Reviews (page 6 of 11)
Loved the prominent basslines & the horns
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.
Went in blind, sorta dug the polka/ska vibe to start which then quickly devolved into sorta hearing the same song on repeat? Is this wedding music?
clássico absoluto. viva two tone!
This is terrible. Ska is an awful genre in general and this album really exemplifies this. It is not enjoyable, it sounds terrible and I couldn’t wait for it to end. 1
This just made me so fucking mad.
Pretty solid.
6/10 SKA...SKA...as far as the eye can see. I did skank. 6-23-2025
Punk/ska/reggae/british? Fascinating snd very enjoyable!
Great
I like the vibes, a very relaxing listening Fav song - Concrete Jungle 3/5
3,5/5 Apart from the one or two bangers, what I found especially interesting was how fun it seems like this band had, both playing and writing this album. A mix of brit-rock and reggae that works surprisingly well, combined with what I wrote above results in the biggest draw for me, which is interesting music. Probably not an album I will be listening to a bunch of times, but at least something that enriched my life by having listened to it once.
Really good, took me back to the early 80s
More fun than I thought it would be. Fell off a bit near the end.
6/10 Highlights: A Message to you Rudy Concrete Jungle Stupid Marriage
Turns out I’m not massive fan of ska, but fair play for ending racism in Britain. Also TIL that the Dandy Warhols stole the riff in Bohemian Like You from Little Bitch by the Specials
Doesn’t quite live up to the opening track, still enjoyable though, so I’ll give it a generous four. Simpsons: No
Couple of good ones, rest is alright.
This was okay. I liked "Monkey Man" and the "Message to you Rudy". However, I wasn't expecting them to call someone a slag.
They're just fun aren't they. High 3
Listened Before? N Absolutely killer. These guys were way ahead of their time. Ska before ska. They had fun doing it, and I had fun listening to it. Amazing. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: A Message to You Rudy
I had no idea “A Message to You Rudy” came out in 1979! I’ve always liked that song. And I was enjoying the album, at first. But by the time I got to New Era, I was started getting sick of it. There’s only so much Ska I can listen to, I suppose.
Full of bangers. Easy 4 stars.
Reggae britpop ska? I can see how it was influential maybe but not my favorite
Good ska! Some classic songs
sorta fine. nothing special
NO! Early SKA music
# Playlist Track - A message to you Rudy # Notes - Once again a lame British singer makes an entire genre worse. - I can dig the laid back fun here and there, but no instrumentals can save vocals that bad.
Nice album
Wonderful
3.
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
3,5/5
Ska that is reminiscent of similar sounds from the 90s.
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.
A favourite. The tunes are cheering, but the words often present a searing take on life. I love the deceptively tight musical accompaniment. These Coventry boys said what they thought and had fun in the process, also covering some of their favourite influences. Memories of good times; a pretty perfect album.
One of the many things that make me a proud Cov kid. I was slightly too young to see them live at the time but I saw them at Brixton Academy in 2008 and it was amazing. All the Fred Perry shirts in London in one room for the night! RIP Terry Hall 💔
I don’t care to listen to this type of music, but this was a nice album
Really well done ska; I can see this potentially being a huge influence on certain bands and genres after the fact. I heard Rudy before and liked it but the entire album is very solid and well written. Probably not something I'd return to in my personal time vibe wise. 3.5/5
one of the worst things i have ever listened
I ended up liking it more than I thought I would after the first couple of songs. Some great bass lines. I like ska, but really know nothing about it's history so I was surprised to hear a 70's British ska-revival band. Enjoyable listen.
Reggea mixed with ska/Punk and other stuff. It feels like mixing milk with lemon making both go bad while Feeling sounding very much the same all the time.
Nein, das war nicht meins. Habe auf das Ende gewartet, auch wenn ich an ein paar Stellen eigentlich Potenzial rausgehört habe.
Not my thing.
Old school ska.
Ska matters!
6/10 alright
Made for a really enjoyable bike ride.
Ska is just fun
Solid kind of genre bending (post-punk?) album, every other song is good really
Okay
Nothing there for me.
Listening to this album, you can feel the creation of the second wave. I really like the blend of Jamaican covers and original material and knowing that Elvis Costello produced it is a big plus.
ska, not my cup of tea
Rating: 5.5/10 I liked it...barely. Decent ska album that all starts to sounds the same after a while.
Been a fan of the Specials for a few years. 5/5 Favorite songs: A Message to You Rudy Doesn't Make it Alright Blank Expression Monkey Man Too Much Too Young
Easy listening, some good songs. Nothing overly familiar. Listened to on my PC enjoying Coopers Stout
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.
New Ska beat to this and some good tracks got the bounce and swig to it. I dont mind it but now 100% my thing
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.
