Reviews (page 2 of 10)
This is exactly the reason I wanted to do this project. Finding artist that I've heard about a million times and can hear their influence on bands that I love's music that I've never sat down and really listen to. I've heard tracks here and there but not a full album.
A great, energetic, album that passes the test of time.
just too many killer songs, this thing is so fun
Really fun album, bridges the gap between old school ska and punk so well. You *Really* hear that Elvis Costello influence on some of these songs
I have a soft spot for this album because I owned it back in the day but please DYOR 🙃 However... UPDATE... just listened to it again, it's immense in every respect. And introduced us to Jerry Dammers and the wonderful Terry Hall as a bonus. Sorry kids but we had all the best music. That's just the way it is. Please feel free to devour it all. Right, I'm off out to protest in the streets (haven't decided what about yet).
What a fantastic album, brought mainstream SKA, and Reggae into the house, some classic tunes on here, that I still play today - lucky enough to see The Specials “live” Terry Hall on vocals RIP🙏🏼
I think the first half of the album is much stronger than the second, but this album is too much of a good time not to give it 5 stars.
I really loved this album. A bit raw, the covers were really well done, lots of energy. Great ska all around
The energy caught on tape for this debut is nothing short of miraculous. A time. A place. A scene. A vibe. It's all there. And so are the songs - covers and originals feel inseparable in their hands. If you don't feel better after a run through this album try again. You really can't do it any better.
Dette digger jeg
Not my favorite reggae album or even my favorite reggae-punk album. But it’s fun, and what more do you need?
I like this era of rock music a lot. I like how the songs all sound a little different and there’s a lot of variety. It’s really fun to listen to!
There's such a bounding, urgent energy to this record, it's hard to believe anyone could possibly feel anything but total love for it. It's one of those era-defining records that lifelong friendships are formed over and it remains every bit as essential today as the day it was released which, given some of the subject matter, is a shame really. Five stars is not enough.
Too Much Too Young!
Classic ska two tone
I listen to this album regularly, so this was one of those occasions where I debated whether I even needed an "official" 1001 Album Generator listen... But any excuse to listen to it. I love ska, from the original wave in the 50s and 60s, all the way through to the tracks being released in the 2020s. The Specials were a really incredible band of the genre though, and this album in particular is fantastic. Too Much Too Young is, as far as I'm concerned, one of the best songs ever written. But then, so is A Message To You Rudy. I do have a real soft spot for the Toots and the Maytals cover Monkey Man too, although that started due to the Reel Big Fish cover version. This was never getting less than a 5 from me. I was however today years old when I discovered Elvis Costello produced this album, which makes a lot of sense. 5/5
Great from start to finish by a very influential band. Love the production of this album. It's warm, angry, uplifting all at once. Fantastic!
icons. greats.
Excellent
Great album with excellent social commentary about living in Margaret Thatcher’s England. Some of the lyrics are just as relevant now as they were in 1979.
When the 2-Tone movement exploded, I was 11 and hungry for something new. Punk had passed me by, but this album was my awakening. The raw energy, the ska rhythms, the sharp social commentary—it was electrifying. I couldn’t afford albums back then, so I lived on singles until Christmas brought the full record home. It didn’t just soundtrack my youth; it made me politically aware and shaped the person I became. The Specials wasn’t just music—it was a manifesto, and I ate up every note.
One of my favourite bands and albums
Love it
Good old ska
It’s always important to take a balanced view when reviewing any art. So first up I’d like to think of a few elements of this album where I think The Specials got it right: let’s see, the songwriting, the arrangements, the humour, the vocals and musicianship, the melodies, the genre bending, the politics, the inclusivity, the artwork and graphic design, the influences, the clothing and image. Now to be fair I’ll take a look at where they got it wrong: who do I think I’m kidding? They didn’t get anything wrong. Everything about this record is right. This will be the easiest maximum score I will likely ever give.
nouvelle passion unlocked
Loved it, this has a really nice combination of party songs with social commentary. Ska is not a genre I'm really familiar so that might be why i consider The Specials to have a very distinctive sound. The energy and vibe of the more upbeat songs in particular is really infectious
Day 99 Such a great album, just so fun yet a lot of the songs about serious topics. 9/10 Highlights Too Hot New Era Blank Expression
Stop your messin’ around - it’s a 5!
This is a classic ska album, may THE classic ska album, though maybe the English Beat has something this good too. First song is an earworm that everyone from a certain time and place knows.
4/5 V much enjoyed
Excellent weekend listen - was able to enjoy it a few times. Essential listening. I appreciate that The Specials have never lost their place in the conversation of ska music. Real godfathers and worthy of the legacy.
Great album..my first
Absolutely seminal
The drummer alone lifts this to a 5. 5/5
Joyous, bit punk, bit ska, all briliant and still fresh sounding. Elivs Costello's production did a good job creating something just cohesive enough, I felt if it was cleaned up you'd have lost the political tone. 5
Fantastic. Enjoyed learning more about English ska history.
Beste Unterhaltung
Great debut with a clear direction. 5/5 for sure
Æðisleg plata. Geggjað sound, fyndnir og flottir textar. Töffarar.
Frábær plata. Hressandi ska með beittum textum.
I write ska music and am a big fan of the genre. This is a five star classic. They're bigger than just this album and out of context it might not make a ton of sense. But it's one of the coolest things of all time imo.
Cassettes, CD, I listened to this album for many years and yesterday I was fifteen again, hence the 5 stars.
Classic ska. Fantastic
A strong contender for the coolest album of all time.
What a great seminal album for ska. Who doesn't like The Specials?
The best of Ska!
This came to me after I’d already been introduced to the English Beat/ the Beat and FYC. Still formative for my high school era music education.
