Reviews (page 8 of 11)
insoportable. 5/10
Not a big fan of this but interesting enough to rate three stars. I prefer a letter grading system where this album would get a C- for me.
It’s the pinnacle of Ska. But Ska is kinda boring
Never really listened to the entire album before. It was quite a warm day when listening to this and so I vibed even more with this album
Det här är så brittiskt. Gissar att Blur lyssnat en del på The Specials. Är svag för brittisk pop/rock. Är inte lika svag för reagge. Men ska-punk funkar. Man vill liksom dansa taktlöst. Lika mycket som jag hatade trummorna på Adam Ants skiva älskar jag trummorna i Concrete Jungle. Ett bra exempel på hur trummor bör användas. Sen kan ju ska bli lite enformigt, men jag gillar det ändå. Tänk om man fått se The Specials live gissar att det hade varit en upplevelse.
Första låten är najs. Användes mycket i den väldigt roliga komediserien Plebs. Det är ska. Det är helt ok. Passar nu i sommarvärmen.
Gillade den här rakt igenom, men som någon annan skrev, av någon anledning var det också lite skönt när den tog slut.
2-Tone music arising. Interesting mix between regae and brit-pop
The Specials Another one I listened to a lot at uni but have only intermittently put on over the intervening years, although through cultural osmosis it feels like I hear A Message to You Rudy and Too Much Too Young pretty frequently. It’s been fun listening to it today though, reminding myself why I used to listen to it so much and also thinking I might appreciate it even more than I did then - it’s great! And through better headphones it sounds much better now than it did 25 years ago. It always sounded quite thin on CD to me, but now the drums and bass seem much fatter and fuller and I feel I can hear more instrumentation. That might be my mind playing tricks - I remember the jewel case and booklet felt quite cheap lightweight and and I don’t know about you but if the packaging on a CD felt quite lightweight and cheap I often thought the music sounded thin too. The ska rhythms and bass playing with the more prominent lead guitar, the punk tempo and attitude with the lyrical social commentary is a winning combo. And 45 years after it was released the energy and enthusiasm is remarkable, you can still feel the sincerity and intent. Beside the deceptively skilled playing each song is brilliantly arranged, whether its an original or an ‘inspired by’ cover. I assume Elvis Costello had a hand in that alongside Jerry Dammers, but there’s a fair bit of instrumental texture and tone that isn’t always that obvious. I think each song stands on it’s own, but aside from AMTYR and TMTY I’ve always loved Nite Club (particularly the horn arrangement), Concrete Jungle, Monkey Man (superb keyboards), Blank Expression and You’re Wondering Now. And today Doesn’t Make it Alright, Too Hot and Blank Expression stood out After the first listen this morning I thought 4, but on repeat listens it’s definitely a 5 for me. Aside from the quality of songs and playing it’s just a brilliant, exciting listen - danceable but also lyrically interesting, of it’s time but also timeless. I think it’s one of those albums that everyone says is a classic so you either just assume it is or find it underwhelming, but listening to it, it’s clear its a genuinely brilliant bit of musical synthesis and overall a superb album. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Really liked most of it. Nothing great about it, just that it was a fun little listen.
reggeska od angoli, nawet to potrafia zepsuc
Ska/reggae, good fun and variety
Every song sounds the same
Fun! Ska! Ragge! Sublime was influenced by them, no doubt!
Falls somewhere between I really enjoyed this and I really didn’t care for it and I can’t tell which.
One of my favourite albums of all time - absolute classic
This was a fun album. The variety here is something I didn’t expect. You’ll be listening to reggae then punk. But, the reggae songs aren’t BAD, but they don’t really do much for me. That doesn’t mean they’re terrible though, they have a fun mood. This was good, has its moments. Very quirky as well. Cool!
not so special
- surprisingly summery, album cover looks like it’s new wave
A unique style of music for sure!
A-side is the studio side, so I am reviewing that. The tracks on this record sound very same-y. Some of them are quite fun, but I feel like this band is a better live experience. Record feels lacking.
Variety of musical styles. A bit of calypso back beat
Great album, nothing else needs to be said.
The first song was good. The rest were meh. Not special.
Kyllähän tässä on eheä albumi saatu aikaiseksi, mitä en ihan heti olettanut, tuntui jotenkin vähän sinne tänne heittelyltä ensialkuun. Reggae ei hirveesti vetoa muhun, mutta tässä ollaan selvästi jonkun äärellä. Toimii melkeinpä kolmosen verran, mutten vain pidä äänimaailmasta.
Ei epäilystäkään: tällä bändillä on muitakin ideoita kuin vain tyylillisiä, ja biisinteko/coverointi kantaa melko hyvin läpi koko LP:n. Hurahdinko ska:han? Ehkä melkein, kuten ennenkin. 3,5
superb!!!
Excelent.
Thought I’d like this a lot more, just a bit boring.
