Reviews (page 5 of 11)
Fantastic. Enjoyed learning more about English ska history.
easy und catchy - wie konnte das komplett an mir vorbei gehen?
love this sound - sends me back to the 80s
3/5. I can definitely appreciate the punk and ska flavors mixed with the rock and reggae energy. It's also not surprising to know Costello is involved here, just replace the singer with Elvis and it would come from one of his records. The better songs though are the ones that have the whole group singing together, creates an energy usually only found in live recordings, similar to how Louis Prima was able to create a certain energy in the studio. This album is actually pretty good but I just don't think it is for me overall. Like the Clash, I will need to be in a specific mood and the mood is "rite innit bruv" vocals. Best Song: Too Much Too Young (the live version), Do the Dog, Concrete Jungle
I never think of myself as particularly being a big fan of the Specials, but this is really hitting for me today! It's a ton of fun, and it's something I really need to be listening to more!
Odd blend of genres but found it fun if very weird. Probably a 3 star
Ok, I can get behind a little early ska. It’s fun and somewhat original.
High school me would have loved this (and in fact did love their song “Ghost Town” which isn’t on this album) but now feels dated
2.5
I enjoyed this. Probably my favorite of the two tone bands of this era. Unfortunate that the two tone moment in the UK spawned the US ska phenomenon whereby we were subjected to the likes of Bim Skala Bim.
Scooby doo haunted house ass music
Beste Unterhaltung
Annoying music
as an ex-ska kid who has spent many years in my friend circles presenting myself essentially as deprogrammed cult member, complete with sober expert analysis and regretful memories, it gives me no pleasure to report that this is still pretty good. I'm skanking and tears are streaming down my face.
One of those albums that should be a fixture on topsters, yet somehow flies under the radar these days
it was fine
Great debut with a clear direction. 5/5 for sure
Not really a big fan of this one. There were some good tracks here, but I didn't really enjoy most of the record. Favourite Track(s): Doesn't Make It Alright, Too Hot Least Favourite Track(s): Do the Dog
Never heard of them. Was actually surprised how much I enjoyed it.
I don't think I would have guessed there would be a ska album on this list, so this was a fun surprise. I like ska, and it's fun for a little while, but I definitely can't imagine this being a staple of my music diet. Fun, but probably not adding this into my regular rotation. Still, I'll enjoy it every time it comes on ⭐⭐⭐
Great mixture of reggae and punk energy. Love the horns.
it's okay
Æðisleg plata. Geggjað sound, fyndnir og flottir textar. Töffarar.
Frábær plata. Hressandi ska með beittum textum.
SKibididoop
3,9, on arrondit à 4 bien sûr!
Correct mais quand même un peu pénible.
Very good
stupid marriage
I like this one, even if I got ska'd out in the late 90s. It's fun to hear I've of the early groups in the genre, with a little punk mixed around in there. Good tracks, fun vocals, enjoyable.
Special album that starts with two bangers.
I like to pick it up, pick it up, pick it up as much as the next guy, but I'm very selective when it comes to ska. My favorite parts of the album were the more punk focused songs. For this reason, Night Klub and Concrete Jungle were some highlights for me. The more reggae focused songs didn't really resonate with me. Stupid Marriage plays out a bizarre and chaotic court scene, like something out of an Adult Swim cartoon. It's the type of storytelling that would stick around in the genre with bands like Sublime. Overall, a fun listen. I might not come back to it in full, but there are some songs I'd put in my regular rotation. Side note: I once went to a music festival with The Specials on the lineup. They used A Message To You Rudy in pretty much all of their marketing material. For like a month I heard that song way too many times and it drove me crazy. So hearing it again gave blme PTSD flashbacks. 3.5 stars
This is a very Clash/Squeeze-esque turn of the 1970s album. It's got a lot of hooks, bass beats, and high register singing. Songs kinda run together for me but this is a solid album. Top tracks: "A Message to You Rudy," "Little Bitch," "Concrete Jungle"
This was a super fun listen. Great run thru some early and origin story ska. Many are saying. Solid ass 3.
--Gangsters...I'm grooving to it --A Message to You Rudy...nice --Do the Dog...but not the donkey! --It's Up to You...like that bass --Nite Klub...oh, this fux --Doesn't Make It Alright...meh --Concrete Jungle...great bass, great guitar, great beat --Too Hot...not for me --Monkey Man...fun --(Dawning of a) New Era...more good bass --Blank Expression...meh --Stupid Marriage...stop yelling at me --Too Much Too Young...it's fine. album feels long at this point --Little Bitch...okay this one kicks. woke me up --You're Wondering Now...I guess this is the end
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.