So many classics from this album a great listen
I don't know if I have much of an opinion about ska. The pop radio hits in the mid 90s were enjoyable for me (unlike a lot of people who hated them) but I never got deep into any ska album or catalogue. Although come to think of it, I did love Less than Jake's Hello Rockview, so maybe I do have an affinity for ska. In any case, I freaking loved everything about this album. It does get a bit repetitive around 2/3 of the way in and the last third is definitely a bit weaker than what came before it, but still overall just really, really dug this.
Two tone tastic. Groundbreaking.
Lowkey timeless.
Classic
excellence
Dimery is a rude boy??? Dude this album was incredible. Another let me paint a scene for you review, it's 5am and I'm setting up speakers for an outdoor event starting in 3 hours. It's a nice 68 degrees out with a little breeze and I'm listening to ska goddammit. So good. I have just about no complaints about this project at all, save maybe the weird voices on Nite Klub but who cares. Stand outs, too much too young is so funny and engaging. Gangsters was great even though I know it's not on the original track list. Monkey man was pretty good. Little Bitch is my favorite from this by far. Such a good song. High energy, skank for days, first album in a long time that I listened to the disc two of the anniversary release. 5/5
Oh so this is where Ska came from? Take this, speed it up, and you got Tim Armstrongs entire discography. This was really good, that bass player is so melodic I couldn’t get enough of it. Definitely started singing some of the hooks in the car. Really fun record, only complaint is that some of the tracks are a little long without introducing new ideas. I get it though, they were just jammin. I also know nothing of the specials, time to Wikipedia. Imma give this a light 5. I like ska adjacent music, this is the first actual ska record that I really enjoyed.
Doux souvenirs de mon époque Ska! Quoique j’étais plus dans la 3rd wave (planet smashers, reel big fish, mustard plug, less than jake, Sublime, etc) que dans ce 2nd wave très british. Qu’importe, c’est entraînant et plus rythmé que le reggae. Ça mets d’bonne humeur. Pick it up pick it up pick it up!
Good vibe
Takes me back to my youth
Classic!
Great bouncy cheer you up FUN!
Bloody love the specials
When people say they hate ska, this is not what they mean. This album is a shitload of fun from start to finish. If you hate this, you hate joy.
Love it
toppa top
Super Dope
Just wonderful music
Great running album, very fun, will listen again
What’s on plate today? From the cover it looks like .. punk? New wave? Then it was a wild ride. Loving the mischief. I smirked the whole album. Sounds like they had of fun doing this and it’s contagious. Plus it’s clever and a good variety without being too experimental. Not something you can listen to every day (I tried the next day - didn't work) but once every few months an awesome listen.
This is just a really good, punchy record full of hooks, energy, and great melodies. It’s similar to their follow-up, ‘More Specials’, maybe a bit more focused, but just as socially relevant, if not more so. It’s excellent from start to finish. Released in 1979, at the height of economic decline, racial tension, and youth unrest in the UK, it captured the frustration and disillusionment of a generation. The band, made up of both Black and white members, was at the heart of the 2 Tone movement—a musical and cultural force that promoted racial unity through a fusion of ska, punk, and reggae. That context adds extra weight to the record, but even without it, the music speaks for itself. It’s all beautifully captured and produced by Elvis Costello, and for a debut album, it sounds remarkably fully formed. Despite its sharp social commentary, biting lyrics, and dark humour, the album never feels heavy or overly earnest—it still comes across as fun, vibrant, and full of life. It’s a good time. ‘The Specials’ is one of those rare albums that has truly stood the test of time. It still sounds fresh, immediate, and relevant today. I love it.
The best music endures through the decades - The Specials were so much a reflection of their time, they captured the zeitgeist as capably of any of their peers, but their music retains it's relevance and vitality to this day. Sublime stuff, with ultra-dry production from Elvis Costello which only enhances the in-your-face attitude. Catchy, danceable ska, but edgy and politically charged at the same time.
Loved
Sums up a time and a place perfectly. Can’t think of a more successful, authentic hybrid of black music with rock. And just a great party album, enjoyed to listening from front to back.
Smart, political, and fun, this is a great record. There are times when a great heaping of ska, just hits the spot. Loved the vibe
Classic album. 2-Tone ska at its finest.
Awesome!
British Ska/2 Tone classic! The Specials is one of my favourite albums of all time. I didn't really know or understand 2 Tone/"2nd Wave" Ska until I heard this, and now I love it. Even without Gangsters - which was included in my version of the album - this is awesome. So much fun, and with a message too (and not just to Rudy!). Liked Songs Added: A Message To You Rudy Do The Dog Nite Klub Concrete Jungle Monkey Man Stupid Marriage Too Much Too Young You're Wondering Now *Gangsters
Great stuff....really seems ahead of its time. Such a clear influence on what came later....wish I had given them a more thorough listen sooner.
14 yo me: HVe you heard of The Specials? Other adolescent: The Specials suck. My brain: How could anyone hear this and not think it was great? I need not try and like Hendrix or Zeppelin any more. A true defining moment in my life. From here, I got into Peter Tosh, and Bob Marley. Then years later a ska band at college (Bigger Thomas, nee Panic) opened me to exploring Jamaican ska. And later skacore, 3rd wave and Streetlight. But this album hit my turntable repeatedly from age 14 to age 2?. Like what grips your bain. Don't waste your time on music that misses your soul.
SKA!!! This is the beginning of SKA and for that we are all eternally grateful!
First listen to a full Specials album - outstanding. Great fun.
It's an all-time classic. The collision of cultures and musical styles created something special. Full of socially aware lyrics and the message of equality, it's an easy 5.
Saw that this was ska. Thought "oh, I'll probably like this" I did! The mixing is great. The drums really popped, especially in the album's first half.
clássico absoluto. viva two tone!
