Reviews (page 4 of 10)
One of the bands that immediately comes to mind when you say Ska. Socially engaged but it sounds just plain fun too. This is not genius musical art but it doesn't always have to be.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of this band, but definitely enjoyed this album. Can definitely hear the influence they surely had on the 90s ska of my youth.
I’d listened to this a while ago and put it away because I decided the ska sound wasn’t for me BUT on second listen it really changed and I’ve decided I’m a fan
Great listen!
liked songs: first half This was kinda dumb but also fun. It's good ska. 3.75
Ska music. Hell yeah Helps my half baked theory that punk music works better as a means rather than an end. I’d rather listen to the Pogues and Talking Heads than the Ramones and the Clash. Fun convergence of punk and Jamaican music.
Nice time capsule to step back into
It's one of those things I think I won't like, and then it's something super enjoyable. Good fun!
Great album, although if ska is not your thing, I can see where the lower ratings come from
Seem like cool guys
Brit punk ska fusion was not on my bingo card
Great
Really enjoyed this
8.5/10
Fun. I can see how this probably influenced a lot of artists I love. Considering how old it is... It holds up too. Would have been a banger back in the day.
It was ok, better than I thought
Ska is not my usual genre of choice, and I'm rather ignorant about it overall. I really enjoyed this album, the punk vibes and the message. Aside from A Message to You Rudy, I really got into the groove from Concrete Jungle onwards.
The slowed down Too Much Too Young always sounds weird to me given how much the high speed live version that topped the charts featured in the local community centre kids' discos I went to back then. But I can sort of understand what they were trying to do listening to it today, making the lyrics easier to hear.
Pretty solid.
Punk/ska/reggae/british? Fascinating snd very enjoyable!
Great
Really good, took me back to the early 80s
Doesn’t quite live up to the opening track, still enjoyable though, so I’ll give it a generous four. Simpsons: No
Full of bangers. Easy 4 stars.
I think this is the birth of ska? Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5
Ska! I love this album, some great two tone here. Takes me back to high school listening to this. I really wanted to give this a 5, but a fair amount of tracks here are merely ok and hold it back. Still a great formative album for me. Rude boy! Standouts: A Message to You Rudy, Concrete Jungle, Monkey Man, Little Bitch Rating: 4.33/5
I’ve always considered the fusion of ska and punk to be a 90’s ordeal. It’s in due thanks to the stuff by Reel Big Fish, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and 311. Thought I don’t think any of them stack up to the likes of the Specials. This album really catches both the spirits of punk and reggae: the catchy melodies mixed with lyrics that carry their politics. You can easily see the influence these guys had in ska’s semi-renaissance in the 90’s. Outside of maybe dragging a bit near the end, I really enjoyed this one. Favorite track: Concrete Jungle Other hits: Too Much Too Young, Too Hot, A Message To You Rudy, It’s Up To You, Doesn’t Make It Alright, Monkey Man, You’re Wondering Now, Little Bitch
I will not include the single "Gangsters" or the second disc live tracks of the 2015 deluxe version in this review. Well, it's been over a hundred albums since I got the Specials' second album, which was half decent, despite diving into lounge music in the second half. Going back to their self-titled debut, this album is more consistent for the better. This record is chock-full of fun, uptempo 2-tone ska and reggae that's well played, decently produced, and sounds nicely bolstered by the guest horns. The tone balances between laid-back vibes and youthful rebellion, particularly on tracks like "Nite Klub" and "Concrete Jungle" that delve into dissatisfaction with societal pressure closing in around them. My only complaint is that the reggae-style portions of the record can run longer than they should, such as with the six-minute "Too Much Too Young" that got repetitive in the lyrics and structure. Still, this was a rather solid debut from the Specials, as a fundamental group for the ska revival.
Made for a really enjoyable bike ride.
Ska is just fun
Album 786 of 1089 The Specials - The Specials (1979) Rating : 3.75 / 5 Described as a "landmark in the two-tone ska movement, blending Jamaican ska, punk, and new wave into a socially conscious and energetic sound." I don't know much of ska, but I like this. Slightly repetitive at times but quite enjoyable. Other adjectives: lively, rebellious, cheeky, laddish" Nice listen.
Classic British Ska. Fun, energetic, repetitive. 7/10
What a fun listen! Not a bad song on this album. A spark from beginning to end.
Loved some songs, really didn’t like some others. A fun album though, and I could definitely see it growing on me.
Classic album. Good stuff.
Reminded me how much I love ad hoc Specials when it is hot outside but mostly you're wondering now / blank expression
1979: the year the Specials cured racism. Someone should’ve told the mustache man “it doesn’t make it alright.” Jokes aside, this one grew on me. Reggae rock that’s a bit goofy at times, but musically very interesting and groovy.
Do the dog not the donkey...for some reason that just made me laugh. Its starts off with a real 50's vibe that is carried throughout but then picks up and builds a punk vibe with a brazilin island vibe. It was fun and a bop but also talk a little deeper, questioning the expectations of the time.
Not bad
4 stars Maybe nostalgia plays a factor, but I love this album. Great introduction to two tone ska. Production a little poor on some songs and takes me out of it. A few unnecessary tracks. But overall quite fun and listenable!
Fun. Probably would benefit from a 10 or 100 point scale. 4
Really enjoyed this album! Initially thought it lacked a little "depth" but by the end of the album I was all in. Will definitely add this to the rotation.
Reminds me of partying with the punk kids in high school. Solid album! I don’t listen to a lot of ska any more, but maybe I should listen to more. Favourite tracks: A Message to You Rudy, Blank Expression, Stupid Marriage, Too Much Too Young
I have only heard the most common song on the radio. Really enjoyed the whole thing.