The kind of album I had never listened in full, but had already heard half the tracks somewhere without knowing the band’s name. It was nice to finally listen to the original opus. I’m not big on ska and reggae (mainly due to the inherently repetitive nature of the genre), but this album is indeed full of classic anthems. Loved the youthful energy and the 60s retro vibe, which creates a weird mix of nostalgia and teenage rebellion. A solid 3* for effort and originality.
Cassettes, CD, I listened to this album for many years and yesterday I was fifteen again, hence the 5 stars.
The specials have a special music, a nice cocktail of reggae, rock, folk… which was a good mix. I’ve heard bad mix but that one was quite good but I’m not sure to listen again that album. I will stick to 3 stars for that reason
Finally, we’re getting to the real stuff. Forget all those post-punk bands who just jumped on the hype and ended up making bland or poppy tracks. Nothing beats a good old The Specials to me, they’re right up there with The Clash. Nobody’s done it better, even in the second wave of ska-punk. The voices aren’t pretty, sometimes it’s rough, but the energy is contagious, and the attitude is great. After War and this, I’m hoping for Bad Brains and RATM.
As a longtime ska fan I feel like I’m supposed to love this, but I just couldn’t
7,2/10
I don't care what anyone says, ska music is FUN as hell, I will always enjoy a funky ska album.
I didn’t realize how far ska went back. It was fun.
idk why i could tolerate this more than the other specials album but i guess this was more punk-adjacent? not necessarily in a good way, just in the sense that i found it easier to endure…my dad really likes the first song on here for some reason.
this is literally horrible
man that was repetitive
i love ska that was awesome. 8/10
Muy buenoo tiene muy buena vibraa
Classic ska. Fantastic
Very good album, with an amazing bass sound in all of the tracks and very catchy songs! For me an 8/10
A strong contender for the coolest album of all time.
I like that first song, and the other song that sounds like the first song (Rudy). 2.4. My guess is this gets a 2.92
What a great seminal album for ska. Who doesn't like The Specials?
First or second wave ska? Where’s Ghost Town?
Love the obvious ones. As an album it gets a bit tired
The best of Ska!
my 301th album... upbeat melodies! jaunty beats! political lyrics that sounds unserious with the accompaniment! what else could i ask for! 4.5/5
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
Not my typical style of music, but fun enough. One listen through and don’t really need any more.
Not exciting, but lively and enjoyable.
2015 remaster sounds muddy
Probably not the genre for me. I dont think its controversial to say that ska can be fairly monotonous . There are certainly good tracks on the album but they are interspersed with too much of the same stuff to keep me properly interested, just constant off beat guitar chops and brass stabs. The bass does a lot of heavy lifting. I enjoy the dichotomy between the dark, heavy, socially conscious lyrics and the upbeat, bouncy music. But a full album is just too much of it for me. Everything in moderation i suppose. I feel like if they just dropped the 2 tone for a few choruses it would be a total game changer. Favourite track - A Message to You Rudy. 7/10
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.
Brilliant work. Great sound. Variable quality - Message To You is incredible, there were a couple lime Do The Dog that might be worth playing and the album version of Too Much Too Young was a tough listen.
This is among my favourite albums that have ever been made. I’ve been inclined to give it a seven star rating. I’m taking this amongst my 10 albums on a deserted island.
Didn't finish. A little too much going on for my taste
This is definitely a fun album to listen to, especially if you’re into ska, reggae, or punk. One thing I found really interesting is that it was produced by Elvis Costello, which adds a cool crossover appeal to the whole thing.
Just an insanely danceable insanely political insanely good album
Wow. Track 1 and it is going towards a five. That’s great stuff. What an amazing discovery. Goes down to a 4, the flow is a bit off. Don’t know how else to put it. Too good for a 3, not good enough for a 5. Has great potential, but it doesn’t seem coherent. Falls to a 3 towards the end
Nice nice.