Listened Before? N Absolutely killer. These guys were way ahead of their time. Ska before ska. They had fun doing it, and I had fun listening to it. Amazing. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: A Message to You Rudy
Wonderful
A favourite. The tunes are cheering, but the words often present a searing take on life. I love the deceptively tight musical accompaniment. These Coventry boys said what they thought and had fun in the process, also covering some of their favourite influences. Memories of good times; a pretty perfect album.
One of the many things that make me a proud Cov kid. I was slightly too young to see them live at the time but I saw them at Brixton Academy in 2008 and it was amazing. All the Fred Perry shirts in London in one room for the night! RIP Terry Hall 💔
Old school ska.
Been a fan of the Specials for a few years. 5/5 Favorite songs: A Message to You Rudy Doesn't Make it Alright Blank Expression Monkey Man Too Much Too Young
Ontzettend veel jatwerk van oude Jamaicaanse platen, maar je voelt de liefde voor ska en reggae wel, meer nog dan bij UB40, Doe Maar of Madness.
Had heard some songs but never listened to she entire album. Glad I finally did.
I listened to a lot of the Specials, and especially music influenced by them, in high school. I think this is where my love of horns in music comes from. There is just such an irrepressible joy and enthusiasm in their songs that I can’t give it anything but top marks.
Holy moley I didn't expect to love this! Star added for being unexpectedly brilliant
It's a message to you, Rudy! Love this.
rude boys rejoice! FINALLY, some two-tone ska!! this album is top notch and the specials live up to their name. a message to you rudy is a bona fide classic, and there's plenty here to sink your teeth into, depending on what you're looking for. more ska please!! favorites: a message to you rudy, nite klub, concrete jungle, monkey man, little bitch, you're wondering now
Somehow I heard this in 1980 and it’s never left my side since.
Funny how I recognise some of the songs from tv adverts - no idea where they came from! Not my cup of tea though
Cracking
Fantastic. The sound of a concrete jungle where hope is found in the cracked pavements with the beauty of music
One of the musical gamechangers.. Brilliant.
Šta reći osim da je ovo apsolutno brilijantan album s nekim genijalnim a nekim odličnim pjesmama i ništa manje od toga.
vier bis fünf
!FUCK YES! This record is so fun. The Specials are brilliant.
Love it
[10/10] Ska ska ska ska ska I’m a lifelong ska freak so I’m biased but yeah it’s a masterpiece Unity forever
Probably the most essential ska album of all time.
Reg ä
One of the greatest ska albums of all time!
Kedvenc/Favourite: Nite Klub Először furcsa volt, de ahogy egyre többet hallgattam, egyre jobban tetszett. Nagyon megfogott, az egész együtt és részeiben is nagyon izgalmas, egészen el lehet merülni benne. Közben élvezhető, még táncolható is, örülök, hogy meghallgattam. It was strange at first, but the more I listened to it, the more I liked it. It was really captivating, the whole thing is very exciting (as well as it's components), you can get really immersed in it. It's enjoyable, even danceable, I'm glad I listened to it.
een leuk plaatje met geen noot teveel, geen lyric op verkeerde plek... kortom klein meesterwerkje
Being a huge Operation Ivy fan, I can't beleive I've never listened to this album before. Bloody brilliant.
Classic
Man, I am sometimes ashamed to remember that I could rock the rude boy outfit and skank during the ska revival of the 90s, but The Specials reminds me why I liked it. It could never replace "true" punk in my heart, but it was it's own version of punk (in ideals and lyrics). I loved it.
Bangin’
Second wave ska in all its skankin’ glory. This era of ska is essentially defined by The Specials, with a bright rude sound, they deserve every ounce of recognition they get. It’s almost hard to describe how influential this album was on so many great bands. Third wave ska bands like Mustard Plug and The Blue Meanies owe so much to The Specials. Aside from the obvious bouncing ska basslines and up-picked barre chords, there’s an almost new wave sound to this record that was really unique to the ska/punk scene at the time. Really technically sound album, and Elvis Costellos producing chops are evident. For me personally, this is a 5* album. Glad I got to listen to it again.
I truly enjoy how The Specials were described early one. Reggae pop. I guess Ska hadn't been created yet. No Doubt, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Bosstones, Reel Big Fish wouldn't have come around if it weren't for The Specials and Madness. Late 70's they bring a fresh energy to the world of pop music. Thank you.
Chock full of bangers and scorchers.
I asked Jerry, he told Terry / Terry sang a song just for me / Lynval gave a message to me / Rhoda screamed and then she asked me / Where have all the rude boys gone?
Exceptional
SKA! If ya enjoy SKA you will enjoy this.
A nice album from 2-tone
Great!
Absolute classic. Had the CD on heavy rotation for many years. Standouts Too much too young / Stupid Marriage and Monkey Man.
Still the best 2tone album for me!
Perfect album!
The Specials, Bad Manners, Madness, The Beat etc.. I was around when this was all happening. It was incredible. I didn't appreciate at the time that many of these songs were covers. I imagine that my kids, and their kids, would not enjoy this album, but to me it evokes so many memories that I can't do anything other than give it 5 stars!
Absolutely love this album. The influence in blur is so obvious
I love The Specials. I haven't listened to this album in years. Totally brings back nostalgia
Best ska album ever, sorry Desmond, sorry Skatalites. Not sorry.
Classic
The Specials are AMAZING - I loved their music.
One of my all time favourite bands and album. Followed them on the two tone tour in 79. Every song is a hit.
Reviewing with a huge heap of nostalgia as it’s right up there amongst my favourite albums from my teens. Great fun and thoroughly enjoyable. The albums not bad either 😅
Cheese? Bacon? Mayonnaise?!