Awesome
The specials have a warm place in my mind. I'm struggling because I really really want to give them a 5. I will be sad that I didn't give them a 5. But alas, I think they are falling to 4. Why? I really can't say. I just don't know. But they didn't reach the pinnacle of 5-dom today.
An excellent album, one of those I probably should have listened to sooner but never got round to it.
A criticism of reggae is that it is all a bit samey, but ska and the Specials add a twist to this genre and bring it alive. I also love the British feel to this album and the cultural impact it had. There are too many covers on here and the live version of too much too young is much better than the album version. However, a few really good tracks here including the awesome A message to you Rudy. Bonus points for the theme to Death in Paradise too.
i have not historically been a fan of ska, so i was ready to grit my teeth through this one... but i was pleasantly surprised? very listenable, high energy, and a lot of fun. there were a couple of tracks i personally found too repetitive that grated on me, but overall i had a .... wait for it ..... special time :)
Always love The Specials' music. A Message To You Rudy, Do the Dog and Blank Expression were the best on the album.
really cool loved it
Great album
Love the vibe
they were special
Love ska so hearing one of the early formative bands for it was cool. Very lo fi which I enjoyed, great album
This kicks ass!
Really fun, funky band. Tons of horns, ska, and beach sounds. 1979 continues to be the most exciting year for me from the less mainstream artists. This album doesn't take itself too seriously, it's just a jam throughout. A Message to You Rudy is great, and I like Stupid Marriage and Gangsters. It's jot quite the peak as some of the other bands I've really enjoyed, but it was a fun ride regardless.
Fun - I liked this! 4/5
Sorry for the pun, but this is indeed a "Special" album.
Boisterous and fun 3.9
I really shouldn’t like “The specials”. I don’t particularly like reggae, and I don’t like ska. Something about them just works though. It’s fun, has an attitude and just is a good album. My favourite song “Ghost Town” is not on here but “Too Much Too Young” is. Seeing an old clip of “Too Much, Too Young” live on youtube was what got me in to The Specials in the first place. Worth looking it up.
Pick it up, pick it up, pick it up.
01) A Message to You Rudy - 10,0 02) Do the Dog - 8,0 03) It's Up to You - 7,5 04) Nite Klub - 7,0 05) Doesn't Make It Alright - 7,0 06) Concrete Jungle - 8,0 07) Too Hot - 7,5 08) Monkey Man - 10,0 09) (Dawning of A) New Era - 7,5 10) Blank Expression - 7,5 11) Stupid Marriage - 8,0 12) Too Much Too Young - 10,0 13) Little Bitch - 7,5 14) You're Wondering Now - 7,5 TOTAL: 8,07 (81/100) Current ranking: 150/485
Enjoyable
I suppose a person’s opinion of this one entirely depends on how they feel about ska. I found this to be timeless and fun. It reminded me of the good parts of high school. Does run out of steam and would be better if it were a bit shorter.
Perfect tunes for chilling on a Sunday afternoon.
Massivly fun, tight and politicical tunes launched from Coventry as the UK hit the Thatcher decade. Top stuff.
nothing like some classic ska music to cheer someone up. from what i hear these guys helped ska gain popularity a bit, with their band grooves and their carefree crazy energy... it's no wonder a lot of their songs make anyone want to get up from their seats. a lot of the tracks have a massive reggae influence as well.
honestly, fun, I enjoyed, and death in paradise theme song discovered!
Dated and doesn't resonate today like it once did.
4.1/5
Not my cup of tea but a great album in its own ska style…
Learned some new things: didn't realize that they started in the 70's, were produced by Elvis Costello, also the definition of "pickni". 3.5 stars rounded up. Ska is fun. In small doses.
I didn’t think I was going to enjoy this album. The vocals aren’t amazing, but as a whole, it felt like a really good album. It still isn’t my style, but at no point was I checking to see when it would end.
Os precursores do Ska Music? I like it!
First listen was two years ago and yepppp still f.u.n.
Amazing album. I love the punk energy and the ska attitude working together. I find the whole thing very moving, reminiscent of a time when music tried to change things (if only peoples’ minds) and be a force for good.
Really enjoyed this one (admittedly much to my surprise).
Fun upbeat ska music.
Very rad. Great intro to ska. The history of ska is pretty righteous. I didn’t read much about these guys or this album in particular but it was a very enjoyable listen. A must-listen? Sure! #67 I think….
I haven't listened to anything this genre so I didn't expect to like the album this much when I started. But it turned out to be a very fun and overall great album, enjoyed every second of it. Fav tracks: A Message to you Rudy, Doesn't Make It Alright,...
This is easy listening. Pleasant reggae tunes with a message and an attitude. I’m on board. It’s clear how the influenced future bands like Operation Ivy and Rancid. Good stuff.
Not my typical sound but I actually really enjoyed this one!
I was not particularly excited to listen to this album, but I actually found it pretty enjoyable and really fun. I didn’t really care for “Do the Dog”, but there are several tracks I did especially like - “A Message to You Rudy”, “Concrete Jungle”, “Monkey Man”, “Stupid Marriage” and “Too Much Too Young” stand out. This album is kinda exactly halfway between original ska and the kind of 90s-00s ska typified by goofy dudes in plaid pants. The lyrics suggest some kind of cogent set of beliefs on the state of social affairs in 70s England, which I don’t really have the context to fully understand, but I appreciate that it’s not inane nonsense at least. I like it. 8/10
Interesting blend of reggae ska and punk elements that reflect the angst of the working class in the British scene.