This album was super fun to listen but I agree with Asa it sort of just feels like a compilation of random songs. Favs: a message to you Rudy, blank expression. Fun change of pace 😛
This is a hard album to rate because it’s somehow worse overall than almost all of the songs on it. Something about them just doesn’t mesh. That being said, the songs that I like on this album are so good. The combo of early British punk with ska is very fun to listen to and definitely stirs some minor nationalism 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧The bass playing is also top tier. I really want to give it a 5 because I love the best songs so much but it just doesn’t work well enough overall. Gangsters is only on some versions but I’m including it bc it's one of my favorites. Standout tracks: A Message to You Rudy, Do the Dog, Concrete Jungle, (Dawning of A) New Era , Gangsters, Too Much Too Young 5/5 deserves to be on this list
I like ska. This album is an important part of the genre’s history. There are some really good songs, including a couple 2nd wave greats. The album does lose steam here and there. Overall it’s pretty good, just not great. 3.5/5 Probably will listen again
Love the Jamaican influence. Recognized "Little Bitch" right away. Iconic.
Mixture of punk attitude and ska grooves. It still holds up well today
These guys are the masters of staccato. They veil their songs in the guise of reggae but a reggae style that was very palatable to a UK Audience of the 70s / 80s (similar vibe to Madness). I enjoyed this album a lot more than I thought I would “nite Klub” was a great unknown tune Doesn’t make it alright also very enjoyable “people think they are clever smashing your head against a wall, then they say you got it my way”
This was much better than I expected, however as with all Reggae, you do get many tunes that feel very similar to each other.
Good ska
Two tone tastic. Groundbreaking.
ba ba-ba ba-ba baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
It's Ska ya slag
1 banger = A message to you Rudy
Meh, SKA … & “light SKA”at that.
Lowkey timeless.
I already knew a few of the songs going in but wasn’t sure I’d enjoy a full album of theirs. It really grew on me as it went on - ended up listening to it twice. It must have been so exciting to be a part of this scene as it was emerging. Favourite song: Too Much Too Young
Honestly had me laughing at some parts with how corny some of it is especially towards the beginning. I really think that if they got rid of the organ for a lot of tracks, it would be a lot better. Some of it feels like its the warmup routine backing track for a circus. Other tracks are vibes though, but overall, I wouldn't say that I'm converted to being a fan yet
How much ska is too much ska. This much ska. This much ska is too much ska.
uu
Classic
Ska is fun, idk what else to say
I've heard of this band before but don't think I've ever listened to them. it's fine reggae and clearly on influence on modern ska music and Subline. It didn't change my life though and I won't be revisiting this album.
Sure, why not?
excellence
Ska is the one genre that will bring us all together
This is the perfect album for a Friday. 4/5 because the album becomes somewhat repetitive.
I really like this album it has such an energy! I liked them when I was young but had long hair and a leather jacket so wouldn’t have gone down too well at one of their gigs.
Favourite song: "A Message to You Rudy"
5/10 some nice songs I guess
2 Specials albums in a week, not complaining as said last time this is probably favourite of the 2 and after listening to More last week I put this straight on afterwards. The 2 tone scene brings back good memories of infant school with my mates, of having much too young taped off the radio on a cassette player, obviously not understanding the lyrics at the time, but digging the beat, the mixed sound and as got older the social context. so close to, no it is 5 Star
It's fine, but also an exhausting album start to finish.
I don't remember how I originally found The Specials - but it's a bop. Yet, it goes on for too long.
Late 70s SKA!
ascolto difficile ska merda
Carino ma non mi ha coinvolto, anzi mi ha scocciata abbastanza velocemente
Un gruppo di amici che si divertono. Ci sta. Allegro simpatico funny ma i brani sono tutti un po’ troppo simili, un po’ too mich
non proprio il mio genere, capisco la rilevanza che può aver avuto alla fine degli anni '70, ma le canzoni non mi hanno fatto impazzire, tranne Little Bitch che ha evidentemente ispirato il riff di Bohemian Like You dei Dandy Warhols
mi è piaciuto dai, ho vibato
allora si solito lo ska non mi piace ma questo album mi ha gasato abbastanza 3 ma che tende al 3.5, lo riascolterei canzone preferita I can’t stand it
I think I listened to this one before. This is pretty fun ska.
The lead singer reminds me of the sex pistols, especially in a new era it is very sex-pistols-esque. First few songs were good but it got very repetitive in the second half of the album, especially with the walking track.
Meh, 2/5
Not my cup of tea.
Super simpatičan album
good good! interesting blend of sounds between like reggae?? and pretty typical british pop rock but i enjoyed
I was not at all familiar with ska. I dont love it but i dont hate it either. I like Nite Klub's intro with the background chatter as if its a performance in some venue. Rest of the song, i am indifferent to. I dont usually love similar things but i feel like it works with this genre. I like imagining hearing them live in a regular night out. Generally, the songs are nice. Some of them, i wouldnt mind hearing somewhere, maybe in a bar or cafe. But never would i pull this up to listen to it myself.