Hitching a lift on the back of Alessio's scooter up north, the warm surroundings and non-stop laughter, lying face down to breathe in the dew from the earliest morning grass, launching ourselves off the pier to reset, culminating in drinking a blend of teas in the morning haze having, with any luck, escaped the threat of an antiquing. All that was left was wondering how to get home....this album is its soundtrack and even then, is still a classic in its own right.
I instantly thought i'd be giving this 5, and a listen yesterday confirmed it. Brimming with absolute bangers, so much variety. Some is genius, some is dumb fun, so many different moods and energies captured, such iconic production (like the weird different mic sounds on do the dog). Every little skit adds to the overall product. Truly a legendary album. Should have been in my top 5 of all time.
They had the sound, the look, and started the label that was ska in late 70s/early 80s England. Now don't turn your nose up at "ska." This isn't AFV theme song ska. This is stripped-down ska. It's aggressive. It's political. And it's amazing. This album in particular. I'm still on the fence about their second album, "More Specials." But there isn't a weak tune in this collection. It's mind blowing.
This was such a fun listen! This is a band that I didn't actively pay attention to back in the day, but I'm glad I get to appreciate them now. I'm definitely coming back to this album.
Love this album. Was definitely a fun revisit. I still play a lot of these songs on the regular.
Wow, the memories that have just come to me whilst listening to this. The smells of a smokey dance floor, the bass thumping through the speakers & the talc on the dance floor to help the dancing - BLISS!
All hail the combination of The Specials and Elvis Costello.
Fuck yeah 1st wave british ska. 5 stars always. If you hate Ska, I hate you.
Excellent album, have loved it for a long time
Starker Ska
Sixteen Candles the movie had a great soundtrack with "Little Bitch" being a highlight.
A classic for so many reasons, and when Too Much Too Young and Message are the standout singles you forget that the rest of the album really goes hard too! Not only a great snapshot of working class anger in the 70s, but also just very danceable :) Faves: Monkey Man (always), Concrete Jungle, A Message to You Rudy
This brings me back to 1982 and my little punk 14 year old self
Brilliant, absolute classic!
From the first off beats off ‘Message…’ it’s a perfect and fun record. Not only does it put one in a good state of mind but it’s also a strongly well written political album at times. It makes you dance, pogo, laugh, think and fires you up against racist behaviour.
Full of exuberant energy, this has been a favorite for a long time. Rico Rodriguez is a legend and takes "Message" to the next level.
5/5
In what turned put to be a banger I was very surprised by this really really good album. Probably top SKA ever. The special influence is undeniable and so many of the newer ska and punk bands have so much of their material that its insane. save ferris, no doubt, sublime, even the beastie boys. This album is a 5 star for me. Didnt even think it would be a 3 but here I stand corrected.
One of the founding fathers of the 2-tone movement of the late 70s in England. Their debut ranks just behind The Beat in quality but IS the most influential and important release of a mini cultural revolution. Stylistically bold, musically accomplished and culturally at the forefront. It is definitely of a particular time and place but it's one thing to be of a time and place but when you define that time and place...well that makes it a 5 ⭐ album
I KNOW YOU AND YOURE JUST A LITTLE BITCH
és én még azt hittem, hogy a punkba oltott reggaet a Police találta ki! és Elvis Costello volt a producer, ami mondjuk megmagyarázza az eklektikát meg a csodálatosságot is 🤣 love it love it love it
Brutal
Brilliant record. A reminder of those 6th Form parties. The 2015 remaster has a second disc of live tracks - awesome.
Just great. Lovely album, I've been listening to it (on and off) for probably nearly thirty years. I still find the bass mesmerising, however I also love the Hammond, I love the drums, I love the horns, I love the vocals. Straight up 5 star classic.
of the Americanized "Ska"; enjoy it, check out the original artists, and be astounded. Then, circle back and check out the American Moon Ska scene. Then, track down Cincinnati, OH's own Erector Set, and their best Specials song not written by the Specials "Inside Out". Above all, listen to more ska!
I enjoy Ska and Two-tone quite a bit, so I love this album. It is probably the height of that revival wave. Great debut. Considering the biggest songs of 1979 were mostly disco hits, this would have been a breath of fresh air.
Interesting combination of genres. Energetic and great fun. Reminded me of Madness at some points. Really good sound. Loved it. I'd definitely love to hear more. Highlights: A Message to You Rudy Do the Dog Nite Klub Concrete Jungle Monkey Man
Ska! These reggae infused songs lift the heart and spirit.
Great album. Ska music at its best The album is just full of bangers. absolutley brilliant. Favourite song: Gangsters, what a track that is!! Do the dog is also a little favourite and great live. Least favourite: They are also classics. Album artwork: Iconic cover
It’s a 5-star classic great from beginning to end
I own a compilation to 2-tone ska on vinyl, and it is no surprise how much of this is dominated by The Specials. They were masters of the genre and I’ve yet to hear anything by them that I didn’t love. This album is no exception. I was already familiar with a fair few tracks here, and anything new to my ears sounded as good as the rest. It’s hard to be sad while listening to ska, and that’s why I love it.
the first few songs were so good that i think the rest felt disappointing even though it was also very fun
So much fun and energy! Loved it!
Absolutely magnificent album. Every single track would have been a hit single.