Ontzettend veel jatwerk van oude Jamaicaanse platen, maar je voelt de liefde voor ska en reggae wel, meer nog dan bij UB40, Doe Maar of Madness.
Kinda boring reggae rock ? I tried
Almost makes me like ska...
Gangsters : ★★★☆☆ A message to you rudy : ★★☆☆☆ Do the dog : ★★★☆☆ It's up to you : ★★★☆☆ Nite klub : ★★★☆☆ Doesn't make it alright : ★★★☆☆ Concrete jungle : ★★★★☆ Too hot : ★★★☆☆ Monkey man : ★★★☆☆ (Dawning of a) new era : ★★★☆☆ Blank expression : ★★☆☆☆ Stupid marriage : ★☆☆☆☆ Too much too young : ★★★★☆ Little bitch : ★★★★☆ You're wondering now : ★★★★☆ Overall : ★★★☆☆
Groupe inconnu. En fait non, j'ai reconnu 'A message to you Rudy', morceau que je déteste ... Je n'aime pas du tout le reggae et ses rythmiques guitare à contretemps. Je ne suis pas allé au bout. =>1/5
Well, as it turns out, a second go at things does not always make you fall in love with something you didn't originally care for. Case in point, the Specials! I listened to their second album, More Specials, in my very first month of the album project, that being October 2023. In the 19 months it's been since then, I've listened to a ton of albums and my taste in music has changed considerably. I've even enjoyed a number of ska-adjacent albums in this time! It's a small number, but it's a number. However, I think this band just isn't really my thing. Don't get me wrong. I have respect for the Specials. Anyone who shows as much disdain for the National Front as much as they do on this album earns my respect automatically. Combine that with the influence that this band has had on the evolution of ska over time and you have a band that I would say deserves an album on here. AN album. They don't need two. Of the two on the list, I would keep this one. The writing on this album has some good points to it... sometimes. There are some songs near the end of the album that I find to be a tad misogynistic for my taste. Still, the political themes early on do appeal to me. The style is alright as well. What can I say? I like brass instruments. I would never play one myself, but I like hearing them. I'm not huge on the singing, but that's just me. It's a minor footnote, all things considered. Finally, my last complaint is that this album does feel pretty long. It's only 45 minutes, but I feel like an album of this nature doesn't really need to last that long. Cut the misogynistic songs at the end and you've got a better album. As it is now, I think I'll give The Specials (the album) a 3/5.
I tried
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.
Probably decent, just not for me
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.
The sine qua non of ska. Very catchy, annoyingly so.
Solid ska album.
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.
I like the vibe of this album but it's too samesy for me. I'm not into ska enough to fully appreciate this album and I feel like it's lacking some of the fun, quirky creativity that their other album had. Do the Dog is playlist worthy and has kind of a 50's rock sound. The ones that have more of a reggae vibe to them are cool but not as good as authentic reggae. Stupid Marriage is pretty quirky but also kind of creepy & cynical. It doesn't really express the emotional rage that someone who is smashing up his ex-girlfriend's window would have. Too Much Too Young... even more ridiculous. Is he shaming her for having a baby? What a dick. Little Bitch... is that a Rolling Stones riff they stuck in a ska song? kay then. I think this an album I would actually like less the more that I listen to it. So we'll just stop while it's a 3.
This was ok. It felt a little all over the place, making it kind of hard to focus on. And some of the messages were odd.
3.5
Not bad
Amazing that this was a debut album, really. Such energy, rawness and love Terry Hall’s voice and cadence especially. A hoot to know it was produced by Costello. Again, very original and of its time. Did a huge amount for British ska. To be picky, got a little bored towards the middle/end - some weaker songs and similar vibe throughout (3.5)
30%ban UK punk ami jó, 70%ban reggea ami nem jó
Definitely a few things on here I want to replay. Fun vibes and reminded me of 90s soundtracks like “10 Things I Hate About You.”
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
3 - yeah it's okay, just not my favourite genre
Never been much of a Ska guy, but at first I was finding this a lot more pleasant than I expected. But by the end of the record I was mostly just bored from a lack of variety. 2.7/5
Had heard some songs but never listened to she entire album. Glad I finally did.
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 listened to a lot of the Specials, and especially music influenced by them, in high school. I think this is where my love of horns in music comes from. There is just such an irrepressible joy and enthusiasm in their songs that I can’t give it anything but top marks.
About a 3, not really my cuppa, but it wasn't bad. Reminds me of my college newspaper editor's kind of music. She would play stuff like this in the office, and it was ok, nothing I would go by from her husband's record store. (Hi Diane!!)
I have only heard the most common song on the radio. Really enjoyed the whole thing.