I do not enjoy Ska, I did not enjoy this album. This was at its best when I zoned out and did notes at work, whenever I paid any attention I largely just felt irritated. 2/5
Largely just not my speed but there's flashes of real fun to be had. Two and a half. Fave track: Nite Club
*4.5*
I had no idea ska was this old!
British ska revival 1979, just ok for a few songs
Loved the instrumental side of the tracks. Unique lyric style
V good
I enjoyed the album, it felt like a complete album with some certified bangers that I added to my all-time favourites playlist. That being said, I thought that 'Stupid Marriage', 'Too Much Too Young' and 'Little Bitch' seemed a bit personal against an ex-lover perhaps? It stained my enjoyment of the album somewhat.
Message to youuu ruuuby Verder wel grappig maar niet enorm bijzonder
ja heel leuk dit, ik hou van ska, me ma was hier vroeger van fan ik wij hadden deze lp, even klein genieten hoor, meer van dit graag
The This The That Veel Brits spul zeg Wel geinig
Just not my thing. Appreciate that this probably was the OG Ska band but not for me.
A few years ago, after seeking the origins of the ska I grew up with (which I learned was apparently third-wave ska) I found my way to The Specials (second-wave). The mix of punk and reggae is so fascinating. Gotta love those normie-prodding, angsty, fun-loving bunch of rude boys.
Would have got three stars but it’s too long with a lot of the same stuff.
- meh -
Very dated and worn to my ears Some songs seem empty and repetitive I respect the meaning of the songs and what they wanted to create though
I only like the hits.
OH HELL YES. The purveyors of 2tone ska! I still spin this one regularly so it’s hard to critique in any meaningful way lol. It is impossible to overstate how important this band and this record are. The resurgence of ska and honestly the skinhead movement (skinhead was born in Jamaica, remember) are directly related to this band. How I wish I was in London in the late 70’s to witness it. And honestly? It’s just a fun fucking record. You can’t help but move around a little bit! Remember how Thatcher and Reagan were actively dismantling the economy in the US and UK so bands turned to political action? You can’t remove that from the creation of this record. It was tumultuous but bands like the Specials made it… special. Everyone knows the hits like A Message To You Rudy (a cover of a rocksteady song from the 60’s!) but anti racist songs like Do The Dog and Concrete Jungle highlighted what was really going on. Fun ass songs you can dance to AND get radicalized by? Fuck yeah. Both for history and for being a solid record you gotta give them the ol 5 star. RIP Terry Hall!
Although I love the Bosstones, I've never listened to the Specials. Anticipating an enjoyable listen to me. "A Message to Rudy" is very notable but I was dreading if that set the tone as far as energy for the whole album. Thankfully, "Do the Dog" picks right up (pun intended). Yeah, I'm really liking it. "Concrete Jungle" is a bopper. But "Too Much Too Young" is a drag.
If, like me, you lived through the '90s you probably hate ska too. Every high school honors student with a trombone started wearing checkerboard slip-on Van's and put together a shitty ska band and hoped they'd be the next Bosstones. It really did a lot for pushing me completely away from that sound. BUT... There is a reason The Specials kicked off enough excitement to start a new 2nd wave of ska. They are a solid band, and this is a great album.
Quite a good album for a ska genre, I was able to listen to few songs before being taken to mental asylum, which is definitely my personal best. Never again (*).
I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't that... that was awesome...
I named one of my Baldur's Gate 3 characters Rudy after "A Message to you Rudy". Great album.
It's another one I wanted to like more than I did. It's just not great. It's also not terrible, it's just slightly boring. I can see how it was quite subversive in its time, but today it just sounds quaint and anachronistic. I'd give it 2.5 if I could. I'll probably end up giving it 3 stars because it's not *bad* per se.
Groovy and jammin at the same time. I enjoyed just about every song.
I have their second album on vinyl, another one from my ex's dad. I've only heard "A Message To You Ruby" from this one, which is a total banger. These fellas are the quintessential ska band, there would be no Gorillaz without them. I love how their drums sound. The guitar riffs in "Little Bitch" sound kinda like "Brown Sugar" by the Rolling Stones. This album isn't airtight, I think the follow-up is a little more consistent. But it's a lot of fun and a great album for a sunny day like today.
This is an interesting one. Similar critique as the police album, I liked the instrumentation a lot but some vocal parts and lyrics were weird and off putting. Other than that I thought it was fun, I definitely preferred the fast songs. Favorite Song: Nite Klub 7/10
Strange mix of reggae, British, and jazz? Didn't love it, just not my style. Maybe I don't like ska. I enjoy the brass but not with the British vocals. Top songs: None?