Some cool beats but does feel somewhat repetitive and the humorous nature of the lyrics is not always for me. Props to "Too Much Too Young" though. I wouldn't turn it off if it came on but I wouldn't suggest to put it on kinda thing.
Is this the original ska band?? It sure sounds like it, and I don't mind it.
Офигенно же, тут и ска, и регги, и панк 🤘
Annoying
Definitely feels like I'm visiting ska Mecca. Thank Christ Rudy was such a fuck up they had to write this belter of an opening track.
Didn't really enjoy it :/
Taka płyta na granicy. Ja, czasem wbrew sobie, lubię ska. Nie szanuję, ale lubię. Napawa mnie radością i zmusza do tańca. A to jest naprawdę porządne ska. Płyta jest zróżnicowana ma bardziej energiczne utwory, ale nie boi się wejść w te bardziej bujane. W sumie to nie mam się do czego przyczepić. 7/10
I quite like ska, but not actually really heard much Specials. Enjoyed this in general, just fucking hated the patronising patriarchal bollocks of Too Much Too Young.
nawt my thing
At least the singer let’s his accent shine. Only thing making this even worse would’ve been a yank singing.
Looks like ska, is ska. Late 70s UK. Reggae and rock. Will always sound like circus music to me. Chill and fun.
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.
Chill
It was certainly an interesting listen, and caught me off guard. I genuinely think that it could be better after listening to it a few times, but for a first go around, it gets a 3. If I could give a 3.5, I would as thats a more accurate reflection of the record.
Can't quite seem to decide what genre it should be, is it new age? Is it blues?
I'm not a big fan of Reggae, just feels like the on ramp to punk but then gets meandry. That said a lot of this worked for me, and it's interesting to hear how those two genres overlapped in unexpected ways.
This is a great album. So different from anything in that time. And of course the legendary "Message for Rudy"
Plus ça va plus j'aime The Specials. Feel good music.
Ce palmarès me fait découvrir à quel point je n'ai aucun intérêt pour le reggae et le ska (c'est à peu près la même chose right?) Stupid Marriage est drôle.
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!
ngl ska is high on my favorite genres list
Listenable-ish.
This was fun, but it got kinda old pretty quick. All the songs sorta sound the same.
very uh..... ska...
Not the type of music I would usually listen to but it was nice.
Nyfitit
I wasn't expecting ska when I first saw the cover, but in retrospect, I should have expected ska.
I'm not going to pretend to know what this is trying to be. It blends reggae and pop and rock in a way that takes the worst of both and complements it with bad lyrics. yikes
This was great; I'd never actually listened to the specials despite listening to everything they really spawned decades later. This is an upbeat album played by guys who are good enough at their instruments to not make it a mess. The singing is a bit of an afterthought, and it fits just right with the vibe and the music. A couple of the songs towards the end got a bit dull ("Stupid Marriage", "Too Much Too Young") but they picked it right up with the final two. I liked this a lot, was a good mood booster.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IYQznBD8oI&pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD I thought this was pretty good but my appreciation for Ska was low. Several times in different songs I was waiting for someone to tell me about a guy with a black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac, yea.
A great album with some brilliant songs on. Loved this era and this album sums it up so nicely
Fun...
Two tones make for a potent weapon. In the midst of a rapidly changing music scene in Britain came The Specials, who blended ska and punk with political and social awareness in the makings of a statement that could last a long time. While mired in its time frame, this self-titled manifesto still has things to say that still rings true in these hectic yet far more hostile environment; maybe we should keep turning these pages. Favorites: A Message to You Rudy, It's Up to You, Nite Klub, Doesn't Make It Alright, Concrete Jungle, Monkey Man, (Dawning of a) New Era, Blank Expression, Stupid Marriage, Too Much Too Young.
Only listened to half of it. Don't see it becoming much more interesting.
As far as ska goes, it was good. The problem is that ska doesn't go very far with me.
Loved The Specials, though I'll admit some of their songs are aimed at the live audience and kind of fall flat in the studio setting. I'd say there's more hits than misses on their debut album, though.
So I have never been a fan of ska and it always all sounded the same to me. Even a 45 minute album started to feel long, as the songs kind of all blended into one. My YT Music app will just play another related song after your album is finished, to be honest I didn't even realize the album ended and some other band started, then I was wondering how long ago did the album end. For me the specials were not that special, but I am sure they were revolutionary at the time, and as a Primus compilation album once proclaimed, they all can't be zingers.