I stole this from my sister in high school and thought they were a weird 90s ska band until now. Had no idea it was 1979.
Classic album, the best of Ska music
Life in Britain being shit produces some great albums. Loved this
I do like the Specials
Pretty great and fun. Laughed at some of the lyrics. Like this group. +4.
Not normally my kind of thing as I find Ska music particularly repetitive. However, the way The Specials blends Ska with new wave and post punk seems unique to this record
Thought I wouldn't enjoy this but it actually exceeded my expectations. I've never been much of a fan of The Specials or anything Ska related. Will certainly listen to this again
I'm not a dancer. Never have been. I cannot help but move when I listen to Ska. That beat is just infectious, and The Specials were truly special.
Een Ska-revival tijdens de punk-piek. Wat een love-baby werd daar geboren. Ska-punk vind ik toch altijd wel gaaf. Zeker ook omdat de punk-grootheden van the Clash daar eigenhandig het niveau wat hebben opgeschroefd op London Calling. Zelfs van de USA revival in de jaren 80/90 heb ik in latere jaren nog stiekem best van genoten (Streetlight Manifesto, Less Than Jake, etc). The Specials zijn natuurlijk het gezicht van dit genre en met name door dit album. De revival vervloog snel en slechts een paar platen zijn echt aanwijsbaar de momenten waar het genre om draait. Tuurlijk, de nummertjes zijn simpel maar wie dacht dat een mix van Jamaicaanse reggae en plat Brits gepunk tot zulke lekkere en catchy liedjes kon leiden. Oja en nog een shout-out maar de zwart-wit blokjes stijl. Love it. Geen kwaad woord van mijn kant. Misschien niet zeker de kwaliteit van de muziek, maar wel het iconische album voor een uniek genre. 8/10 Gangsters Message to you Rudy Concrete Jungle Monkey Man Too Much Too Young
A fun album that was far different than I expected. It starts with one of those songs that is familiar but I had no idea who performed it. A Message To You Rudy is super catchy. It’s solid throughout with another highlight on the back half in Dawning of a New Era. Little Bitch is spicy too.
Klassikko ska:ta! Hyvin potkii 4/5
that one ska album
Very good 4 stars
I like a lot of songs by The Specials back in the day, but I never had any of their albums. I really enjoyed this one. I only listened to the "Disc One" songs that were on the original album.
7/10
Ratatatatatatatata questa è guerra Lina skrrrrr ratatatatea ska ska
Esuché influencias a: Soda, Sumo, los Cadillacs, los Abuelos y los Pericos. se gana sus cuatro estrellas.
Who doesn't like a bit of ska? It's just great. You can put it on and people just love it, especially if they're of a certain age. The fun jangly bits of reggae and the upbeat energy of punk. The faster tracks get everyone up and moving and the slower tracks you could just put on in the background and people would still love it. There are some really good recognisable songs on this album, but even some of the deeper cuts are really fun as well. I can't imagine how nuts people must have gone for this in 1979. The energy and musicality is fantastic, the vocals I love. The MVP here though is the bass. Bass can sometimes just be there. It's subtle but it gives tracks that extra boost, but on this album it's front and centre, it's all over the place in the best way and the horns make everything sound better.
нормальная веселая музычка, мне понравились do the dog и dawning of a new era (live)
Very good
Didn't this define Britain in the late 70s! Great music, spot on for the times.
Incredible instrumentation, hooky and energetic, live sons were especially good
Ska / Punk Rock Rating: 4.25 Message to You 5/5 (Dawning of a) New Era 5/5 Do the Dog 4.5/5 It's Up to You 4/5 Nite Klub 3.75 Doesn't Make it Alright 4.5/5 Concrete Jungle 4/5 Too Hot 4/5 Monkey Man 4/5 Blank Expression 4/5 Stupid Marriage 3.75 Little Bitch 3.5 Too Much Too Young 5/5 You're Wondering Now 5/5
I generally don’t like ska (likely due to having come of age during the abominable 90s ska revival). There’s something about this I kinda dig though.
A lot of fun and filled in the gap on a cover by Goldfinger I loved.
Man… pure nostalgia. I’m tempted to give this a 5, but I don’t and won’t listen to it that much. But this really is some of the best ska produced outside of the first wave of Jamaican ska.
Lots of fun
Fun album like early ska meets early punk.
Iconic. Special if you will
like
A tight, new wave version of a more traditional Jamaican sound. Not always a recipe for success, but they pull it off completely! Helps to have a true meeting of the minds of some fine musicians from both sides of the Atlantic. Not every track is a banger, but a surprising number are forever memorable.
pretty cool, a lot of catchy songs. favs: gangsters, doesn't make it alright, concrete jungle, stupid marriage, little bitch
Прикольно, но на 1 раз
One of those bands that I know all the songs, love all the songs, but dont own any of their records. Yes i would buy this if I came across it
Two tone at it's best. This album delivered a metaphorical slap when I first played it, and it still does. So much more than the commercially successful hilights of A message to you Rudy, too much too young and Monkey Man, but they're not a bad start are they?!
Rudy or Rudie is a slang term for "Rude Boy"
A lot of bangers, good shit.
Pretty much unimpeachable excellence.
Ska Beatles, with punk tendencies.
Ska Ska Ska. Pretty iconic.