All in all I thought it was a fun listen. I really dig the combo of punk and ska. Fav Songs: A Message to You Rudy Nite Klub Too Much Too Young
Very cool
Not quite what I expected, another not really my cup of tea. The production quality seemed really inconsistent and that's not normally a thing I notice. Some vocals sounded detached from the recording, and some other sounds or instruments were really jarring in some songs. The first track sounded familiar, and was probably my favorite of the album. Just not a big Ska guy. I recently had a Fish Bone album on this list and liked that style a lot more. Favorite track "A message to you Rudy" 2/5
Yes! Thank you! Ska Punk era! RIP Terry Hall. 5
Cool vibe blues and reggae
Es un disco básicamente de ska, con algo de reggae. Realmente no me gustó mucho y me aburrió bastante, aunque no me pareció malo.
Awesome album. So influential on future ska artists. 4/5
A lot of songs I had heard but never knew
I'd say it bumps
I didn’t make it all the way through this one… is it ska?
This album was special. Island vibes and steady rhythms gave way to catchy vocals.
The Specials hold a place in my heart.
The glazing for this album is crazy
Reggae！久违的雷鬼
It's alright.
A classic ska album, but also pretty cheese at times
good album, ahead of its time.
Combines rock and reggae in a very soulless and annoying way. I was really not a fan of this album.
This album gets played regularly at our house; I've never been a huge ska fan but The Specials are undeniably great!
For someone who doesn't tend to like ska, this fucks. I enjoyed it a lot. I guess you get a lot of credit when you're an innovator. 4/5
Good shit, a landmark for a reason. B+
its good just not for me really 2.8/5
2nd wave ska band and they're really good! like their lyrics and their vibe - very groovy music and more enjoyable than I thought it would be
This was fun. This is Ska well delivered. The music is light, detached, and carries a good mood. The lyrics on the other hand might be a total contrast.
Didn’t finish. Didn’t care for the sound
It’s the Specials. What’s not to like? Had me dancing all afternoon.
Gets a little screetchy/yelling, but all in all not bad
Just good fun, if you live in Britain you get exposed to this from an early age. After listening I went on a Ska and Reggae binge, good job it was a sunny day.
The Specials - Not special at all
Enjoying this more than I thought. Lyrics are really fun and the songs aren’t too ska for my taste.
What a fun album! I was only familiar with the first track, but really enjoyed listening to the rest of it.
Just brilliant. I gave More Specials a 4 because it wasn’t their best album. This is the best album. They capture an era and a feeling so evocatively. Terry Hall was a towering talent and The Specials were fantastic live. Not one dud song…
While not necessarily my favorite flavor, there's something magical going on here. The attitude, solid musicianship, interesting songs, cool detatched delivery — there's swagger to this band. It sounds like a time capsule, you can still hear how fresh this must have sounded in 1979.
It's funny. I remember liking this one quite a lot. And it is good. I dig their vibe and sense of humor. But I don't know, it fell a little flat today. More of a 3.5, but I'm rounding down. I prefer the first English Beat album.
Great album example of why I love this project. An important band I kinda got exposed to but didn’t truly know. I liked it. Won’t say I’d ever spin ska just for the heck of it.
Got a little bit annoying by the end, really not my thing
Brilliant 4/5
Good British ska album, but not my cup of tea.
I didn’t realize I already knew who these guys were. My personal favorites were “A Message to You Rudy,” “Stupid Marriage,” and “Too Much Too Young.”
I like it, glad to see it made the list.
Really fun album. Ska isn't for everyone....but is for me :) Monkey Man rocks. Very strong 3....I would definitely put it on again.
I am a big fan of the specials. Was into funboy three too. And the colour field. Terry hall had a great voice.
Highlights of the album were the ska tracks. The original songs were nowhere near as good (or fun) and I’m not a fan of the overly British style of singing. However, I liked all the instrumental parts and the calypso/reggae beats had me vibing.
So... this is Ska. Very fun but about half of the songs either go on for too long or have some obnoxious gimmick. I really liked Do the Dog, Concrete Jungle, and Stupid Marriage though. Worth hearing once, but I'd rather listen to something else most of the time.
Likeable -worth another listen.
Huh. Was about to rate it 0 and joke about how ska is just the gentrified child of reggae and punk but this is actually decent. It's the old school british punk rock voice that dows it! 3/5, which is a lot from me for ska.
I liked the first song, the rest was OK at best
kinda nice, still don't like ska
Reggae ska
This was fine for a genre of music that I generally don't enjoy, but I will never be revisiting this.
Meh....
My formal introduction to Ska. I did not know the difference between ska and reggae. Now j know that Ska is faster and guitar oriented with a social commentary flavourful. This was a good album. Another UK album.
An absolute classic! This record is full of hits.
Very very fun. I could probably get sick of it if I listened to it a little too often, but it's definitely super enjoyable as a once-in-a-while thing. Solid 4.
Like transporting into Bradley Nowell's 15 year old mind. See a lot of influence here.