Good vibe
Heard A Message to You Rudy before and it will remain my favourite from the album. The vibe overall was really fun but no other song felt Special (get it?) to me 2/5
Takes me back to my youth
Classic!
I guess it's good if you're really into ska. I'm not. It was okay enough and some of the music was interesting but didn't really rock my world.
Before this, I had not listened to much ska music. I am not a very big fan of it. It feels a bit too repetitive for me and not interesting enough for my ears, but I think if in the right mood I could listen to it. I don't care too much for the vocals. It is not my thing, really. I enjoy the more punky tracks such as 'Do the Dog' with more involved drums and bass, but other than that, I am not very interested in this album. I would give it a 2.5-3/5. Overall, I am more a fan of ska-punk rather than just regular ska. I love the basslines and upbeat feel, but the repetitive nature drops it down a bit for me. My favourite songs: Do The Dog Nite Klub
Haven't heard ska in forever
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.
wasn't for me
Fun ska album, idk why they needed the other one this is better
Slightly out of the ordinary genre-wise on here - late 70s punk ska. I found it enjoyable enough. I don't hold the sins of third-wave ska against them.
Generally I'm not a huge fan of ska (unless it's ska punk like Streetlight Manifesto, only ska band where I like whole albums). Thought I was gonna get a treat with this one leading off with Gangsters, with its very gothic ska, Scooby-Doo ass vibe. Unfortunately the rest of the record is just regular-old ska. Maybe some other stuff thrown in like a little ska punk here and there. Not that it's bad, but it's not something that wows me either. So yeah. Gangsters is easily the best track on the record with the rest being decent ska. I will say as a side note, being produced by Elvis Costello tracks. I'd be curious to see the listing of how many albums artists appeared on in any capacity on the list. If so, throw another Costello album on due to this, lol. Bowie's definitely much higher with guest spots and production spots probably all over the list.
I quite enjoy 2 Tone, though I admit most of my exposure to it is through listening to Madness. Still, I'd heard of The Specials and know a couple of their songs, some of which are on this album. Overall, the hit songs are really strong, but the rest of the album doesn't quite meet the same level of quality.
Fun
Surprisingly fun Ska music
This was my first lusten to a ska/punk band and I found it fun refreshing and danceable. There lyrics are rooted in social commentary of the establishment society and other social issues. The music is a joy to hear. They are particularly good on their live cuts. I listened to the deluxe edition which I recommend for the live recordings. Too bad they only released 2 LPs back in the early 80s.
This was a hard album to rate. There are so many great hooks, but the songs are always feel like a let down in comparison.
One of the few ska albums that is really really great
Love it
toppa top
Super Dope
Ska is leuk voor een paar liedjes maar op een gegeven moment was ik er wel klaar mee
I really liked the vibe of this (:
Message to you Rudy, too much too young, and the rest is middling ska
Ska
not my type of music.
I hate ska, but this is tolerable
I was surprised how much I liked this. And the theme to Death in Paradise!
Great album - like soany of these the famous songs are Fantastic and the others are fine
Just wonderful music
me ha sorprendido. no me sabía ninguna pero me han gustado muchas canciones
As ever, made so much more with a bit of context. Ah, Jamaican influence, early punk! So much more than the hits, and a real time capsule. Shame the vocals grate mine lugholes.
Great running album, very fun, will listen again
I didn’t enjoy this at all. I can’t stand ska. I never need to hear a single note of this ever again.
I get why this album is important in the history of ska. I made it through the whole thing. I don’t think it’s a particularly great album-it feels thin and very white bread. Some of their songs are fun, but this whole album felt flat in the whole.
I think I saw them talk in an itv or bbc documentary about skinheads. A message to rudy is such a standaout track. Giving a 4 as I just like the vibe and fun of it, although I think it's more of a 3 really.
Me aburrió un poco pero la última canción de Now you know this is the end. me gustó. Por eso le doy un 3.
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.