Classic Specials, five stars
The Specials Another one I listened to a lot at uni but have only intermittently put on over the intervening years, although through cultural osmosis it feels like I hear A Message to You Rudy and Too Much Too Young pretty frequently. It’s been fun listening to it today though, reminding myself why I used to listen to it so much and also thinking I might appreciate it even more than I did then - it’s great! And through better headphones it sounds much better now than it did 25 years ago. It always sounded quite thin on CD to me, but now the drums and bass seem much fatter and fuller and I feel I can hear more instrumentation. That might be my mind playing tricks - I remember the jewel case and booklet felt quite cheap lightweight and and I don’t know about you but if the packaging on a CD felt quite lightweight and cheap I often thought the music sounded thin too. The ska rhythms and bass playing with the more prominent lead guitar, the punk tempo and attitude with the lyrical social commentary is a winning combo. And 45 years after it was released the energy and enthusiasm is remarkable, you can still feel the sincerity and intent. Beside the deceptively skilled playing each song is brilliantly arranged, whether its an original or an ‘inspired by’ cover. I assume Elvis Costello had a hand in that alongside Jerry Dammers, but there’s a fair bit of instrumental texture and tone that isn’t always that obvious. I think each song stands on it’s own, but aside from AMTYR and TMTY I’ve always loved Nite Club (particularly the horn arrangement), Concrete Jungle, Monkey Man (superb keyboards), Blank Expression and You’re Wondering Now. And today Doesn’t Make it Alright, Too Hot and Blank Expression stood out After the first listen this morning I thought 4, but on repeat listens it’s definitely a 5 for me. Aside from the quality of songs and playing it’s just a brilliant, exciting listen - danceable but also lyrically interesting, of it’s time but also timeless. I think it’s one of those albums that everyone says is a classic so you either just assume it is or find it underwhelming, but listening to it, it’s clear its a genuinely brilliant bit of musical synthesis and overall a superb album. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great album, nothing else needs to be said.
superb!!!
Excelent.
V good
OH HELL YES. The purveyors of 2tone ska! I still spin this one regularly so it’s hard to critique in any meaningful way lol. It is impossible to overstate how important this band and this record are. The resurgence of ska and honestly the skinhead movement (skinhead was born in Jamaica, remember) are directly related to this band. How I wish I was in London in the late 70’s to witness it. And honestly? It’s just a fun fucking record. You can’t help but move around a little bit! Remember how Thatcher and Reagan were actively dismantling the economy in the US and UK so bands turned to political action? You can’t remove that from the creation of this record. It was tumultuous but bands like the Specials made it… special. Everyone knows the hits like A Message To You Rudy (a cover of a rocksteady song from the 60’s!) but anti racist songs like Do The Dog and Concrete Jungle highlighted what was really going on. Fun ass songs you can dance to AND get radicalized by? Fuck yeah. Both for history and for being a solid record you gotta give them the ol 5 star. RIP Terry Hall!
Very cool
Yes! Thank you! Ska Punk era! RIP Terry Hall. 5
It’s the Specials. What’s not to like? Had me dancing all afternoon.
Just brilliant. I gave More Specials a 4 because it wasn’t their best album. This is the best album. They capture an era and a feeling so evocatively. Terry Hall was a towering talent and The Specials were fantastic live. Not one dud song…
I am a big fan of the specials. Was into funboy three too. And the colour field. Terry hall had a great voice.
An absolute classic! This record is full of hits.
Klassiker. Intet mindre
Albums are always the most worthwhile when I learn something, and that was an awesome peak into music history and the origins of ska, and the blending of styles.
I really loved the vibe of this album! Some fun, funky, retro ska that I really enjoyed.
yeah this album was pretty sick. i really enjoyed listening to it. just some really fun ska. i particularly enjoyed elvis costello's production and the energy that the album had. good stuff!
A classic! Incredible!
One of my all time favorites. The variety and the infusion of punk with ska will forever be copied for years to come after this album. Others have done this to great effect but nothing tops the originals.
I don't think I've listened to a full Specials album before, but this was awesome! So much creativity and invention crammed in. I tend to think of ska as being very monotonous, but there was loads going on here. ...and it's obviously been HUGELY influential on all sorts of people. Loved hearing lyrics in "Blank Expression" that I was familiar with from Massive Attack's "Eurochild". Also "Little Bitch"'s guitar line getting used in The Dandy Warhol's "Bohemian Like You". Fave tracks - as well as the previously mentioned, "A Message To You Rudy", "Monkey Man", and "Too Much Too Young" are classic versions of classic tracks...
This is an album that I have been listening to since I was a wee shit ska kicker. I wore this album out when I was heavy into Ska and Reggae. I have stopped listening to this type of music in the past couple years but I still always return to The Specials. A unique voice that could either make you love the song or turn you away instantly. There are a few of the biggest songs in Ska on this album. There are also a few songs that don’t quite hit the mark but I still appreciate them. My view of this album might be skewed by nostalgia but I still believe this album deserves credit for being genre defining. 9/10 R.I.P. Terry Hall
Brilliant album. It hits so many different heights. The rhythm is brilliant and uplifting, the composition is lush, the production is clean and the lyrics paint a picture of Thatchers Britain in the 80's. I cannot find a single reason not to give this 5 stars.
What an album, what a band. Busting from the mean uk streets of late 70s early 80s. It paints the picture of Maggies dystopia and the cultural crossover and battleground of the cities and uk culture. Course Terry Hall is a lyrical boss you can find stuff here later used in the likes of Massive Attack and Blur. The attitude of punk combined with sounds from the carribean and topped with a satricial lyrisism. A winner.
Very happy to see this pop up this morning, absolute belter of an album that's just brilliant on so many levels.
Every single song is great. This is a top album. Sarcastic, funky, political. It's got it all.
I was familiar with The Specials hits, but hadn't listened to the albums. Enjoyed this a lot, even did a bit of a skank dance in the kitchen. Felt that some of the tracks do get a bit lost in themselves, but they are still fun and you know they love this stuff. At face value I was gonna give this album a 4, but in the context of late 70s middle-England, it's culturally important, much deserving of top marks!
Really great. I think this is a five.
Ska y reggae. Vinilo.
Just so much fun. I am a sucker for brass, and offbeat guitar. We salute you ska!
Äntligen något bra. Var länge sedan jag fick en fullpoängare. Här finns inte en dålig låt. Givetvis finns albumet i min samling.