I don’t think I’d heard of The Specials before starting this project, but I learned a little about them from Dorian Lynskey’s 33 Revolutions Per Minute, where there’s a chapter about their song “Nelson Mandela.” I’m not very knowledgeable about ska music, and certainly not about second wave ska music (the only ska I know is stuff like No Doubt, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Save Ferris, and Reel Big Fish). I’m interested to see what this album is like. While this album isn’t the type of thing I’d gravitate towards, I thought it was good. The songs on this album have a good groove to them, but I definitely preferred the more up-tempo songs to the slower ones. I thought the song writing on this album was one of the best parts of it. The political messaging was really great, and from a historical context, I think it’s really interesting that far-right groups in England tried to hijack the songs that were pro-working class, in an attempt to stoke racial tensions. Some of the things that stood out to me on this album: -I loved the keyboard and drumming on “Do the Dog” -The ambient bar sounds during the opening of “Nite Klub” were really great, and I liked how they came back in other parts of the song -“Doesn’t Make It Alright” had some of my favorite lyrics on the album, and it was the best of the slower songs -“Concrete Jungle” was my favorite song on the album, and I really liked the keyboards and drumming that sounded like trash can lids -The structure of “Stupid Marriage” was great, and I loved the courtroom narrative Overall, this was a solid album, but it’s not really my vibe, and if I get the itch for some ska, I’m more likely to fire up some ska-punk instead.
I enjoyed it, not sure I’ll listen ever again though
Second half slightly stronger than the first, but solid all the way around. You can tell how passionate and genuine they are. 4/5
Okay but the bass lines are awesome
I liked this one. Ska all the way. Favorite song: a message to Rudy
Overall: 8/10 It's refreshing to hear an earlier version of ska, since nowadays that term is associated with 90s skate punk and has become somewhat of a meme. I really liked this, I think the old school punk approach fits this genre much better. The vocals feel kind of like The Clash to me. Also love the guitar work. Fav Song: (Dawning of A) New Era Least Fav Song: Do the Dog
Coventry, Angleterre, 1979 et autant vous dire que pendant que le Royaume-Uni se préparait à bouffer du Thatcherisme pour les onze prochaines années. Le punk avait déjà planté ses épingles à nourrice dans le lard de la monarchie deux ans plus tôt, mais son venin commençait à se diluer dans une caricature de lui-même. L'ambiance était lourde, poisseuse, le chômage grimpait en flèche, les tensions raciales transformaient les rues en poudrières, et la grisaille des Midlands semblait vouloir tout dévorer. Bref, un putain de décor de fin du monde. Et puis, du coeur de ce merdier ambiant, a surgi un son, un son à la fois familier et complètement neuf. Un son qui te donnait envie de danser frénétiquement tout en ayant la furieuse envie de foutre ton poing dans la gueule du premier politicien venu. Ce son, c'était celui des Specials. Leur premier album, sobrement intitulé "The Specials", n'est pas juste un disque, c'est une déflagration, une borne kilométrique, la putain de pierre de Rosette du mouvement 2-Tone. Pour ceux qui débarquent, 2-Tone, c'était ce label fondé par Jerry Dammers, le clavier et cerveau des Specials, dont le logo en damier noir et blanc était un manifeste à lui tout seul. Noir et blanc, comme les musiciens du groupe, qui mélangeaient allègrement prolos blancs et descendants d'immigrés jamaïcains. À une époque où le National Front paradait sans trop de complexes, sortir un disque avec un line-up pareil, c'était déjà un acte politique plus fort que tous les discours du monde. Et la musique, bordel ! La musique ! C'est le son de l'urgence absolue. On sent que le groupe n'a pas le temps de niaiser. Produit par un Elvis Costello alors au sommet de sa rage post-punk, l'album est une cocotte-minute sur le point d'exploser. Ça prend les rythmes ensoleillés du ska et du rocksteady jamaïcain des années 60, ça les passe à la moulinette punk, et ça te recrache une énergie brute, nerveuse, à la fois joyeuse et désespérée. C'est le son d'une fête dans un immeuble qui est sur le point de s'effondrer. On évite ici la chronique titre par titre, ça ne sert à rien. Il suffit de balancer les noms : "A Message to You Rudy", "Monkey Man" (une reprise de Toots & the Maytals qui enterre presque l'originale), "Too Much Too Young"... Que des tubes. Mais des tubes qui sentent la sueur, la bière renversée et le désespoir social. Même quand ils reprennent "Do the Dog" de Rufus Thomas, ça sonne moins comme une invitation à la danse qu'à une émeute bien organisée. Le son est sec, tendu. La section de cuivres, menée par le légendaire Rico Rodriguez, semble jouer avec un couteau entre les dents. La voix nasillarde et désabusée de Terry Hall, contrebalancée par les harangues plus agressives de Neville Staple, crée une dualité parfaite. C'est le son d'une jeunesse qui sait qu'on lui a menti, mais qui a décidé de danser sur les ruines de ses illusions. Alors pourquoi un 4 sur 5 et pas la note parfaite ? Peut-être parce que, pour le disquaire post-punk que je suis devenu, il manque cette introspection morbide, ce voyage intérieur que des groupes comme Joy Division, sortant "Unknown Pleasures" la même année, allaient transformer en art majeur. "The Specials" est un album tourné vers l'extérieur, un album de gang, un album de rue. Il ne te parle pas de tes démons intérieurs, il te parle des monstres qui sont dehors, dans la société. C'est un disque social, politique, un appel au ralliement. C'est une de ses plus grandes forces, mais c'est aussi ce qui l'empêche, à mon sens, de toucher à cette universalité intemporelle et plus personnelle qui caractérise les chefs-d'oeuvre absolus. C'est une photographie sonore parfaite de son époque, mais une photographie prise au flash, en pleine gueule, sans aucune place pour les zones d'ombre de l'âme. Mais qu'on ne s'y trompe pas, ce disque est essentiel. Il a défini un son, une attitude, et a ouvert la voie à une vague de groupes (Madness, The Selecter, The Beat...) qui ont prouvé que la musique pouvait être à la fois festive et engagée. C'est un classique absolu, un concentré d'énergie pure qui, plus de quarante ans après, n'a rien perdu de sa pertinence. Parce que, soyons honnêtes, le monde n'est pas devenu beaucoup plus rose depuis 1979. Pour ceux qui voudraient creuser le sillon, la Sainte Trinité des labels s'impose : plongez sans hésiter dans les catalogues de Trojan Records pour les racines jamaïcaines, Studio One pour le son originel, et bien sûr, tout le reste de 2 Tone Records pour comprendre l'onde de choc.