Ska and not the best Ska
This album reeks of fish, because this is cod reggae at its finest! Wow, I did not like this album. It sounds like if Bob Marley and The Clash has an ugly love child. The songs meander and are really random at some points, with songs like Stupid Marriage having pointless skits involved in them, or songs like Little Bitch just being plain up stupid. The vocals can be grating, and there isn’t any distinct musical elements for me to grasp on to besides a couple of guitar solos. Another issues is that, for the life of me, I can’t see why Too Much, Too Young was such a big hit, it’s literally just the same boring song played twice. I also just realized they got Chrissie freaking Hynde to do backup vocals on a song, weird. Overall, I found this album to be thoroughly unpleasant, now I’m gonna take my dreadlocks and Jamaican flag and go find some actual reggae. Edit: After thinking it over, this is a one, this album is about as pleasant as dead fish smoothie
Is this the first 2 Tone album? It might be. I'm not a fan of ska revival broadly, but I'm okay with it. There's a few songs that are lyrically pretty... dated, and there's nothing here I like, but I respect it.
Better than the first The Specials album I got from this. Nothing I’d listen to again and still don’t really think The Specials are anything special
It's okay, nothing Special. ehhhh.
Starts inovative then gets kinda repetitive Some beach boys vibes
Everyone wants to be Special but there can only be one Specials
ska 70er - a message to you rudy
Wasn’t really into Ska when I was younger, lots of people in school were but in my latter years I have come to appreciate it and this album is a complete corker. Each track is like a massive burst of energy and supposedly even more so live. Love it!
Aussi étonnant que ça puisse paraitre, le ska, ça m'a pas emballé.
Rating: 1.8 There’s just a permeating stench of lameness all over this album. No offense to anyone who likes this stuff, but you probably got beat up a lot in high school.
"2 Tone = Combina ska jamaicano dos anos 1960 com punk rock e new wave para criar faixas tocadas em andamentos mais rápidos e com um toque mais pesado do que os discos jamaicanos originais", de acordo com RYM. É um disco bacaninha e divertido, mas não acho assim relevante para estar no livro.
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.
I have a hard time getting down with ska. The tracks felt reparative and it’s a lot of horns. Someone who likes ska would enjoy this a lot, but it didn’t really warm me up to the genre
I like ska and this was a nice ska/two tone album. I like the punk influences on this also and the early Elvis Costello feel to the sound. Highlights were "It's Up to You", "Nite Klub" and "Little Bitch"
The Specials – The Specials (1979) | Ska / 2 Tone | Avg: 5.77 | Favorite Song: “A Message to You Rudy”* The Specials kicks off with a bang, and “A Message to You Rudy” clearly sets the bar high with its infectious horns and laid-back ska groove. However, it seems like the energy and charm of the opener isn’t quite sustained throughout the record. Several tracks fall into the 5 range, and a few even dip into the 3s, which suggests the album’s blend of ska, punk, and political commentary felt more uneven than explosive. There’s no denying the band’s influence or the importance of their sound in the late ’70s UK scene, but based on your scores, the album might come across as a bit repetitive or thin in spots. The raw performances and stripped-down production give it a certain immediacy, but that same roughness may have made it hard to stay engaged all the way through. It’s a record that kicks off with promise but doesn’t fully cash in on its momentum.
I really loved the specials when I was a teenager. As my music tastes have matured I am curious to see how I feel about this one. It feels very silly.
This genre isn't for me. I admittedly kept skipping songs partway through because I found it really annoying. It was at least played well, I think, so I'll give it a star for that.
Landmark
Not sure if I liked this album. The songs were good individually, but together, it kind of dragged on a bit. Just too much for me.
Not into Ska, but this was fun at times and not as bad as I expected. 2,5-ish I guess. Some lyrics especially in the second half uncomfortably misogynist.
Great introduction to ska as a genre and has such an iconic song as well. It wasn’t my favorite listen so far but still stood out on its own.
Lot of a Jamaican sounding music. Some of them were okay.
quite awesome. cool it on the misogyny though why dont ya
These guys were def having fun! I appreciate a lot about this album. So danceable but also politically charged. Can't say I am walking away from listening to this one with a changed opinion on ska - it has a time and place and for me it is very rare that I am in that place at the right time.