Incredible.
The closer to perfection, the starker the imperfections. And there are plenty of missteps on this album: the tracklisting, the shifts between partying and politicising, and obviously the tracks which the band ended up regretting and dropping from their setlists. But so much is so right about the album. An energy palpates throughout, intent on creating a better world, unafraid to directly face up to the obstacles in the way. And through their music and their performances, The Specials did.
it was really funny and good. like the lyrics are insane and the men can’t sing but that elevates the text actually. my fave songs are concrete jungle, doesn’t make it alright and nite klub. honourable mention to too much too young
A message to you, Rudy!
Excellent, 5stars
So good. It plays like a greatest hits record. One of my favorites of all-time.
A worthy member of any greatest albums ever list
Another old favorite!
Very good for getting things done around the house
Must have classic punk/ska album.
Slightly emotional to listen to this knowing I’ll never see Terry Hall singing these songs again. The Specials are an iconic band in the UK - musically an important movement, political but in a clever way and just fun. Ska/two tone was a very British moment and it was all because of The Specials. Great album with all the vibe of a live band playing. Nothing quite like it.
I do love this album. The lyrics are clever and reflect the social issues at the time, and you can hear the Coventry in Terrys accent. There is a huge mix of genres, sounds and voices on the album which reflects the amazing things that were happening in music at the time, as well as huge cultural changes in the UK. I especially love bass lines but every member brings something unique to the band. I always thought the shorter live version of too much too young was better as it showed the energy in the bands live performances but it’s still a 5/5.
Very special
UK ska/two-tone masterpiece (RIP, Terry Hall). Lots and lots of lively or endearing tunes. Ideal for a holiday soundtrack. Which is why, this time, I won't bother writing a damn review, and just fully enjoy the music instead. Number of albums left to review: less than 500 (I've temporarily lost count) Number of albums I'll include in my own list: half so far, approximately (including this one). Number of albums I *might* include: a quarter, approximately. Number of albums I'll never include: another quarter (many others are more important to me).
I know the big songs by the specials and Id always assumed they were an 'influential' band that helped create the sound without being that good themselves. Turns out I'm completely wrong! Couldn't believe how well the majority of the tracks stood up to contemporary ska, no wonder people take the piss out of the genre when the Specials did it just as good nearly half a century ago. Loved it, downloading this for sure.
I love ska but probably hadn't heard this album all the way through before. I was thinking I would give it a 4, as there is a bit of filler in the first half of the album. But from monkey man onwards it's mostly great. The good songs make up for the few bad ones and there's too many for me not to give a 5 Highlights: Message to you Rudy Do the dog Monkey man New era Blank expression Too much too young You're wondering now
"The Specials" is the debut album by British ska revivalists The Specials. The album was produced by Elvis Costello and released on keyboardist Jerry Dammers' record label 2 Tone. Ska, reggae, 2 Tone, punk rock and new wave are the listed genres with some calling this album the defining moment of the UK ska scene. The songs are a mix of original songs and covers of classic Jamaican songs. An interesting description of the album is that "it captures the disaffection and and anger felt by the youth of the UK's "concrete jungle" (concrete jungle - a phrase from Bob Marley) used to describe the grim, violent inner cities of the 1970's Britain. The album actually received mixed reviews upon its release but now continues to make a lot of "best of" lists. "A Message to You Rudy" is a cover of the 1967 Dandy Livingstone song. Horns (trumpet and trombone) drive the song. A reggae beat. Multple lead vocalists telling the rude boys and girls to stop foolin" around. Crowd noise including wanting drugs open "Nite Klub." Jazzy horns go to ska. Keyboards take the melody. A great guitar solo. A catchy backing vocal chorus including Chrissie Hyne. A fun song. "Doesn't Make It Alright" has a slower reggae beat. Maybe, vocalist Terry Hall's best performance. An anti-violence anti-racist song. A great deep cut. A cheerleading chant and clapping hands and drums start "Concrete Jungle." Lead guitarist Roddy Radiation wrote and sang lead vocals. This song is more rockin' punk and fast. The bass is reggae. Nice guitar solo. The band continues the quick pace in the cover of Toots & The Maytals' "Monkey Man." Multiple vocals. "Little Bitch" alternates between hard rock and ska. The song lyrics tell the story of a complaining rich girl who would apparently commit suicide to gain attention. Vocalist Terry Hall regrets the lyrics of this as he would actually deal with suicide issues himself. The album ends with another cover in "You're Wondering Now." Slower, more laid back reggae. Mutiple lead vocalists. A nice way to end. I really enjoyed this album and it grew on me after multiple listens. The music moves between ska and other styles. Multiple lead singers and lead instruments. The lyrics are sociopolitical at times. Other times not. Yeah, a lot to like beyond the few songs you've probably heard.
I’d heard of The Specials before but never really listened to them. This was great though, huge respect to the bass player
There is something really intriguing about the moment in time, the disaffection captured in the sound of The Specials. When I put on the album and pulled up the Wikipedia page about the album, I expected to hate it since The Specials are described as a "British ska revival band", and my only reference point for ska music is the mid-90s era, which I think is mostly trash. However, I was taken in by the sound, loved the bass lines and entire vibe.
So great
It’s great.It’s fun and lively,I really enjoy the horns and fun guitar parts.you’re wondering now is great and of course is “a message to you Rudy”
PREFS : TOUT MOINS PREF : RIEN
A Classic. One of the first albums I bought as a teenager around 1980. And still enjoy it today.
THE classic album of Two Tone Ska. This is the album that kicked off the entire 80s Ska revival. In the U.S. reggae went mainstream first but led to interest in earlier Jamaican music. When this crossed the pond, all the Punks and New Wave types added Two Tone Ska to our repertoire. Do the Dog alone makes this album worthwhile, but the whole album is great.