Awesome
Holy moley I didn't expect to love this! Star added for being unexpectedly brilliant
Didn't like this as much as I wanted to.
The reggae parts were pretty good, but the punk? Not so much...
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.
Мне бы хотелось больше агрессии и какого-то напряга что ли, но это музыка про другое, и звучит в целом хорошо. Лучшая песня - Too Much Too Young.
No ska
Just because I feel positive about this album doesn't mean you'll get to turn me into a ska-head.
One of the best known UK ska bands , without which they’d be no Madness. Some great songs on this album.
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.
Really cool band for where they came from and what they stood for, real culture and genre defining stuff. There’s some really iconic songs on here, and I’d never before noticed some of the more trad rock and roll/surf guitar style on some tracks which worked well. However, I just don’t really love Ska. Even if this is ‘peak ska’ it’s nice to listen to in small doses, but as for an album it’s a bit much for me.
It's a message to you, Rudy! Love this.
"The Specials" seems like an overstatement; maybe they should have called themselves "The Alrights," "The Averages," or (in their worst moments) "The Misogynists."
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 :)
rude boys rejoice! FINALLY, some two-tone ska!! this album is top notch and the specials live up to their name. a message to you rudy is a bona fide classic, and there's plenty here to sink your teeth into, depending on what you're looking for. more ska please!! favorites: a message to you rudy, nite klub, concrete jungle, monkey man, little bitch, you're wondering now
Somehow I heard this in 1980 and it’s never left my side since.
If I had to rate this back in 7th or 8th grade, I probably would’ve slapped a 5-star rating on it without hesitation. It’s got that infectious energy with it's punchy ska vibe that hits just right when you're young and discovering music with attitude. That said, I like to think my taste has refined a bit since then. While I still appreciate what The Specials brought to the table, and I definitely recognize its importance in ska history. However, the album as a whole is just okay. Fun in moments, but it doesn’t quite hit the same anymore.
Som de långtråkiga delarna i lock stock and two smoking barrels
its pretty good, groovy reggae type songs. They all sound pretty much the same though, so it gets a bit tiresome. Vocals are good, there's a mix of reggae type singing and weird punk stuff. songs feel quite basic thouhg. Favourite songs: A message to you Rudy, do the dog, it's up to you, nite klub, monkey man, (dawning of A) new era, you're wondering now. Overall around 6/10
Always love The Specials' music. A Message To You Rudy, Do the Dog and Blank Expression were the best on the album.
Was ok.
really cool loved it
It’s not often that I spoil an album for myself by looking at the reviews on this site. Since every review gets posted, these are often as thoughtful as “dis was o k - 5 stars,” but this time, the word “Ska” was thrown around. A lot. Surprisingly, I don’t hate ska right from the get go, and I’m willing to give these crazy kids a chance, and if the fedora to band member ratio doesn’t let me down, we’re in for a treat. A Message to You Rudy - Are you listening Rudy? Put down that football, ya goof. The Specials are talking to you via reggae. I was promised ska. Not just reggae. I know this isn’t for me, it’s directly addressed to Rudy, but Jesus this is tough. Do the Dog - Do WHAT to the dog?? I hope this wasn’t the message to Rudy. With the popular connotations associated with “doing” someone, I enter this song with a mouth full of vomit and heart full of sorrow. Fortunately, we’re far more punk here and I can breathe easier. Good to have some energy. Especially those drums. It’s Up to You - I’ve been listening to this song for close to three minutes, and I have to ask. Who is it up to? I don’t think they were clear enough here. Since I will not receive a response, I will just leave this track having never known. Nite Klub - A spelling lesson from the Specials renders me speechless. Questioning every word I’ve ever written now. This song is pretty decent. Fun in places for sure. Just anuther deescent songe. Doesn’t Make it Alright - The meaningful track. With how trashy ska is perceived as being in today’s climate, it is kind of jarring to hear somebody attempt to drive a message right to the heart. I think the message here is a bad song, and the heart isbarely beating in the chest of a centuries old vampiric emperor. That means this song is tragically horrible. Despite the well-meaning lyrical content. Concrete Jungle - HOWAY THE LADS. Oh what are we doing? Get some football hooliganism on the go. I feel like standing near fighting that is happening because two teams of guys from all over the world are playing a game to the tune of a 1-1 draw. I would like the chanting to return, please. Too Hot - How about, Too much like UB-40? Lyrics aside, musically this is less London gang anthem and more Sandals Jamaica spot during a midday airing of the Price is Right. You’re losing me here fellas. Try to reel (big fish) it in. Monkey Man - I am anticipating a song that is a complete departure from previous form and is about a man who crossed his genes with a monkey in a lab, and instead of