Nice hearing some earlier ska. Some very cool parts and also some things I'm not into as much
Something similar to The Smiths, great British accent
It’s a very generous 3
Not my style. I don't think this album aged well.
I think this is the earliest ska I’ve ever heard. Ska has come a long way from this. The beats and music is there, but it feels totally disconnected from the singing. It’s hard to describe. The Specials walked so Reel Big Fish could run.
Ska! I liked it, partially since I have some friends in a Ska band and don't know many of the foundational bands of the genre. The music was overall good though.
I’m aware of the specials, but I’m not sure if I’ve ever listed to an album. Ok. Half way through. I do t get the hype. It’s good. But nothing is really jumping out to me. And now “too hot” is on and I’m changing my mind.
70s ska isn't my sound.
Protest music. Some soul, some reggae. Not bad
Still one of my favorite 2nd wave staples. Big influences here for the 3rd wave that I grew up on while holding its own against anyone in the genre regardless of wave.
This album is fun
It's a good album. The ska-reggae beats are nice. A few songs hit a bit more than others. The whole band is having fun playing the tunes.
Would potentially have rated a star higher but have issues with some of the lyrics
Klassiker. Intet mindre
Man on man did I hate this. Every track hurts in a different way.
good
I love that ska, Rudy!
Good album! 4 stars
So good. If you love sublime this band is for you.
Avant Pop - Enjoy Yourself. Está bien.
Nicht meins, nach paar Minuten einfach nur nervig.
That was good. I like just about everything on the album.
Another 80s British(it so they sound) post pop (if that's a thing) in the same vain as a group like madness, which I couldn't stand
First time with this one. I liked it a lot. Interesting play on Jamaican music influences and lyrical content applicable to 70's urban London.
Se parecen a Toreros Muertos, pero en inglés. Más british, aunque no sé de dónde son.
Who knew a Ska revival album would be so catchy? Really, the only thing preventing this from being 5 stars is the limited complexity of the genre. Aside from that, the songs are infectious, well-played, and brimming with attitude. Elements of punk and reggae sneak their way into several tracks; the latter is particularly noticeable in the guitar riffs.
This is an example of an album that I probably never would have chosen to listen to, but one I quite enjoyed, both for the music and the music history/culture aspect. Ska ska ska!
Hmm…ska…maybe not…although not repulsive, just not something I love.
Upbeat and fun. I've convinced myself I don't like ska but The Specials have other plans.
I’m not the biggest fan of Ska, but this album was well entertaining! It kept my interest, some of the later songs were actually among my favorites, and I enjoyed this.
not an enormous fan of it bc it’s simply not a genre i’m familiar with! i need to come back to it
This was fun, for the first few songs, but then it started to feel and sound repetitive and I got bored with it. I remember when this sound was popular and fresh back in the late 70s & early 80s, but I was never sold on it as something I wanted to, or needed to see performed live. Oh well.
I liked this more than I thought I would.
Pleasantly surprised by this album. An intriguing mix of British rock and reggae that I never thought I would see together. It's certainly very original in this aspect and it seems like it takes the best out of both worlds. Not too British. 🇬🇧☕ Not too Jamaican. 🇯🇲 🍃(Though, unlike British, I doubt there is something as too Jamaican) The whole vibe of the album was also accompanied by this adequate amount of goofiness. I like. 7.5/10
Jungle videogame soundtrack except it has vocals and it's also ska, not really my thing
mmmmm i did not enjoy it that much
Wow people hate this one. Always been a fan of their singles, have a compilation of theirs. I have to say this album is uneven, and yeah moaning lyrics are a bit of a drag. Hall is doing that "I'm young and I think I'm being edgy, but really I just sound quite conservative" thing. But the good songs are great, Gangsters, Message to you Rudy are total classics. The album version of Too Much Too Young is trounced by the live single version which captures the bands energy much better.
Albums are always the most worthwhile when I learn something, and that was an awesome peak into music history and the origins of ska, and the blending of styles.
Two Specials in a row. I think this dampened my review of this one (with the only Specials song I’ve heard before). It’s likely just as good as the one before, but I’m feeling less excited. Too much ska is definitely a thing.
The only song I was familiar with was a message to you Rudy and I really like that song, so I was hopeful. I found the rest of the songs, overall a little annoying, except for monkey man, which was all right. I’m disappointed because I thought I was going to like this one more.
Do The Dog and Concrete Jungle are the standouts. Pretty decent even though it's ska.
"The Specials" by The Specials, released in 1979, is a seminal album in the ska and 2 Tone genre. It's a punchy, socially charged collection of tracks that encapsulates the band's energetic and politically charged sound. From the infectious beats of "A Message to You, Rudy" to the anthemic "Ghost Town," the album is a snapshot of a specific time and place. With its lively ska rhythms and socially conscious lyrics, "The Specials" is a standout in the ska revival movement. It receives a concise yet powerful 4/5 for its lasting impact on ska and its ability to seamlessly blend political commentary with infectious dance beats.