Oooh so good
I absolutely loved this, and I am absolutely stunned at this fact. Very, very fun album with the arrangements to make any ska band proud. Favorite track: Doesn't Make It Alright
One of my favourite albums. Everything about this breathes integrity and attitude. From the stark album cover it has the hit singles but interspersed are some great gems that for me really make it stand out- Blank Expression, You're wondering now, Do the Dog etc etc The lyrics really stand out as a historical commentary of 1979 and the tunes are so infectious, I've never stopped bopping to this. Outstanding in every way.
This 1979 guitar-driven ska clearly sounds like the blueprint for so much of the 1990s ska punk revival. Fantastic album. Favorite Tracks: Monkey Man, Stupid Marriage. Absolutely a 5/5.
Ruuuude boy! 5 stars.
I always thought that The Specials were a bit overrated, but having listened to the through twice, I get it! There's so much raw talent here, and also some really thoughtful political songwriting for such a young group at the time. It makes sense that they were such a phenomenon, definitely worth the praise!
This is a really interesting album! I had never heard of 'The Specials' before. I was going to rate it a 4 after the first few songs, but as I got into the B-side, I was thoroughly enjoying and it became a 5 pretty quickly. It has a reggae-hybrid sound. As the album progressed, they started making unique transitions, sometimes through tempo, sometimes through melody. I think this was composed as albums used to be, intended to listen to as a whole. It felt as though the A-side is the general attitude of being young while the B-side moved into having more responsibilities and the irritations that come with it. I'll probably listen to more from them. I KNOW I'll listen to "Blank Expression" again. The uneven meter of the chorus is superb!!
perfect in every way, somehow funky and spooky at the same time, bursting with hooks and energy
Brilliant, even the songs I didn't know before were awesome and still, sadly, so relevant. Themes of the album include racism in Britain, unemployment and hopelessness in teenagers, and corruption in politics - none of which have got any better! Much rockier than I might have expected, which is obviously a good thing
Declan McKenna meets happy Mondays
And you think it's about time that you died And I agree, so you decide on suicide You tried but you never quite carried it off You only wanted to die in order to show off And if you think you're gonna bleed all over me You're even wronger than you'd normally be And the only things you want to see are kitsch The only thing you want to be is rich Your little pink up-pointed nose begins to twitch I know, you know, you're just a little bitch One, two 5/5
How can anyone not love this record? Its stylistic innovation is a lot less immediate than the social impact this record made, but it completely revitalised the reggae/ska genre for a generation of working class kids in the U.K., and did more than its share for racial and social justice in the meantime. The reggae standards are given a whole new impetus against the austerity of late 1970s Britain, and the original offerings are exactly that - totally original. “Gangsters” and “Rat Race” are brimming with satirical bite, and the energy of punk is perceptible throughout. Great instrumentation on top of that makes this one of the great debut albums of all time.
Love this Rip Terry Hall
The debut album of The Specials is a blast. Energetic pointy British ska songs.
A hot summer day in August. Cruising the local record shop, looking for a birthday gift for my friend, something special. Then something very Special catches my eye, The Specials by The Specials. You never see this one in the crates! A rare find. A great find. My search is over almost as quickly as it begins. The cashier ringing me up says "I just got this and stickered it less than 2 hours ago, knew it was gunna be snapped up today". Lucky me! Lucky my friend! She was thrilled. I'm still thrilled every time I hear this album.
RIP Terry Hall 😢
Like a lot of Americans of a certain age, my introduction to the Specials came by way of MTV. In a sea of bands best remembered by their haircuts, the Specials stood out. They were smartly dressed but sharp-elbowed, political and full of attitude. But also, the band was always energetic, musically talented, engaging and a lot of fun. This is party music with a point of view. It seems so very much of its moment, but it's an important moment, musically, historically and socially as well. The lyrics on this album are startling honest and delivered with a great sense of conviction. They speak to the social troubles that have plagued young people for generations and continue to do so. It also helps that the music is just so good. This album is a crisp, practically perfect distillation of what I imagine a Specials live show to be. There's an immediacy and live energy to these songs that's really hard to capture on record, and the band does it brilliantly. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): A Message to You, Rudy; Too Hot; Monkey Man; Doesn't Make It Alright; You're Wondering Now; Blank Expression; It's Up to You; Little Bitch; (Dawning of A) New Era; Concrete Jungle; Nite Klub; Too Much Too Young; Do the Dog; Stupid Marriage
The album that defines a genre. Genuinely enjoyable throughout.
Wow what a great week it’s been for 1001. This is such a great album, a unique & relevant (for ’79) mix of punk, ska, reggae and rock n’ roll, with the backdrop of working-class England under Thatcher. All done with a great sense of humour. I’ve always loved the pogo-worthy rockers like “Night Club” and “Stupid Marriage” but had forgotten about the slower tracks like “Doesn’t make it all Right” which puts their song-writing skills on display. The tinny production gives the LP a nice vintage feel. It’s disappointing that they became more subdued with their transformation to Specials aka, but in some ways it makes this album stand out more.
It’s pretty remarkable the effect Bob Marley, Toots, and Jamaican music at large had on the world. It’s pretty remarkable that such a huge subsection of disaffected, urban, English youth would turn to rocksteady, ska, and largely upbeat, surface-level-silly music to express their frustration with the modern world’s widening inequality gap and bureaucratic absurdisms. The result is a fantastically satirical and fun record that feels utterly timeless. As relevant and influential today as it was in 1979. A perfect cross-section of world music, punk rock, and new wave with more angst, political heart, and purpose than most burgeoning music scenes can hope for. The world of music in the 1980s, 90s and beyond would feel very different if not for this record. I am especially partial to the band’s sophomore album, More Specials, but what that album gains in sophistication, songwriting, and studio fidelity, it loses in spirit, urgency, and tenacity. To listen to the their self-titled debut today is to look back through history and experience a movement otherwise frozen in time. Few records, in my opinion, can claim that power quite like The Specials can.