A message to you: I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Rudy.
When this came up, I immediately wrote it off as another unimpressive British band that the editor remembers fondly from their youth in the UK. That might be true, but I actually quite liked it. It’s goofy and a bit hokey, but a lot of fun and I can’t deny I enjoyed listening to it more than a 3 album.
RIP the specials. You would have love the 90s
Its a cool style they make. Not my style but I enjoyed it.
Classic
God, flashback to our old house 25 years ago...I'd totally forgotten some of these songs (Nite Club, Little Bitch) but this brought them flooding back. There's also the feeling of being 17 and back in Watford tied to some, particularly Message to You Rudy. Excellent album to start this project!
Hah. Weirdos.
I definitely hear the influence this band had on Sublime. I enjoyed the fast and the slower songs, all had a similar sound though.
The album that started white guy reggae. Love it
so ein random fucking genre, ska mit punk, aber funktioniert irgendwie
Fun and upbeat. I didnt realize they did Monkey man. I also liked Nite Klub and Message to Rudy
Good fun, ska tends to be a bit samey over the course of an album and this isn't any different, but it's enjoyable while it's on.
With a very distinctive style. Reggie vibes but more modern. That post punk raggie difficult to describe
Nice bass line. They mix punk, reggae vibes. Original and dancy
What a delightfully strange album. I don't even know what genre this is. British reggae? Ska? What even is ska? Idk but it's weird as hell from the first song and I like it.
Favourite tracks: monkey man; a message to Rudy; concrete jungle; too much too young
I LOVED THIS
ska will never die
MUITO forte. poucos sabem mas eu tenho uma queda imensa por um skazinho. esse eu escutei enquanto tava travado num bug cabuloso e foi tão bom que eu nem estressei no processo.
ska punk real
Enjoyed. 4/5
Didn't think much of The Specials or their music at the time. While this is still not my kind of music I can appreciate the enthousiasm and enery. So all in all a surprisingly enjoyable listen.
Ez aljas módon tetszett.
a brieflooos for yooou and meee
Not my style; but again, it has some classic songs so I can appreciate why it’s on the list!
Really enjoyed the reggae strumming style of this '79 album. Defined Ska in its British revival at a tense time.
Now this is good ska
Recognize a few of these tunes from growing up. Early ska. Much more into it than I was back then. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
This album made me realise I do not listen to enough ska. The Specials are a band I was 100% familiar with, yet never went out of my listen to. So kudos to this list for bringing them right back to my attention again. The whole LP is an explosion of fantastic originals and covers, punk lyricism, ska, rock, reggae, and a sprinkle of old school rock ‘n’ roll. Musically it’s a really fun tracklist filled with addictive melodies and infectious bass lines. The raw vocals of Terry Hall only add to its overall character - as he walks a fine line between British flavoured fun and a take-no-bullshit attitude. Along with its diverse musical elements, ‘The Specials’ is also a commentary on society at large at the time; as if it is a bit of a time capsule of its own standing up as part of a movement against the rise of the right wing in the late 70’s. Which in turn makes it a fairly relevant record in today’s climate, as well (as they say, the more things change, the more things stay the same). There is no subtlety whatsoever in their observations here, and it only helps to elevate the album, in my opinion. I gave this around two listens today, as I wasn’t quite sure how to rate it. It was teetering between a 4 and a 5. But I ultimately decided on a 4; as I feel some tracks bog the record down just a little bit (‘Blank Expression’, and the overly long ‘Too Much Too Young’). Overall, however, I absolutely consider this a must listen for anybody.
Ska til it hurts
Anywhere from at 2 to a 5 depending on my mood. Can be grating or groovy. Hard to explain.
I don't think I have ever willingly listened to ska before so I'm not too sure how to judge this, but I enjoyed it. I really liked the energy, though I could do without some of the songs, it felt like it dragged on a bit too long even if it wasn't a particularly long album.
This album is just so much FUN! Infectious energy with a massive feel-good vibe. This would be the perfect record to spin for my end-of-summer pool party!
****A good easy listening album. Lots of raggae sounds
Good stuff, captured the zeitgeist
Pretty decent! Especially the live tracks at the end of the deluxe album. These guys are/were pretty awesome.
You can definitely here what's to come with punk and new wave and this also presents a story worth digging into. An impactful and fun album.
Very nice
Too young to have a sense of the social impact of this, but impressive on how they managed to harness a spiky bouncy joy whilst commenting on the total pile of dogshit that was the UK in the late 70s
A not entirely pleasant trip down memory lane after thatcher ripped the heart out of society and blamed those she left behind for its ills. Concrete jungle & stupid marriage stand out tracks for me.
Seems like a good album and I like the singles
Is it special? No. Sounded good, though, but it sometimes it missed the mark.