I first heard The Specials’ version of “A Message to You, Rudy” blaring from speakers and spilling across the sticky floors at one of my favourite clubs at university. I leaped around to it with fresh-faced friends, rosy with youth: it was already a 35-year-old song, but it felt vivid and vital as it held us all in grasp. Fast forward several years and I’ve still only heard the full album once, and remained convinced “Rudy” was the only real highlight. But on closer inspection, I was way off the mark: “The Specials” is stacked front to back with joyful tracks as two-tone, ska, punk and reggae come together. The cocktail may seem like a queasy mixture at first, but sink a few down and all you’ll want to do is dance your own feet off. “Monkey Man” is a knees-up, pulsing triumph. “Concrete Jungle” is frantic and urgent, “Nite Klub” is a driven by a stellar rubbery bassline, and the gradually accelerating ending of “Stupid Marriage” is tremendous raucous fun. It’s one of the best parties committed to record, but if there’s a fault to be had it’s that the social messaging is quite a way off the likes of The Clash or Costello. Ten songs celebrating equality and condemning prejudice (see “Doesn’t Make It Alright”) are quickly undone by lines like “all the girls are slags”, “ain’t you heard of contraception”, or the whole of “Little Bitch” with its accusation that the subject would (and should) take her own life for attention. Great guitar riff though. On the whole, the ska influences combine very well with the restless energy of UK 70’s punk and new-wave. Helping to connect “The Specials” with the first wave of 1960’s Jamaican ska, and add some welcome authenticity, is the presence of trombonist Rico Rodriguez. Meanwhile, placing it squarely in the late ‘70’s new wave boom is the production by Elvis Costello, making this a (superior) prelude to his “Get Happy!!” period. Solid all round… and of course, “A Message To You, Rudy” will forever be colossal.
This was quite the revelation. There is not OG Ska worth listening to.
No thank you…….
Some good songs.
I really loved the vibe of this album! Some fun, funky, retro ska that I really enjoyed.
I do not like the singer at all
I’m conflicted about this album. I LOVE Ska; I didn’t think this list would have a Ska album on it. The sound and instruments are great, I’m not so pleased with the lyrics or the lead vocalist on most of the songs.
Didn’t like the style. Bad vocals, kind of annoying.
yeah this album was pretty sick. i really enjoyed listening to it. just some really fun ska. i particularly enjoyed elvis costello's production and the energy that the album had. good stuff!
A classic! Incredible!
My new go to for punk Ska, ahead of its time.
Classic
I have never heard of The Specials. I went in with an open mind, and I can respect the sound and the influence they had, and I didn't HATE anything on the album, but Late 70s British Ska is just not my jam. I am reminded a bit of reviewing Motorhead. Both bands had singers that really had no range. the music was good, but lyrically each song could be identical. 2.5
eh, not a big ska fan
Interesting. Can hear their influence in many places.
Classic ska! The beats Can’t be beat. Pick it up pick it up go!
One of my all time favorites. The variety and the infusion of punk with ska will forever be copied for years to come after this album. Others have done this to great effect but nothing tops the originals.
I love it, with the beats and everything although some songs are misses in my opinion I still loved a few especially that first one it was such a nice hook I kinda started dancing to it while I was showering!👍 nice atmosphere to the music
Fun album, great musicians! 7 out of 10
Liked the Reggae style songs the best.
On my first listend I really dug A Message to You Rudy but the rest of the album seemed to pale in comparison. Second listen I started to get more into it and it's a good fun album. Aside from the opener I also enjoyed Concrete Jungle, Blank Expression, and Too Much Too Young
I don't think I've listened to a full Specials album before, but this was awesome! So much creativity and invention crammed in. I tend to think of ska as being very monotonous, but there was loads going on here. ...and it's obviously been HUGELY influential on all sorts of people. Loved hearing lyrics in "Blank Expression" that I was familiar with from Massive Attack's "Eurochild". Also "Little Bitch"'s guitar line getting used in The Dandy Warhol's "Bohemian Like You". Fave tracks - as well as the previously mentioned, "A Message To You Rudy", "Monkey Man", and "Too Much Too Young" are classic versions of classic tracks...
So I actually enjoy listening to Ska and I feel like this band created it. So, I’m my book it’s an 8/10
Not for me sober 4/10. Maybe if I were high
As a Ska lover and have learned that I might not like guitar as much as I thought I did. The first half of this album is horrid in some parts and I can't forgive it for doing that to me. The back half has some great songs that help it a little bit but I just can't man. 4/10
This is an album that I have been listening to since I was a wee shit ska kicker. I wore this album out when I was heavy into Ska and Reggae. I have stopped listening to this type of music in the past couple years but I still always return to The Specials. A unique voice that could either make you love the song or turn you away instantly. There are a few of the biggest songs in Ska on this album. There are also a few songs that don’t quite hit the mark but I still appreciate them. My view of this album might be skewed by nostalgia but I still believe this album deserves credit for being genre defining. 9/10 R.I.P. Terry Hall
Brilliant album. It hits so many different heights. The rhythm is brilliant and uplifting, the composition is lush, the production is clean and the lyrics paint a picture of Thatchers Britain in the 80's. I cannot find a single reason not to give this 5 stars.