This is an album I wish I'd been more familiar with. Better late than never!
The perfect 2-tone album. This started the 2nd wave and lots of good things would've never existed if it wasnt for The Specials.
Whatcha gonna do? Just dropped this rating on you! This kinda ballz. special album no cap fr fra
I listened to this last week, without prompting. Take that, algorithm. *adjusts porkpie hat* *skanks away*
I didn't knew I could enjoy ska music and that I just did. A great album and lovely tunes.
Really upbeat music. A touch of reggae and light alt rock.
Never listened to this before, expected quite a bit due to its timelessness, it did not disappoint! Upbeat, sounds great today so must have blown people away in ‘79
Now we're talking. 5*s in the bank. wall to wall hits. hard to beat really
ace.
What a statement of intent this album was. So good still
Top album
Og ska
heard the songs, never listened to the whole thing. how is that possible. Now I understand why all ska bands sound the same (in a good way) they're trying to recreate this sound.
LP
Rating: 9/10 Best songs: A message to you Rudy, Do the dog, Concrete jungle, Monkey man, New era
good
Adelantados a su época, álbum impecable y claramente influyente dentro del género. Nite Klub y Too Much Too Young son par de bombas.
Great album, full energy and holding up well. One of those albums that makes me grin.
Хоккейная команда с берегов Невы И музыка которую играем мы
Great stuff
Love it. Such a banger. I remember thinking Stupid Marriage was such a funny song when I was a kid
The sheer joy and energy from this album still gets be buzzing off me tits more than 40 years later. SO many memories of youth club discos, especially with Nightklub. I could listen and dance to this every day.
Flawless debut.
The Specials 2 (more pop songs) will is more of a favourite, but their debut is almost just as good and the album style is -after relistening- not even that far away from the follow-up. I would put both in the list, together with the two Fun Boy Three albums (which are 5 star as well).
A cool mix of rock'n'roll and reggae tracks.
Geweldig ska album, heeft veel veranderd in het ska/reggae genre
I loved it. This is a great ska album.
Ska y reggae. Vinilo.
Great band and great album, I listen to a lot of 90's ska revival and hard to argue the influence that this band had. Too bad they didn't last as this lineup for long.
A perfect picture of Britain in 1979 - an album that absolutely stands the test of time.
A personal favorite and a band that influenced a whole next generation of ska and punk.
I grew up listening compulsively to this album - so I am not even going to pretend to leave an objective review. Still sounds great!
An immensely satisfying album. Not a duff track on it, and still sounds as fresh in 2022 as it did in 1979. Political, humourous, sociological music but rollicking good tunes.
Kamalt El Hadra Loula Me Rbo3 Ethaleth. Barcha Bal8am Vocals Wack. Prooly Working On My First Televised Interview Ever
10/10 album did they invent ska? it sure sounds like they did
I am a ska fanatic and this is an absolute classic. YMMV if you don’t appreciate the genre of kings.
Been listening to this since high school. Excellent.
Easy 5 star. One of the best two-tone bands and albums released.
It’s ska. You take it or you leave it. This one though, this one I’ll take. Gladly.
Fantastic from start to finish. I think SKA ran a bit off the rails in the 90's revival, resulting in the genre getting a bad wrap. Therefore, it's incredibly refreshing to go back to the roots with this album; to be reminded of just how fun the blend of influences are. The album starts out with the seminal \"A Message to You Rudy\", which introduces not only their fusion of reggae, punk, brass, funk and R&B, but also the bands socially minded lyrical leanings. And the whole album carries on as it starts, each track iterating on the same core spirit of house-party meets social commentary. And with that said, you'll need to excuse me. I'm going to immerse myself in The Specials' discography. Cheers!
pure magic
A perfect snapshot in time. Life, politics and race in Britain. The kitchen sink dramas. The bottled aggression. Desperate and beautiful.
Hard to guess what this might sound like to fresh ears, but to my older ones it is a perfect balance of black, white and the shades of grey in between. Over time, the knees-up familiarity of the hits has drowned out the angst and anger of the rest. The dubby album version of Too Much Too Young came as the biggest surprise, but ultimately a welcome one: it takes the song to a more mournful place than the spikier no-future version we're used to.
Bursting with bangers - my favourite album in the list so far. Dammers deserved far more praise than he got.
Love it! Fantastic album.
Another undeniable classic. Two days running. Best thing to ever come out of Cov. It amuses me that a band so avowedly anti racist can be so misogynistic, but the same hatred gets turned inwards enough that you feel it may just be a general misanthropy from Terry Hall (that's borne out by him over the next 40 years!) But there is no fat in the 45 minutes here - every track is there and on point. That it is the last album on the list from the 70s is fitting, as it feels like a lot of the excess is culled here, with an urgency and excitement often missing in some of the leaden rawk stodge that pads out the decade.
Awesome mix of styles to create something unique. Crazy that Costello produced this between Armed Forces and Get Happy in 79. Fun to discover that little snippet of Bohemian Like You in Little Bitch. Will definitely listen again.
Definitive ska album and set the (two) tone for so much to come
Very good example of ska punk. 1979. Liked it.
One of the great debut albums and still throbs with energy 40 odd years later.
Like it
Definitive Punk/SKA album of the time.
Excellent album, good jamming and sunny vibes, songs stuck in my head for days
Теперь я знаю, кто это
Classic. My last year in school. Timeless.
some cracking songs, lively, social commentary
Genial, renovaron el ska haciendo que suene un poco más eléctrico pero sin que se pierdan esas ganas de bailar.