You're wondering now What to do When I rate this album 4
Never really been a fan of ska, but if you have to listen to the genre, it doesn't get much better than the Specials. Their debut brought to the larger masses a great album full of punk energy and infectious sounds that will lift you from your seat. You can't deny this record was enjoyable, dance-able and worth the listen, if not only because it's fun, but also it's influence and importance to the scene.
Enjoable, easy to listen to.
Loved this! I'd heard A Message to you Rudy, and Monkey Man but was shocked to hear how fucking good the rest of the album is. After this, I listened to Reggae the rest of the day.
Idk what it is about ska, but it always makes me feel so happy!! I love this album!
Thankfully only one track with the weird speaking really close to the mic thing that seemed acceptable at the time. The bangers drag this up.
A message to you rudy is excellent, the rest if okay but not exceptional.
Cool funk from early days, rawer and clean guitars, sax/trombones/trumpets. Good for sampling in electronic music, sound like early trap/ska. Funny lyrics.
Never really listened to the entire album before. It was quite a warm day when listening to this and so I vibed even more with this album
Ska/reggae, good fun and variety
Fun! Ska! Ragge! Sublime was influenced by them, no doubt!
One of my favourite albums of all time - absolute classic
This was a fun album. The variety here is something I didn’t expect. You’ll be listening to reggae then punk. But, the reggae songs aren’t BAD, but they don’t really do much for me. That doesn’t mean they’re terrible though, they have a fun mood. This was good, has its moments. Very quirky as well. Cool!
*4.5*
ja heel leuk dit, ik hou van ska, me ma was hier vroeger van fan ik wij hadden deze lp, even klein genieten hoor, meer van dit graag
Although I love the Bosstones, I've never listened to the Specials. Anticipating an enjoyable listen to me. "A Message to Rudy" is very notable but I was dreading if that set the tone as far as energy for the whole album. Thankfully, "Do the Dog" picks right up (pun intended). Yeah, I'm really liking it. "Concrete Jungle" is a bopper. But "Too Much Too Young" is a drag.
If, like me, you lived through the '90s you probably hate ska too. Every high school honors student with a trombone started wearing checkerboard slip-on Van's and put together a shitty ska band and hoped they'd be the next Bosstones. It really did a lot for pushing me completely away from that sound. BUT... There is a reason The Specials kicked off enough excitement to start a new 2nd wave of ska. They are a solid band, and this is a great album.
I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't that... that was awesome...
I named one of my Baldur's Gate 3 characters Rudy after "A Message to you Rudy". Great album.
Groovy and jammin at the same time. I enjoyed just about every song.
I have their second album on vinyl, another one from my ex's dad. I've only heard "A Message To You Ruby" from this one, which is a total banger. These fellas are the quintessential ska band, there would be no Gorillaz without them. I love how their drums sound. The guitar riffs in "Little Bitch" sound kinda like "Brown Sugar" by the Rolling Stones. This album isn't airtight, I think the follow-up is a little more consistent. But it's a lot of fun and a great album for a sunny day like today.
Cool vibe blues and reggae
Awesome album. So influential on future ska artists. 4/5
A lot of songs I had heard but never knew
I'd say it bumps
This album was special. Island vibes and steady rhythms gave way to catchy vocals.
The Specials hold a place in my heart.
Reggae！久违的雷鬼
good album, ahead of its time.
This album gets played regularly at our house; I've never been a huge ska fan but The Specials are undeniably great!
For someone who doesn't tend to like ska, this fucks. I enjoyed it a lot. I guess you get a lot of credit when you're an innovator. 4/5
Good shit, a landmark for a reason. B+
2nd wave ska band and they're really good! like their lyrics and their vibe - very groovy music and more enjoyable than I thought it would be
Just good fun, if you live in Britain you get exposed to this from an early age. After listening I went on a Ska and Reggae binge, good job it was a sunny day.
Enjoying this more than I thought. Lyrics are really fun and the songs aren’t too ska for my taste.
What a fun album! I was only familiar with the first track, but really enjoyed listening to the rest of it.
While not necessarily my favorite flavor, there's something magical going on here. The attitude, solid musicianship, interesting songs, cool detatched delivery — there's swagger to this band. It sounds like a time capsule, you can still hear how fresh this must have sounded in 1979.
Brilliant 4/5
I didn’t realize I already knew who these guys were. My personal favorites were “A Message to You Rudy,” “Stupid Marriage,” and “Too Much Too Young.”
I like it, glad to see it made the list.
Very very fun. I could probably get sick of it if I listened to it a little too often, but it's definitely super enjoyable as a once-in-a-while thing. Solid 4.
Like transporting into Bradley Nowell's 15 year old mind. See a lot of influence here.
Something similar to The Smiths, great British accent
Ska! I liked it, partially since I have some friends in a Ska band and don't know many of the foundational bands of the genre. The music was overall good though.
Still one of my favorite 2nd wave staples. Big influences here for the 3rd wave that I grew up on while holding its own against anyone in the genre regardless of wave.
This album is fun
good
I love that ska, Rudy!
Good album! 4 stars
So good. If you love sublime this band is for you.
That was good. I like just about everything on the album.
First time with this one. I liked it a lot. Interesting play on Jamaican music influences and lyrical content applicable to 70's urban London.
Who knew a Ska revival album would be so catchy? Really, the only thing preventing this from being 5 stars is the limited complexity of the genre. Aside from that, the songs are infectious, well-played, and brimming with attitude. Elements of punk and reggae sneak their way into several tracks; the latter is particularly noticeable in the guitar riffs.
