either, so I guess we'll find out when I get there). Solid 3.

This album is good. It sounds like they had a lot of fun recording.

This has some really cool sounds to it for a regular ol' two-tone album. You could definitely tell the band wanted to change up their sound to adapt to the changing sounds of music, without removing their personality from it. That doesn't necessarily mean the whole album is up my alley, as there are often moments where the vocals annoy me pretty badly, and usually this style of music can get old pretty quick, but this is still a solid release that I feel probably at least has one enjoyable song for everyone.

Roots of ska and dub madly evident. But someone in this band thought too much of himself and the rest of the band didn’t push back… or I guess they did, because they quit shortly after. But they are what makes this good.

Avant Pop - Enjoy Yourself. Está bien.

Solid

This was ok.

Next 5 songs played by my Spotify Algorithm: Squeeze - Up the Junction The Specials - A Message to You Rudy Fun Boy Three - The Tunnel of Love The Rezillos - I Like It Dexy's Midnight Runners - I Like It

Solid Ska album

You know something went wrong when the album cover is in color. The unique style kind of fell apart as it got taken over by rock influences.

I liked it. Never heard of this band but it tickled my fancy. gg

Very familiar with their single 'Ghost Town', a banger of a song, but nothing on here rivals that. It's good fun while it's on but it's pretty much in one ear and out the other. Ska was never the most complex or innovative genre though so can't really judge it too harshly.

Lots of energy, I liked the horns, and the Ska style. Enjoy yourself was a good track. Overall a pretty good album

Very pop and pretty kitsch. Not as enjoyable as their first album, but not awful (the singles are still pretty good) just not very Special!

I did enjoy the beginning. I liked the music - did I hear trumpets? But towards the end it got a little ehhh. Not really sure. If it had continued my rating would have decreased but for now i’ll say average.

I can't help but make the comparison to Madness and while there's some similar enjoyable elements I don't connect w the Specials quite as much as the more upbeat melodies of Madness. Maybe an over-reliance on the ska side grates after a time. The sound is fine in short doses but over a long haul ... eh it just gets to be too much. On the positive side, the biggest aspect of this style of music and this band in particular is the arrangement - nearly every song has a relatively simple chord progression but there are often so many distinct melodies and counter melodies running through the tunes on varied instruments. It's worth a repeated listen just to pay attention to these fine tuning aspects. I like it, I like them and maybe more-so appreciate the song construction. I just think 4 or 5 songs is my limit at a time. 6/10 3 stars.

Never listened to these guys before - very funky and fun, reminiscent of the B52s. I loved "Maggie's Farm", punky and poppy at the same time.

Less special than the specials from the specials got on the list some special weeks ago. Too much special styles in a special single album. They should be specialists in brit ska, but they tried special new rhythms and end with a not so special the specials album.

Avant Pop - Enjoy Yourself. Está bien.

I didn't think I would enjoy this at all, but it turned out to be half-decent. Only half-decent though, so only 3 stars.

Great start, gets Luke warm later on but most of it is still quality.

Despite the band's name, I did not find this album to be very special at all. As much as I can appreciate the instrument work that went into this album, I didn't really care for the sound. None of the songs really stuck out as being that great to me. The singing wasn't anything to write home about. I can appreciate some of the lyricization for some of the songs, with there being some good messages in there as well, but other songs just didn't really make sense to me. While I can appreciate what this album tried to do and I have respect for the band itself, I just don't think I am a fan of this type of music. low 3/5.

More jaunty and typically British tunes.

I didn't feel it was, well, special, but it was enjoyable.

I can’t lie, I had fun listening to this. Very hit-or-miss, though.

More Specials hints at absolute takeoff, never quite getting there. The blend of pop styles is a good choice, though, saccharine but never negatively. My own self-seriousness is on mind and in ear; Isn't quite foregrounded on this album but is a part of the mix. Pairing with an aural smile is a choice that makes this release notably stronger.

That was pretty fun

Torn between 2 and 3 but I really like International Jet Set and I can see the quality. Ska just doesn’t seem to be for me.

This is an interesting, musically diverse second album by the Specials. I appreciate how the band has pushed themselves to explore other musical ideas beyond the ska sound that comes to mind when I think of them. Socially conscious lyrics that are still on point, even 40+ years later. High 3, not quite a 4. Fave Songs: Do Nothing; Rat Race; Hey, Little Rich Girl; Holiday Fortnight; Enjoy Yourself; Stereotypes/Stereotypes Pt. 2

Good!

going to be honest, didn't move me. it was fine, but like i'm not sure, i just kind of assumed a ska album would be more fun? a lot of this is just sort of uninteresting Walter Wanderley-esque lounge music mixed with ska and, although undoubtedly something different, does not make for a particularly interesting album in my estimation. once again, it wasn't bad, it just kinda did nothing for me.

More varied than its predecessor, and/but overall less convincing.

3.5

I don't really know what to say about this album. Musically it's... fine. The lyrics besides being a bit moralistic are ... fine. In comparison to their first album this album is just fine.

Interesting album but I didn’t like it as much as the other specials one. There weren’t many memorable songs on this

C+ Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think) 2 Man at C&A 2 Hey Little Rich Girl 4 Do Nothing 4 Pearl's Cafe 3 Sock It to 'em J.B. 4 Sterotype / Steroetype, Pt. 2 4 Holiday Fortnight 2 I Can't Stand It 3 International Jet Set 3 Enjoy Yourself (Reprise) 1 When I was in Budapest, the only TV channel me and my family could understand was the 80's music channel. It only played deep cuts for some reason, no hits. One day it played Ghost Town by The Specials. I was blown away. It was amazing. So, I reconsidered my Specials hate. Then, a couple days ago, we got this puppy. Well, the rest is history. Now, I'm a Specials fan, and I can humbly say, I think I am classier now than I was before.

Not a bad ska album, dragged in a bit

Po poslechu alba jsem zjistila, že existuje Deluxe verze, kde je moje velice oblíbená písnička - Ghost Town. To hodně pomohlo zlepšit mé mínění. The Specials mají opravdu speciální a rozpoznatelný styl, což je ale také trošku kamenem úrazu – vše zní vesměs stejně. Ale je to fajn formula, často satirický temnější text je dán do kontrastu s veselou prázdninovou havaj hudbou a je veselo. Texty jsou více či méně politické, ale je to takový docela standardní komentář, nic šíleného a revolučního. Většinou to písničku lehce povznáší, ale někdy je to hodně do očí bijící a poplatné své době (Why?). Celkově je to příjemný fajnový poslech, ale asi se budu vracet jen ke Ghost Town. Nejlepší písničky: Ghost Town (celkově naprostej bušič), Do Nothing (relatable text, super odreagovačka) Nejhorší písničky: Hey, Little Rich Girl; Pearl's Cafe (nicneříkající, nuda) Hodnocení:7/10