gaining the dexterity of a chimp with the intelligence of a human, he gained a senseless lust for bananas and a yearning for violence for all those who stand in the way of his favoured potassium source. No? It’s another boring ska jam? Perfect. (Dawning of a) New Era - the crazy punk vocals following the gang shouts are cool, I suppose. First bit of life I’ve gotten from this in quite some time. Rest is a bore. Blank Expression - Boring. The same song gets the same review. Stupid Marriage - I don’t know man, could it be as stupid as this song? Too Much Too Young - Hey, you know how you have a loving partner and a child? Forget that, you should be out paying for the drinks of a fedora clad lead singer of a very lame ska band. Doesn’t that sound good? This guy really hates marriage hey? Little Bitch - The classic reprisal from any spurned man. I suppose the lady didn’t take the tempting offer of abandoning her family for a few thrilling minutes in the sak with ska boy and now he’s mad. Bring on the name calling!! This song sucks, for the record. You’re Wondering Now - oh I’m wondering alright. Which number that is less than 3 will this thing get?? Hmmm. So many options! I don’t think this was a concept album considering the transition from the detailing of the boys of the streets of London and their general rudeness, to the attempted infidelity anthem(s) near the close. In saying that, there was certainly a prevailing theme of immense boredom. This music is so obnoxious to stretch over an entire album. How long this 44 minutes felt should be illegal. I’ve had more fun doing taxes. I give this credit for having moments of punk energy, but I immediately take away those imaginary points for the lame horns on repeat, the same reggae riff (THERE IS ONLY ONE), and the schoolboy lyrics. The hats can only take you so far fellas, and what was fun once, is definitely not fun stretched over the longest 3 quarters of an hour this side of Guantanamo. Right bruv, this fing is a dog’s breakfast, y’know what I mean? Haven’t got a scooby what these geezers are on about. Take the star n a half and catch the chube back to Camden. 1.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Do the Dog (Please don’t, and if you’re listening, by god Rudy go on and win that damn Fresca bowl you little scamp.)
Fun collection of short ska/reggae songs, and they even sound quite punky at times. The only ska I ever really heard was by Madness so it was fun to hear another band, although I think I like Madness better - but that is only after having heard this one album for the first time.
Made me realize I'm not that into ska or two tone. I like 'Do the Dog', I guess...
Funny how I recognise some of the songs from tv adverts - no idea where they came from! Not my cup of tea though
This didn’t really hit the spot with me , it’s alright would have been ok dying before I heard it
I recognize this having some solid sounds and likely being influential for when it was released, but I was not in the mood to hear this today.
I honestly don't see how this can be seen as anything better than mediocre
Cracking
Great album
Ska is not my thing.
Special Ska
Fantastic. The sound of a concrete jungle where hope is found in the cracked pavements with the beauty of music
Not a big ska fan.
Love the vibe
Decent listen.
One of the musical gamechangers.. Brilliant.
Šta reći osim da je ovo apsolutno brilijantan album s nekim genijalnim a nekim odličnim pjesmama i ništa manje od toga.
A nice mix of music that makes for a nice listen through the whole album.
they were special
vier bis fünf
!FUCK YES! This record is so fun. The Specials are brilliant.
Love ska so hearing one of the early formative bands for it was cool. Very lo fi which I enjoyed, great album
Prolly just not for me
This kicks ass!
This was ... alright, I guess. The livelihood of the music and spunk in the performance was laudable, but I found the execution and musical interest kinda lacking. I had trouble staying engaged with it and wouldn't listen to this again. Two stars.
Love it
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.
Not for me
Fun - I liked this! 4/5
Not a big ska fan but this was pretty good. May not revisit it a ton but I can appreciate it.
Sorry for the pun, but this is indeed a "Special" album.
Boisterous and fun 3.9
I’ve never got into ska. It’s interesting to see it emerging as a sort of oddball love child of reggae and punk at this point in time. But that doesn’t quite equate to me wanting to pop this on and listen to it again. 2.5⭐️
The other day I was watching a wrestling show and there was a guy in the crowd with a sign that said “Ska and pro wrestling are the only legitimate forms of art”. I agree with half of that, and it’s not the ska part, but… I liked this pretty good anyway. Most of the ska I heard and made fun of as a youth was from the America Skater Wave of ska, which uniformly sucks. This is a lot better. Funny it’s produced by Elvis Costello, maybe the coolest thing he’s done?
[10/10] Ska ska ska ska ska I’m a lifelong ska freak so I’m biased but yeah it’s a masterpiece Unity forever
Interesting band for sure, feels like a mix of so many different genres and sounds. 'A Message To You Rudy' is by far the best song. Other than that it is a bit of a mixed bad, some are good and some not so much. Still, fun with something different!
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.