What an album, what a band. Busting from the mean uk streets of late 70s early 80s. It paints the picture of Maggies dystopia and the cultural crossover and battleground of the cities and uk culture. Course Terry Hall is a lyrical boss you can find stuff here later used in the likes of Massive Attack and Blur. The attitude of punk combined with sounds from the carribean and topped with a satricial lyrisism. A winner.
Very happy to see this pop up this morning, absolute belter of an album that's just brilliant on so many levels.
Every single song is great. This is a top album. Sarcastic, funky, political. It's got it all.
I was familiar with The Specials hits, but hadn't listened to the albums. Enjoyed this a lot, even did a bit of a skank dance in the kitchen. Felt that some of the tracks do get a bit lost in themselves, but they are still fun and you know they love this stuff. At face value I was gonna give this album a 4, but in the context of late 70s middle-England, it's culturally important, much deserving of top marks!
ska isn't my thing. I can't get the 'what 13 year olds hear in their head when they get an extra mozarella stick' joke out of my head when I listen to it
Lots of fun! 4/5
I liked this more than I expected, scattershot in a beguiling way. The often volcanic rockabilly guitar surprised me, and while some of lyrics are dated mansplaining, they are interesting, unusual (to me) dated mansplaining - the character and the conceits in the singer’s mode of address hold the attention. The vocals are also pleasingly fey when Hall lets his guard down.
I found The Specials quite intimidating as a nipper, their pork pike hats and two tone outfits carrying a faint whiff of violence; all the bad kids in school seemed to have the checker logo on their bag. I'm not scared anymore, this is a great debut and was hugely influential on the British music that followed. I'm a big fan of Terry Hall's vocal style and can handle ska skanking much better than reggae snoozing.
Good enough.
Really great. I think this is a five.
Sounded interesting.
maailman hirvein aksentti maailman host horryfying sound of all time. mikä tahansa muu ääni suusta ulos niin albumi toimii, mik vittu tahansa paitsi tuommoinen sairas PASKA. hate in human heart. even good people (me) get corruptioned.. (kuolkaa pois vittu).. heh hyvä että reggae, tämä on niin mahtavaa reggae (aivan vitun paskaa, ) HYIIIIIII HYIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII a mresddsdge tero you rtuysdfhy
Holy mackerel. The opening song is the song they use for resurrection sunday. I never realized this. It's a really good mix of raggae and pop.
I'm giving SKA an extra bump as I really enjoy the vibe and the sound. Though there are some weaker tracks, there's enough meat here (Rudy, Concrete Jungle, Nite Klub, Too Hot) that its a really fun journey. Good times!
Really good. I never understood how the ska era succeeded the punk era. But this was very good.
This sounded how I was guessing based off the album cover. Punk but infusing pop and reggae a la the clash or Blondie. Doesn’t reach their heights
Se parecen a Toreros Muertos, pero en inglés. Más british, aunque no sé de dónde son.
Pretty interesting listen. Kind of reminded me of music that I'd hear out of the movie 16 Candles; cool reggae pop sound. 7/10.
December 3, 2023 A few interesting cuts but unlikely to put this on again from start to finish. That's my message to you, Rudy.
Ska y reggae. Vinilo.
I can’t fathom this as an album in 1979. Ahead of its time? First song is obviously the best but a fun album overall.
I like Ska a lot. This album was just ok for me. The first song was great and the rest was pretty pedestrian.
Just so much fun. I am a sucker for brass, and offbeat guitar. We salute you ska!
A couple good songs, a bunch of meh songs, a couple bad songs, so it all levels out to be pretty meh.
Äntligen något bra. Var länge sedan jag fick en fullpoängare. Här finns inte en dålig låt. Givetvis finns albumet i min samling.
Talk about samey... Fun vibe, but it's the same song over and over.
Ska
Solid overall but only a few really standout songs.
Incredible.
That was kinda fun
Although I just listened yesterday I find myself forgetting everything about this album… is that significant or just bad how small of a memory I have? Not sure but.. I think this was used as background music while I was doing other things but I did like it generally. I hate giving out so many 3s but it’s exactly average.
2 weeks...2 Specials albums. ok. I enjoyed their follow-up a bit more than this debut, there's just a little more raw ska sound here which is fine but they didn't develop their melodic complexity quite yet here... And where their 2nd album is fine for a 5-6 song sampler and nothing is bad here but I find myself really focusing on the similar sounds to each cut, which makes it not all that exciting overall. A fair start but go with More Specials instead. 5/10 2 stars
Surprisingly great.