First impression pre listen: Another band I haven't heard of. Learning that it's ska has me a bit worried, as it's a genre for a very specific mood. This could be obnoxious. I know next to nothing about ska however, so it will at least be a fresh experience if anything. Shouldn't be boring in any case. Individual track notes: A Message to You Rudy Starting off with by far their most popular song. Could be a sign that this album is a bit frontloaded, or it could mean nothing. Has a good atmosphere to it. Janky, carefree and fun with some decent storytelling through admitably simple lyrics. Decent. 3.5/5 Do the Dog Punk inspired vocals and lyrics. A bit obnoxious. Don't love the additional vocals on thr chorus. Decently cool instrumentation. I like the bass a lot. Decent. 3.5/5 It's up to You Audio quality is a bit rough. Very political. Great bass. I like the variety on the vocalists a lot. The second vocalist has the perfect energy and charisma for this sound. Decent. 3.5/5 Nite Klub Catchy and fun with good energy. I like the classic rock n roll guitar and the fat bass. Very British. Charming track. Decent. 3.5/5 Doesn't Make it Alright Decent lyrics. Good vibes. Relevant message. Decent. 3.5/5 Concrete Jungle A bit much. The verse melody is kinda annoying. Fine chorus. Fun guitar. Stops being interesting by the final verse. Fine. 3/5 Too Hot Slow and drowzy. Fits with the theme, but does veer a bit into boring territory. Don't love the way they've chosen to stylize the vocals. Average. 2.5/5 Monkey Man I like the erratic vocals. Varied and fun. Good energy. Fine. 3/5 (Dawning of A) New Era The rock and roll themes are fun. Fun chorus. Good bassline. Decent. 3.5/5 Blank Expression Got nothing to say. Average. 2.5/5 Stupid Marriage Kinda fun, but really dumb. The court concept is decently implemented. Fine. 3/5 Too Much Too Young Obnoxious and busy. Kinda boring. Repeats itself too much and lasts too long. The drowsy tempo doesn't help. Dislike. 2/5 Little Bitch Decent energy. Fun instrumental. Cool solos. Shit lyrics. Fine. 3/5 You're Wondering Now Kinda cute. Works well as a closer, even if its a bit on the nose. Fine. 3/5 Final review: As fun this was when it started it got really obnoxious after a while. I felt worn out when it finished. This is something that seems to come with the genre I suppose as previous ska albums have had me feeling the same way. What sets this apart however is that it never feels repetitive. The songs have distinct ideas, and are easily discernable from one another. I really like how they flirt with other genres, bringing in punk rock vocals, jazzy transitions and rockabilly guitars. I also really like some of the basslines. There's themes of revolution, standing up for oneself and anti-racism, which fits well against the punk backdrop you'll find throughout the record. It's fast paced, fun, and full of suprises. However it requires a very specific energy to not be exhausting. Even so, its quality shines through even when you're tired of it, so that's that. 3/5
Reggae or SKA if you will is not built with rhythms or melodies that I enjoy, but these boys make it very well. Rather fun stuff.
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.
Ska has never really been my thing, but I do have to admit that my experience with ska is pretty much limited to the sort of ska/punk from the mid to late 90s. I appreciate the Jamaican rhythms and percussion and the sort of harder edge (I guess that's what you'd call it?) that 2 tone has. And from my little experience with this kind of music, this album seems to fall right in line with that. I don't particularly like the vocals on this album but there are things I do enjoy - some good guitars, great bass, great percussion. But it got a little wearing. I was ready to move on before it was over. 2.5/5 and will round up.
I have a complicated history with ska. I loved it when I was a teenager, but somewhere along the way, the part of my brain that was receptive to the genre broke, and now I can't stand it. The Specials feel very much like the blueprint for ska, so I respect them for that, but as I said, I don't like ska, so maybe that respect doesn't translate into a charitable rating from me.
Loved
would give 3.5 but not possible 😞🙏 it was a really nice listening during breakfast and solid album in general
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.
Местами энергичное ска с элементами панк-рока и гитарами на первом плане
For some reason I always assumed ska was more of a 90s thing. A couple fine songs on here but not quite my style.
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
Good enough not particularly good. Not particularly bad.
They have a fun sound and style.
A new experience for me
Classic album. 2-Tone ska at its finest.
Guessing they put ska on the map but not great music.
Original UK Ska
Ska revival, but more like a lyrical playground for Elvis Costello: 'Am I the dog that bit / the hand of the man that feeds it.' Punk has always been a cousin of ska and reggae, politically, culturally, but also musically, since it's relationship to rock-n-roll isn't ambivalent, but it is complicated. This doesn't just have groove tho, it has sweetness and wisdom too: racial, social, insights from all concrete jungles. A bit too repetitive, and tho the DIY vibe is fitting, a bit too raw: they run out of ideas, but I don't tire of what they represent.
Cool but not huge on ska
Awesome!
Never any complaints when I listen to ska. Got some early morning skanking in this morning before work started. Can hear their influence all over 3rd wave ska.