For the most part of the album, it was questionable if I want to continue at all. Last several tracks were better, while the overall impression of the recording is average and by no means GOAT.
Simultaneously both good and bad? Best Song: A Message to You Rudy Rating: 5.5/10 Stars: 3/5
This beat feels off
Pick it up, pick it up, pick it up.
Can hear the Caribbean/reggae/Bob Marley influences. First song stood out (maybe because of the harmonica).
Maybe I wasn't in the right mood for this?! best known: "A Message To You Rudy" 2,5
Das Debütalbum "Specials" der britischen Band The Specials wurde 1979 veröffentlicht. Die Aufnahmen fanden in den Horizon Studios in Coventry und den TW Studios in Fulham statt. Die Band bestand aus Musikern unterschiedlicher Herkunft, darunter Terry Hall, Neville Staple und Lynval Golding. Ihre Musik kombiniert Elemente aus Ska, Punk und Reggae. Das Album enthält bemerkenswerte Stücke wie "A Message to You, Rudy", eine Interpretation des Dandy Livingstone-Songs, sowie "Too Much Too Young" und "Concrete Jungle". Die Texte behandeln Themen wie soziale Spannungen und Alltagsprobleme. "Specials" erhielt gemischte Kritiken. Während einige Rezensenten die Energie und die Mischung der Musikstile lobten, äußerten andere Kritik an der Produktion. Dennoch wird das Album als bedeutend für die britische Musikszene der späten 1970er Jahre angesehen. Insgesamt stellt "Specials" ein wichtiges Werk dar, das die musikalische Vielfalt und die gesellschaftlichen Themen seiner Zeit widerspiegelt.
Probably the most essential ska album of all time.
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
3.5
Enjoyable
I wouldn’t think they classify to be “special”, it’s not bad but it’s their band name is a lie. The bass is hella nice thooo and has good vibes
Ska and Reggae fusions have some interesting and neat parts. Nice listen but nothing special.
Knew the hits, enjoyed the rest.
nope
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.
Sounds like semi-happy punk. Not horrible, not great.
not really my vibe but nice
Reg ä
Not exactly my cup of tea, the music just doesn't sound like it has much substance to it, even though I can groove with a couple of the tracks here Good tracks: A message to you Rudy, Doesn't make it right, Little bitch
Perfect tunes for chilling on a Sunday afternoon.
One of the greatest ska albums of all time!
I have to give them points for a vibe here. I can tell that were enjoying making this. Pretty unique, clearly speaking to a crowd of outsiders. Not really my style but I can appreciate what they were doing and think it's good to have heard. Low three high two.
I can't deny that the opening track is a solid song. Sounds like they have fun being a band. Probably a fun live act. I like the brass. This is probably a 5 star Ska album.
Massivly fun, tight and politicical tunes launched from Coventry as the UK hit the Thatcher decade. Top stuff.
I got super bored 🥱
The only song that stuck out is "Stupid Marriage". The rest is nice as well but not something I'll actively search and listen. 6.5/10
Kedvenc/Favourite: Nite Klub Először furcsa volt, de ahogy egyre többet hallgattam, egyre jobban tetszett. Nagyon megfogott, az egész együtt és részeiben is nagyon izgalmas, egészen el lehet merülni benne. Közben élvezhető, még táncolható is, örülök, hogy meghallgattam. It was strange at first, but the more I listened to it, the more I liked it. It was really captivating, the whole thing is very exciting (as well as it's components), you can get really immersed in it. It's enjoyable, even danceable, I'm glad I listened to it.
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.
White kids go to Jamaica and get inspired. This is nice but not something I would go running to. These guys are out here inspiring so many bands that I wouldn't come around to for another 20 years. They heard what they heard and added in what they already had. Boom, presto, a new genre of music is born.
honestly, fun, I enjoyed, and death in paradise theme song discovered!
Dated and doesn't resonate today like it once did.