It's pretty good but I don't think an album is this genre can be truly great to me. 3.2
Sorry, just found this album boring
A cool vibe. Def hear their influence on a ton of punk bands I grew up with.
1. a mezzage to rudy - 1.5 2. do the dog - 0 3. itz up to you - 1 4. night klub - 1 5. doeznt make it alright - 1 6. concrete jungle - 1 7. too hot - 1 8.monkey man - 1 9. neuu era - 1 10. blank ezprezzion - 1 11. ztupide marriage - 1.5 12. too much too young - 1 13. little bitch - 1 14. youre uuondering nouu - 1
boah super lang aber gangsta ist gut
Origin of ska… I mean I’m not going to listen to that a lot, but now I know!
The closer to perfection, the starker the imperfections. And there are plenty of missteps on this album: the tracklisting, the shifts between partying and politicising, and obviously the tracks which the band ended up regretting and dropping from their setlists. But so much is so right about the album. An energy palpates throughout, intent on creating a better world, unafraid to directly face up to the obstacles in the way. And through their music and their performances, The Specials did.
I feel like this album fits the good/bad mem with hank from breaking bad - cheery, upbeat music being used as an outlet for grim underlying themes. Case and point, blank expression is a worthy contender for my "sad songs that sound happy" playlist.
Interesting and legitimately impressive that an entire genre just copied this album's sound for a couple decades. Didn't make it any less annoying though.
SKAAA!!!!!!
it was really funny and good. like the lyrics are insane and the men can’t sing but that elevates the text actually. my fave songs are concrete jungle, doesn’t make it alright and nite klub. honourable mention to too much too young
it's just fun you know
so fucking good, why haven’t I heard this before? such fun lyrics. every point I thought “oh this song isn’t for me” the most insane 20 seconds in music history would immediately come up. high 4. fave songs: concrete jungle, little bitch
i liked it
I love an album with bitchy lyrics and bouncy beats what can I say!! Favorites are some I already knew like Gangsters (not sure if this is actually on the album?), A Message to You Rudy, Too Much Too Young, and Monkey Man (SOOOO fun) plus new favorites like Do the Dog, Stupid Marriage, and Dawning of a New Era. But every other song was still so good- great lyrics all around, plus that Rolling Stones sample on Little Bitch? Fun! It’s an album that’s full of covers and also most songs sound like they would be more fun to hear live, but a super strong debut imo! Also why was Elvis Costello the producer. Just curious.
Hear the big band influences, island jam band influences, etc. It's a fun listen.
not really my vibe but it's alright
Ska! A message to you Rudy! There’s more to the specials
Ja godver, ik was er al bang voor. Ik zet dit echt met een zo open mogelijke blik aan, maar ik trek ska enorm slecht. Carnavaleske raggae voor slungels. Koperen blazers vind ik lastig. Hoe kan muziek waar de basgitaar zo prominent aanwezig is toch zo plat, hol en schel klinken? De manier waarop de zang is opgenomen vind ik ook matig. Bij punk kom je er soms nog wel mee weg, maar hier voelt het gewoon armoedig. Ik heb het uitgezeten, maar ik heb wel 3x een epi-pen in m'n dijbeen moeten jagen om overeind te blijven. Ik moet gewoon een 1 geven omdat ik hier echt een beetje boos van word. Het is wel een hoge 1 voor wat het waard is; geen Astrud Gilberto 1.
A message to you, Rudy!
nothing special about this. . .
Mér hefur alltaf fundist lúmskt gaman að ska og þetta er bara mjög skemmtilegt en verður smá endurtekið. Það má dilla sér við þetta.
Þetta er ska. Ekki að grípa mig en svo sem ekki lélega gert.
Uggh. This wasn't great. At least they appear to have had a black person in this group but this is just white as hell.
Surprisingly very groovy. Glad this got recommended!
Ganz nett, war mir aber zu viel vom Gleichen
this is my first introduction to the ska sound and I enjoy it, but not heavily. I thought the production sounded great with very catchy instrumental passages. Wasn’t a huge fan of the vocals or the kinda “spooky” vibe on the intro. Overall I can see how people would like this album, nothing offended me it’s just not my style.
Terrible
Madness two days ago, The Specials today, this generator is trying to kill me. This white boy was not built for ska consumption, call that Skactose intolerance. Did you know that the chemical responsible for fecal odor is called Skatole? Isn't that concerning?
Classic ska reggae.
Jaunty and typically British tunes.
Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: it’s ok, a nice easy listen Favourite song: Track 3 - Do the Dog
I don’t care how much reggae these guys ripped off to make ska popular. Ska sucks. Some tracks here are a bit more entertaining than I thought, but I still got way too little enjoyment from this record to make it Special for me.