This is an example of an album that I probably never would have chosen to listen to, but one I quite enjoyed, both for the music and the music history/culture aspect. Ska ska ska!
Upbeat and fun. I've convinced myself I don't like ska but The Specials have other plans.
I’m not the biggest fan of Ska, but this album was well entertaining! It kept my interest, some of the later songs were actually among my favorites, and I enjoyed this.
Pleasantly surprised by this album. An intriguing mix of British rock and reggae that I never thought I would see together. It's certainly very original in this aspect and it seems like it takes the best out of both worlds. Not too British. 🇬🇧☕ Not too Jamaican. 🇯🇲 🍃(Though, unlike British, I doubt there is something as too Jamaican) The whole vibe of the album was also accompanied by this adequate amount of goofiness. I like. 7.5/10
"The Specials" by The Specials, released in 1979, is a seminal album in the ska and 2 Tone genre. It's a punchy, socially charged collection of tracks that encapsulates the band's energetic and politically charged sound. From the infectious beats of "A Message to You, Rudy" to the anthemic "Ghost Town," the album is a snapshot of a specific time and place. With its lively ska rhythms and socially conscious lyrics, "The Specials" is a standout in the ska revival movement. It receives a concise yet powerful 4/5 for its lasting impact on ska and its ability to seamlessly blend political commentary with infectious dance beats.
I first heard The Specials’ version of “A Message to You, Rudy” blaring from speakers and spilling across the sticky floors at one of my favourite clubs at university. I leaped around to it with fresh-faced friends, rosy with youth: it was already a 35-year-old song, but it felt vivid and vital as it held us all in grasp. Fast forward several years and I’ve still only heard the full album once, and remained convinced “Rudy” was the only real highlight. But on closer inspection, I was way off the mark: “The Specials” is stacked front to back with joyful tracks as two-tone, ska, punk and reggae come together. The cocktail may seem like a queasy mixture at first, but sink a few down and all you’ll want to do is dance your own feet off. “Monkey Man” is a knees-up, pulsing triumph. “Concrete Jungle” is frantic and urgent, “Nite Klub” is a driven by a stellar rubbery bassline, and the gradually accelerating ending of “Stupid Marriage” is tremendous raucous fun. It’s one of the best parties committed to record, but if there’s a fault to be had it’s that the social messaging is quite a way off the likes of The Clash or Costello. Ten songs celebrating equality and condemning prejudice (see “Doesn’t Make It Alright”) are quickly undone by lines like “all the girls are slags”, “ain’t you heard of contraception”, or the whole of “Little Bitch” with its accusation that the subject would (and should) take her own life for attention. Great guitar riff though. On the whole, the ska influences combine very well with the restless energy of UK 70’s punk and new-wave. Helping to connect “The Specials” with the first wave of 1960’s Jamaican ska, and add some welcome authenticity, is the presence of trombonist Rico Rodriguez. Meanwhile, placing it squarely in the late ‘70’s new wave boom is the production by Elvis Costello, making this a (superior) prelude to his “Get Happy!!” period. Solid all round… and of course, “A Message To You, Rudy” will forever be colossal.
This was quite the revelation. There is not OG Ska worth listening to.
I’m conflicted about this album. I LOVE Ska; I didn’t think this list would have a Ska album on it. The sound and instruments are great, I’m not so pleased with the lyrics or the lead vocalist on most of the songs.
My new go to for punk Ska, ahead of its time.
Classic
Interesting. Can hear their influence in many places.
Classic ska! The beats Can’t be beat. Pick it up pick it up go!
I love it, with the beats and everything although some songs are misses in my opinion I still loved a few especially that first one it was such a nice hook I kinda started dancing to it while I was showering!👍 nice atmosphere to the music
On my first listend I really dug A Message to You Rudy but the rest of the album seemed to pale in comparison. Second listen I started to get more into it and it's a good fun album. Aside from the opener I also enjoyed Concrete Jungle, Blank Expression, and Too Much Too Young
So I actually enjoy listening to Ska and I feel like this band created it. So, I’m my book it’s an 8/10
Lots of fun! 4/5
Holy mackerel. The opening song is the song they use for resurrection sunday. I never realized this. It's a really good mix of raggae and pop.
I'm giving SKA an extra bump as I really enjoy the vibe and the sound. Though there are some weaker tracks, there's enough meat here (Rudy, Concrete Jungle, Nite Klub, Too Hot) that its a really fun journey. Good times!
Really good. I never understood how the ska era succeeded the punk era. But this was very good.
I can’t fathom this as an album in 1979. Ahead of its time? First song is obviously the best but a fun album overall.
Surprisingly great.
I feel like this album fits the good/bad mem with hank from breaking bad - cheery, upbeat music being used as an outlet for grim underlying themes. Case and point, blank expression is a worthy contender for my "sad songs that sound happy" playlist.
it's just fun you know
so fucking good, why haven’t I heard this before? such fun lyrics. every point I thought “oh this song isn’t for me” the most insane 20 seconds in music history would immediately come up. high 4. fave songs: concrete jungle, little bitch
i liked it
I love an album with bitchy lyrics and bouncy beats what can I say!! Favorites are some I already knew like Gangsters (not sure if this is actually on the album?), A Message to You Rudy, Too Much Too Young, and Monkey Man (SOOOO fun) plus new favorites like Do the Dog, Stupid Marriage, and Dawning of a New Era. But every other song was still so good- great lyrics all around, plus that Rolling Stones sample on Little Bitch? Fun! It’s an album that’s full of covers and also most songs sound like they would be more fun to hear live, but a super strong debut imo! Also why was Elvis Costello the producer. Just curious.