Hahha wauw! Een Ska album? Wachten op een Madness album ondertussen. Ik heb wel een klein zwak voor Ska. Het is domme fun, je moet het vooral niet te serieus nemen. Daarnaast betekend Ska eigenlijk altijd een trompet of saxofoon en daar word ik al snel gelukkig van! Ska is wel echt een genre dat je in kleine mate tot je moet nemen vind ik, dus ben benieuwd of ik een heel album kan trekken! Ja het is best te pruimen, ik word wel vrolijk van dat belachelijke ska geluid. Absoluut niet een album dat ik meteen weer aanzet of waarvan ik vaak zal denken 'He ff lekker dit album aan knallen' maar voor deze lijst? Dikke prima hoor! Niet wereldschokkend, tenzij je het wereldschokkend vind dat er een ska album op de lijst staat, in welke ik het opzich wel met je eens ben hoor. FAVO: Message to you Rudy, Nite Klub, too much too young
een leuk plaatje met geen noot teveel, geen lyric op verkeerde plek... kortom klein meesterwerkje
Hey! I've listened to these guys - a once-in-a-blue-moon occurrence for anything released prior to the 90s. Ghost Town is one of those songs that I really like but have never listened to enough of. How tragic that I will never be able to sing my praises about that song on this list given it's status as a non-album single. I'm favourable to ska when it's intersected with other genres, but I don't think I'll ever sit through a ska-centric album that I've come away from feeling anything more than ambivalence towards. It's a very restrictive genre to work with, and while there are little musical nuances and some competent vocal performances throughout, I can very confidently say that I'll never return to this. The most entertaining part of this album is that it was produced by Elvis Costello. I don't think I'll be escaping him if the sordid tales that I've heard through this site are anything to go by.
2.5 stars
Incredibly repetitive ska music to start off my morning. I can't believe how long this went on for, being the same song in different keys over and over again. A Message to You Rudy is probably the only track that stands out, the rest are just pretty mediocre. It's cool to see how this set the stage for a subgenre to come, but there's not much more to say than that. 5/10
Rock and reggae - Unique blend of the two styles - A bit too long
I mean it's a good ska album. Perhaps the only good one
Reasonably enjoyable
Being a huge Operation Ivy fan, I can't beleive I've never listened to this album before. Bloody brilliant.
I'm surprised I've never listened to this album, or really familiarized myself with these guys. I've certainly heard Message to Rudy. I guess these guys are among the first of the ska revival, which is probably why this album is here. So cool to hear on that level, as I'm a fan of later punk ska bands that built on this like Sublime, Operation Ivy. The sub-meta text on the fact that Little B*** uses a sample from the Stones' Brown Sugar, adds an additional issue to an already mysoginistic brutal song that I'm not sure people picked up on.
Blind album, know the artist from another album on the project. I liked this album more though for sure.
Classic
I like ska but haven't had enough exposure to everything that's out there. Great record, well played, with some entertaining song choices. I'm slightly tempted to give this album a five, but it's not going to change anyone's life... I suppose unless they are inspired to create a ska band!
4.1/5
It’s Up to You if you want to listen to this.
I get it. Proto-ska from the UK. I actually didn’t know that ska was a thing in the 70s but since it was I can see how influential this would have been. It didn’t blow me away but it was fine.
There is so much to hear in this album. The ignition of The Police, the coming of The Cure, the depression of The Smiths. Seems much started here at the fusion of ska and punk.
Not my cup of tea but a great album in its own ska style…
May go to 5 stars with more listens. I've never listened to a full album by The Specials before, but they were on a lot of CD compilations growing up. Liked it more than I thought I would.
I didn't like it, but it's ok
Well, it's ska... but also kinda catchy...
This album represents as much as I will ever love Ska. Solid album, "A Message to You Rudy" and "Concrete Jungle" are highlights. Sorry, not really in a mood for this at the moment, so the score probably reflects that.
Not my vibe
Oddly entertaining.
I’ve never got into ska. It’s interesting to see it emerging as a sort of oddball love child of reggae and punk at this point in time. But that doesn’t quite equate to me wanting to pop this on and listen to it again.
I just didn't get into this at all.
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.
It's OK. Small doses of fun, but not usually my mood for long-term listening.
Fun listen, but a bit repetitive...
As a survivor of the great ska scare of the mid-nineties, I have mixed feelings here. A message to you Rudy is a bop, I can hear the Costello influence on the whole album. Clearly the best of the genre. It is a comfortable blend of punk and reggae, as opposed to the rock/pop influences of later bands. The specials want to change my mind about ska music. They don’t, but it was close.
Pretty good vibes! Seems like a good album to put on while you’re on vacation on a beach somewhere. I wouldn’t really seek this out otherwise, though tbh.
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.
Just another Brit punk rock group from the late 70’s. Nothing special
Biriyse punk
Didn't get it until about halfway through, when I realized it was a genre defining ska album from the uk.still not great to listen to, but the cultural relevancy broght it to 3 stars. I'm also a ska apologist
Man, I am sometimes ashamed to remember that I could rock the rude boy outfit and skank during the ska revival of the 90s, but The Specials reminds me why I liked it. It could never replace "true" punk in my heart, but it was it's own version of punk (in ideals and lyrics). I loved it.
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.