I nearly ran for the hills when I saw those three frightening letters (S-K-A 😟) but was relatively relieved to find this relatively inoffensive.
Great Ska Album
The dark souls of ska
🔥🔥🔥🔥SKA MUSIC🔥🔥🔥🔥
4.25
msg to rudy a gooden
Kinda fun at parts , little jazzy but overall just ska ...
Definitely a British Band from the 80s but unremarkable. The music does not resonant with me as I do not relate to the lyrics
Excellent, 5stars
Okay
Garbaggio
I appreciated the album for what it was - a ska resurgence that even had some early punk vibes. However, as an album it didn't do much for me personally.
It's good. It's special. But not amazing.
Love the history behind but maybe ska is not for me. Too long and repetitive, I had the feeling that the rythm was the same on almost every track (Too Much Too Young is the same phrase for 6 minutes)
Like polish wedding music.
UK Ska. I hear bits of the Clash and Talking Heads. It is interesting. Not sure there was a song that stuck out to me though.
Ska not really my jam, but I can appreciate the energy and levity.
Ska is instant dismissal. Automatic 0/10 Sorry fellas
This was a lot of ska, ska punk? Ska rock? There were trumpets. It was okay.
Perfectly alright album, and a fun introduction to ska. Though evidently, not my favourite genre. Another middle of the road album for me, but there were a number of pretty good tracks. 6/10 Top 3: 1. Little Bitch 2. Concrete Jungle 3. Gangsters
this is in the top 3 goofiest albums of all time. this is so goofy and silly.
It's good musically but not really for me
Meh
ska, that is enough to give this album two stars or less
Okay but not my thing
The Specials is the debut album by British ska revival band the Specials. It's a defining album from the UK ska scene - ska is similar to reggae but uses elements of American jazz & blues - the revival brings guitars and punk rock into the mix for a sense of anger instead of calming "Caribbean" ska. Critical reviews were mixed because most thought the band was not living up to its potential and left some rough spots in the album. The debut album did go on to be certified gold in the UK. In retrospect, this album is a time capsule of the British rock scene in the late 70's/early 80's. The band created a wonderful album for the time period, even if it left more to be desired. I didn't care much for this type of music (ska), but it was unique enough to hold my interest while I worked during my day. Like some other reviews I read said, this album would've sounded better if we were listening to it in the UK for a time after its release. The novelty has worn off and this genre has basically fizzled out.
SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA SKA
not that great but it's the brieflos song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! brieflos for youuuuu
proto punk? not sure what they call this , but it was the start of a big thing in bringing the raggae/ska beats to mainstream pop. love this raw and true sound
Good but very repetitive
Ska
Godfathers of the best genre ever. Do the dog, I’m the dog. It’s Up to you has crisp drums but still holds on to the groove of the first 2 tracks. Nite Klub has real lyrics and is a lot more jazzy. Concrete jungle has a crazy bassline, booming drums. Blank expression was a nice slower piece. Overall the album has a simultaneous excited fast vibe and laidback chiller vibe. A constant drive and groove throughout. Good listening experience Fav tracks: concrete jungle, nite klub, blank expression Least fav: monkey man Overall : 89/100
Gawd, I hate ska.
Really interesting sound combining punk drive and messages with playful ska music and great use of the different voices and vibes in the band. Really set a feeling of being in the English street in the late 70s.
Fav songs: (Dawning of A ) New ERA IT’S UP TO YOU A Message to rudy Nite club
Enjoyed this far more than I initially expected
Did not expect the reggae influence. Really blending genres, you can tell it's original and an early ska influence but has very brit roots. Sounds much later than '79
Favorite Tracks: A Message to You Rudy, Nite Klub, Doesn't Make It Alright, Concrete Jungle, Monkey Man, Little Bitch, You're Wondering Now
So good. It plays like a greatest hits record. One of my favorites of all-time.
The clash x reggae x son douteux
Early ska sound
Not for me, but not bad. Instruments pretty interesting. Vocals a bit annoying.
Special.
Two tone Malone does fish n chips ska. CIA torture music.
A worthy member of any greatest albums ever list
this album just reinforced that ska really isnt my thing. the group shows obvious musical talent but i just wasnt a fan unfortunately.
This was some tough listening.
Pretty bad. The writeup around this album mentions anger at economic conditions and Thatcherite social policy but I'm really not feeling that at all.
Another old favorite!
A ridiculously good debut that is just a lot of fun to listen to
Nicht mein Ding; recht simpler und generischer Ska.
Catchy at times (Do the Dog, Nite Klub, etc). Good last track. ** 1/2
Quand même bien aimé malgré que c'est très ska. J'ai l'impression que ça a dû avoir un impact important sur la scène. J'ai trouvé peut-être un peu long mais c'est probablement parce que ce n'est pas mon style de prédilection. J'y retournerais. 7/10