Hmmm.. this album was cool at first and then it kinda felt same same after a while. I enjoyed the upbeat energy, and there are songs I’d come back to. But I don’t find it a very diverse album and listening to it all at once wouldn’t be my first choice.
has its moments
Great album. Lots of fun to listen to at the end of a long day. Upbeat and interesting.
I was huge into 3rd wave ska when I was a highschooler, and I dipped in and out of 2nd wave and Jamaican stuff, but I wanted it to be more punk. I even think I saw one of the Zombie Specials live once in the 2000s, but it might have been some other rudeboy outfit. I appreciate this a lot more now then I did then. It's fun but pointed, extremely listenable.
2.0 - Weak
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.
This was decent. I liked most of it but overall felt bored. Very listenable on all accounts.
It grew on me as it went on.
weird and off key most of the time. I couldn't finish
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!
Some decent ska, some pointed messages, some good hits, I just kinda wanted it to be over though
Its hard to catch up with acts like this decades after their debut was released. I see its uniqueness, but I can't admit to like it much, as it sounds dated. And even the fact Elvis Costello produced it (whom I like), doesn't change that.
Eh this is like diet-ska/ska-lite to me
Fine, meh UK ska
Very special 3.5/5
It was okay, but nothing to get excited about, and hence a three star rating from me. The last few songs and the start were probably my high points, with it getting a bit muddled at the halfway spot.
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
Started off decent but soon got repetitive! It's also driving me crazy that I've heard A Message To You, Rudy on a tv show recently and I can't place what. Banger song though 3 ⭐️
3 stars
I like ska. This was fun but gave me more punk vibes than anything. His voice was VERY "The Ramones." I liked it. When they had a great song, wow did it go hard. When it wasn't a great idea, ehhhh. Solid 3. I can hear how some of my favorite Ska bands came from this. Liked Songs: "A Message to You Rudy" , "Do the Dog" , "Nite Klub" , "Concrete Jungle" , "(Dawning Of A) New Era" , "Little Bitch"
liked songs: first half This was kinda dumb but also fun. It's good ska. 3.75
2.5 whatever
surprisingly got into it around song 4 (Nite Klub) don't really know or like ska but it was decent I don't know if i'd listen to it again though
mmm its alright. enjoyable in the moment but not super memorable - high 3
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 and British punk is kind of a nightmare genre combination for me. And yet there were still a couple songs here that I found enjoyable. Not enough to save the album but I thought I would despise it. So small victories.
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.
It's jaunty and upbeat, but I don't like ska. Surprised this came out all the way back in 79 though
My non-musician scoring system. 5 - Love it. Would play anytime, buy, see live… 4 - Good music. 3 - Average playlist. Depends on time and setting. 2 - I can’t listen to whole songs. 1 - No.
Nice time capsule to step back into
Fun light hearted ska
Ska, New Wave, 1979 -> 3
This album didn’t convince me that I was missing out on ska
It's one of those things I think I won't like, and then it's something super enjoyable. Good fun!
kedelig
in terms of more subdued, relaxing ska, i prefer the first wave Jamaican stuff. in terms of fast paced, hyperactive ska, i like the third wave punk stuff. but there's absolutely something special about this moment in British music history. a multiracial middle finger to thatcher. deserves to be one of the 1001? as arguably the definitive 2nd wave ska album i would say Yes, Absolutely
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.
Great album, although if ska is not your thing, I can see where the lower ratings come from
Ska is great when done right. When it’s not, it’s just annoying. This is done right.
Seem like cool guys
Brit punk ska fusion was not on my bingo card
Super fun. Great stuff
I know I said I hate reggae and I still mostly do but props cuz there were some absolute bangers on this. Forgot about concrete jungle! A top 100 of the 70s classic.
Not for me.
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.
Fun. Ska isn’t really my thing, but this is a good ska record.
Great
Really enjoyed this
Was this a fun, summery album that I enjoyed listening to? Yes. Was my favourite song just a straight-up Toots & the Maytals cover? Also yes.
A cool discovery, pretty fun to listen to. Ska is new to me, and doesn’t grab me as a favorite new genre. But still, a cool enough summertime listen.
This is terrible.
Fav songs: on this album - none; for the band: Ghost Town I hate ska in all its forms all the way up to the 3rd wave that crested in the '90s. I will admit I do like one song which isn't on the album. But this is not my genre of music. I don't hate this album although I think it's a hair long. Also "Stupid Marriage" and "Too Much Too Young" effectively have the same message, why back to back? Go with "Too Much..."
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.