This was a ska album. Ska is good for a bit but quickly becomes annoying after about 20 minutes when you get over it. Because of that, I enjoyed the first half of this album and then didn't enjoy the second half that much. 6/10
This album made me learn something about music! While listening to it, I kept thinking, "the ska songs are pretty fun, but why do they keep mixing the reggae into it, which keeps ruining the flow of the album?" After doing some searching, I learned that they are actually linked genres. I had no idea! My only association to ska was what is apparently called third-wave ska or punk-ska - Rancid, Sublime and the like. I'm not too fond of reggae, as it's too mellow and repetitive, in my opinion, so my overall feelings for this specific album remain as I described it in the first paragraph - indecisive and intrusive. Not my taste. But I give it +1 for the fast paced ska, and +1 for the knowledge, which was somewhat mindblowing to me.
This one was a bit weird to me. In some songs the mixing felt off, and other songs were way too repetitive.
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,...
It started out sounding like it could be fun, but got old real quick. Not for me, and I won't be checking out any more of The Specials.
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.
70’s
Not my style honestly but overall a nice album!
Not my typical sound but I actually really enjoyed this one!
Ok if you like that sort of thing.
It’s ska. Ska sucks. But this is at least trying to do and say something that the awful nightmare of 3rd wave ska never could. Uhhh. Better than I thought but I’ll never listen to it again
Eh, not my type of music.
Bangin’
I rate my albums based on many things, but mostly being its replayability. I simply cannot like any of the songs. They end up sounding incredibly similar. It was a good feeling for the first few, and a few songs after "monkey man" brought some MUCH needed diversity. But, other then that, I don't think I'll ever be replaying this. Favorite song: (Dawning of a) New Era It brings much needed diversity, and finally changes the sound. Worst song: Concrete Jungle Everything in the song clashes, it sounds like free jazz. Eugh. As much of an impact or resonance it may have, and how it sounded modern for the time--it ends up landing in a "boring" category for me. 1/5. I will forget this album in a few days.
I liked the first song, but after that there weren’t many positives on this album.
Irritating
Yep late 70s early 80s ska/reggae music. It’s fine and this genre hasn’t been represented yet so I appreciate its presence on this list. No need to go back to this but I can see a song or two being played summer time day drinking possibly.
Two ska songs in a row is about right. Any more than that and it seems like too many horns & hijinx. The deluxe version has too many repeats and runs too long. Album started strong and went South quick. Best song was Long Shot Kick de Bucket. Glad I listened but don’t need anymore Specials. (2.3*s)
I'm very familiar with the hits on this album and The Specials in general so it's a little hard to be objective. The hits are great (Gangsters, Rudy, Alright, Too Much Too Young) but you don't really need more than a few songs to get your fill. This album starts to get repetitive and I definitely didn't need any live renditions although they bring great energy. That being said, The Specials are influential and will always hold a place in music history. At least one of their songs is played at every ska/reggae show I've ever been to. Their music is also a whole lifestyle: braces, Fred Perry's, porkpies, and checkers. 3.25 for reminiscing on all the great times with Pretty Ricky by the beach.
Nothing special but def some foundational ska. Never huge into the genre but this debut has some good things going. Fun, diving bar sound that would be a good live show. "Dawning of a New Era", "Little Bitch" and "Too Much Too Young" were best tracks. Influence the likes of Sublime so give em credit...2.45.
This was a nice little glimpse into to what I expect was early ska/reggae. For the most part it was a pretty fun bop. It hits a lot of the standard ska and reggae beats/notes and was a pretty fun listen. It's not necessarily too long, but I think the ska/reggae sound gets a little tired after more than half an hour. Either way I enjoyed The Specials and had some fun with it. I could swear I previously heard the A Message To Rudy song elsewhere on this list. 3.34 stars
Interesting
Enjoyed about half this album and I’m sure others would appreciate it more if you are into Ska and reggae music. Concrete jungle release stood out though.
As one of the grandfathers of ska and late 70s UK rock, I see why it should be here. It’s hard to wrap my head around the sound unless I’m in the mood for it, so I needed a few listens before I could give it a rating. Some good songs in here but ultimately a lot of it sounded the same.
Second wave ska in all its skankin’ glory. This era of ska is essentially defined by The Specials, with a bright rude sound, they deserve every ounce of recognition they get. It’s almost hard to describe how influential this album was on so many great bands. Third wave ska bands like Mustard Plug and The Blue Meanies owe so much to The Specials. Aside from the obvious bouncing ska basslines and up-picked barre chords, there’s an almost new wave sound to this record that was really unique to the ska/punk scene at the time. Really technically sound album, and Elvis Costellos producing chops are evident. For me personally, this is a 5* album. Glad I got to listen to it again.
I 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
A very reggae-esque Clash sound. Not bad. But also not The Clash.
Interesting blend of reggae ska and punk elements that reflect the angst of the working class in the British scene.