Hear the big band influences, island jam band influences, etc. It's a fun listen.
Ska! A message to you Rudy! There’s more to the specials
Mér hefur alltaf fundist lúmskt gaman að ska og þetta er bara mjög skemmtilegt en verður smá endurtekið. Það má dilla sér við þetta.
Surprisingly very groovy. Glad this got recommended!
Classic ska reggae.
4.25
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proto punk? not sure what they call this , but it was the start of a big thing in bringing the raggae/ska beats to mainstream pop. love this raw and true sound
Godfathers of the best genre ever. Do the dog, I’m the dog. It’s Up to you has crisp drums but still holds on to the groove of the first 2 tracks. Nite Klub has real lyrics and is a lot more jazzy. Concrete jungle has a crazy bassline, booming drums. Blank expression was a nice slower piece. Overall the album has a simultaneous excited fast vibe and laidback chiller vibe. A constant drive and groove throughout. Good listening experience Fav tracks: concrete jungle, nite klub, blank expression Least fav: monkey man Overall : 89/100
Really interesting sound combining punk drive and messages with playful ska music and great use of the different voices and vibes in the band. Really set a feeling of being in the English street in the late 70s.
Fav songs: (Dawning of A ) New ERA IT’S UP TO YOU A Message to rudy Nite club
Special.
A ridiculously good debut that is just a lot of fun to listen to
Great album and a favourite of mine.
The definition of easy-going music is now established for me. I'll sure look for more "Specials" albums later.
One of the original Ska bands to bring the genre to fruition. They weren't quite punk and weren't quite Reggae. You can definitely see "newer" bands were influenced by these guys. Guys like Catch 22, Reel Big Fish, Aquabats really took inspiration from The Specials. You don't need any herbal influence to enjoy these guys, but it helps.
- love the bounce - feels effortless for these guys - borderline cheesy
Well I didn't really think I liked ska, but this was a bop. Whether that was familiarity bias because of the songs i knew, or if I'm just more familiar with this style from drum n bass. Dandy Warhols used as a sample?
4.5/5
4+/5
Some good stuff but I never really could get into this band the way that other ska fans seem to. They're good and highly influential which invery much respect. A 4 I suppose.
nice
Aaahh, the Death in Paradise theme! Lol. RIP Terry Hall. Legend
A fun pop-reggae album, would recommend for that British pub feel two with the bellowing on certain songs Stand out songs: - It's up to You - Little Bitch
What a superb album. This might be the best British Ska has to offer. And it's got something to say to boot!
I could hear the influence the Specials have had on some “newer” punk/ska bands. Some classic songs.
As much a breath of fresh air now as it was then.
Feestje voor de oren, lekkere nummers, en legendarische band. Wel veel van hetzelfde.
7/10
Brilliant ska album and definitely vital to pioneering the scene.
O jee, een obscuur Engels bandje anno 1979. Dat kan maar één ding betekenen: gejengel. Maar nee! Het is blije reggae en ska, en het is zowaar wél aan te horen. Het kan dus wel. Meerdere keren luisteren, vrolijk van worden.
Het is ergens altijd wel grappig om ska te horen, want het is wel soort van blij. De gitaren bij the Specials vertonen gelukkig wat meer afwisseling dan de standaard reggae en ska gitaren. De getrouwe holle resonerende drum is wel gewoon van de partij (ik weet even niet goed welke voor dat typerende geluid zorgt), net als het tikken met de drumstokken op de rand van de drum. Het zit allemaal goed in elkaar. Blijkbaar is er toch nog iets waar Elvis Costello bij betrokken is, wat ik wel kan waarderen.
Awesome vibe I love this kind of music. Lots of great songs on here that I didn’t realize were from the specials
I don’t know why but I always thought The Specials would be to ska what UB40 are to reggae. That was a very silly assumption to make! This is a lot better than I anticipated, and a lot more punk than I was expecting. A good chunk of bands I listened to as a teen and beyond clearly owe a lot to the Specials. There is a few filler tracks on here but that doesn’t detract too much from it being a great record. Concrete Jungle, Monkey Man, Too Much Too Young probably my highlights. Tres good tres good
I have to agree with the group. Susprisingly good. My favourites were Dawning of a New Era, Little Bitch, and Stupid Marriage. Quite funky and relaxing.
Really enjoyed this album, had heard of a couple of tracks but this was some top class Ska. Can't believe this was released in 1979, feels well ahead of it's time. Will definitely listen again. Highlights: A Message to You Rudy Too Much Too Young Monkey Man Little Bitch
Great cross cultural moment. It has the raw feel of a live show.
I’m not a huge ska-head but this album is a really good. I was familiar with “Rudy” but I honestly thought this album was from the 90s. Ska is timeless I suppose! Maybe with another listen I’d see more variety in the songs, but on first pass it feels a little repetitive.
some solid early ska! not my favorite genre but there are some really cool ideas here
Yeah good
A debut album which still holds it own.
The Ska was fun! The rhythms had a lot to get into. Some tracks kinda dragged, but overall, this was nice. The best track is Dawning of a New Era.
Never heard this album before and loved every track! Great 70’s ska, loved Nite Klub. Solid 4!
Enjoyed this, it feels like summer! Not my usual thing at all, but I'll definitely listen again.
- Heard this album many times before in my dad's car - Actually very good - Pinnacle of British ska in the 70s/80s - Fav songs: Too Much Too Young, Monkey Man, A Message to You Rudy
Mai saputo si chiamasse "A Message to you Rudy" <3 Molto simpatico in generale
A classic