I truly enjoy how The Specials were described early one. Reggae pop. I guess Ska hadn't been created yet. No Doubt, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Bosstones, Reel Big Fish wouldn't have come around if it weren't for The Specials and Madness. Late 70's they bring a fresh energy to the world of pop music. Thank you.
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.
Not another one?
Classic album, the best of Ska music
Está bien, supongo que suena como debería sonar un buen disco de reggae/ska. más allá del género está ok
Life in Britain being shit produces some great albums. Loved this
Chock full of bangers and scorchers.
I do like the Specials
I'd like to start that this is not my style of music. With that said, I appreciate and see what The Specials contributed to the music history - ska and 2 tone, apparently are the terms describing their music. After looking into their history and taking into consideration the time period they started out as, it was a bold thing to do, to combine the influences of punk rock and ska, the multicultural sounds brought together during a period of cultural unrest. According to Jerry Dammers, the group was interested in starting a whole new subculture in an effort to change the societal perceptions around racial issues.
alright ska
Pretty great and fun. Laughed at some of the lyrics. Like this group. +4.
I really dig this type of music, when it plays for me. Everytime they come on or something relative to them, I always enjoy listening to it. Interested into listening to this album, fully. Very cool.
Can’t lie…not my vibe. A little bit confused by which genre they are.
I asked Jerry, he told Terry / Terry sang a song just for me / Lynval gave a message to me / Rhoda screamed and then she asked me / Where have all the rude boys gone?
Pretty good for ska. Appreciate that it’s early ska. Fun and funny.
2 Tone is a curious genre, a bit silly, if you ask me. I am not too familiar with the genre, other than it sounds like a better and new wave-y version of the dreadful 90's ska bands. The other 2 Tone band I know of is Madness, who I prefer. This album is just ok. Key tracks: A Message to You Rudy
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
Reminds me of the B 52s with the use of punk ethos to revive an older genre. I’m just not a big ska fan so 3 stars seems right. I like the big hits and a couple of the deeper tracks but as a whole I was bored most of it. Rating: 3.2
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.
Kind of charming, but not my cup of tea.
Ska is me altijd iets te happy-go-lucky en bouncy, waardoor het 't muzikaal vernuft wat een band heeft wel een beetje verbergt. De climax is vaak hetzelfde en vrij monotoon. En ook al is het catchy, het verveelt mij wel vrij snel. Dat gezegd hebbende; dit album haalt misschien wel het meeste uit het genre voor Ska-sceptici als ik. Het speelt met tempowisselingen, en geeft ook tragere dub-reggae de ruimte. Het eerste helft van het album bevalt dan ook aardig, de tweede helft zijn ze mij kwijt. De iconische (gesampelde) riff van 'Little Bitch' daargelaten. 6,5/10 Highlights: Concrete Jungle Do the Dog It's up to You Little Bitch
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
Ska is ok
Exceptional
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.
They say "You're married with a kid when you should be having fun," but also "Stop your messing around." I will NOT be approaching The Specials for life advice.
Not great
Not as terrible as I thought it would be but still not something I would put on conscientiously
Klassikko ska:ta! Hyvin potkii 4/5
Ei kyllä tämmönen löysä ska innosta. Luulin että tää olis menevä genre! 2/5
SKA! If ya enjoy SKA you will enjoy this.
A nice album from 2-tone
Hey yeah there’s barely been any ska on this thing
This is pretty good. I like the feel of it. Favourite tracks are Concrete Jungle and Little Bitch. But I need that punch that punk or post punk gives, that ska doesn’t. I like the tracks that are closest to the Clash in style - the others are not nearly as good
that one ska album
Great!
Interesting. Some nice reggae undertones. I didn't know this band. I liked their vibe and the big band sound on some of their tracks.
Weird one is this. There was a time that I wouldn’t have given this type of music Ska any attention and immediately dismiss it. But when the 2 Tone Ska revival came along I did eventually climb on board. Maybe it was because of the regular radio and club plays that I became very familiar with the style of music. I bought this album and other subsequent ones together with other’s in the 2 Tone stable. The biggest outcome I got from this was a desire to discover artists who the 2 Tone artists were influenced by. So I had a brief dalliance with the likes of Prince Buster, Judge Dread and Linton Kwesi Johnson. I also saw The Special’s live at St George’s Hall, Bradford in 1980 which was full of blokes dancing wearing pork pie hats. But the overall memory of this was the one and only time I saw someone crowd surf by diving off the circle balcony. Good gig but not enough to keep my interest long term in 2 tone and Ska. But plenty of music on this album to revive memories of that time so a worthwhile listen to a decent album. 3/5 16/12/24
Dated badly
As soon as the first note hit, it made me so happy. Stop your messin around, more horns! Too bad the rest of the album is mid. 2/5