Reviews (page 9 of 11)
Just not into the genre.
They sound disorganized but with a lot of heart. There are some really great aspects such as originality and instrumentation, but also bad parts like the lyrics and production. It was fun, though. 3/5
Lots of fun!
Great album and a favourite of mine.
The definition of easy-going music is now established for me. I'll sure look for more "Specials" albums later.
I thought the album, including the live tracks, was going to be a bit much but I enjoyed. Some songs haven’t aged well, and that’s why you won’t hear them on the radio.
Very interesting and unique album...its like British reggae? Can't say it really fits my taste.
One of the original Ska bands to bring the genre to fruition. They weren't quite punk and weren't quite Reggae. You can definitely see "newer" bands were influenced by these guys. Guys like Catch 22, Reel Big Fish, Aquabats really took inspiration from The Specials. You don't need any herbal influence to enjoy these guys, but it helps.
Didn't enjoy a single moment on here, which is unfortunate because it's not like this wasn't a well-made album, so credit where credit is due. It's just not my style in the slightest.
- Tropical vibes with some ska influence this is great blend - Great blend of instruments that work together very well
- love the bounce - feels effortless for these guys - borderline cheesy
I see why they call themselves the specials because whoever wrote this music rides the short bus to school.
Well I didn't really think I liked ska, but this was a bop. Whether that was familiarity bias because of the songs i knew, or if I'm just more familiar with this style from drum n bass. Dandy Warhols used as a sample?
Very good for getting things done around the house
4.5/5
4+/5
not for me lmao
Its definitely important on putting angsty white boy raggae on the map - Luke
nah
Some good stuff but I never really could get into this band the way that other ska fans seem to. They're good and highly influential which invery much respect. A 4 I suppose.
Meh
Nah
nice
Must have classic punk/ska album.
Not my vibe
I had fun listening to this album but I was simultaneously ready for it to end at any point. I'm not a huge ska fan but I like it well enough and there were a couple fun tracks on here (rudy, stupid marriage) but also a decent number of duds (too hot). In all honestly will probably completely forget about this album about three albums from now.
Aaahh, the Death in Paradise theme! Lol. RIP Terry Hall. Legend
I like The Specials in small to moderate doses but their style does grate after a while (Ghost Town is grate-proof; I like when they explore that darker edge to their sound, but they don't do that on this album). I respect what they're about and their reputation as state-of-the-nation documenters, though I have to take that on faith a bit having not lived through those times. Social commentary comes across in a few of the songs but not all of them. To summarise: Fun and important, but not *that* fun or *that* important.
Definitely a good time. I don’t really have much to say about this album.
70's british ska with reggae influence. Sounds like they had an impact on 311 and Sublime.
A fun pop-reggae album, would recommend for that British pub feel two with the bellowing on certain songs Stand out songs: - It's up to You - Little Bitch
What a superb album. This might be the best British Ska has to offer. And it's got something to say to boot!
That was rough.
I could hear the influence the Specials have had on some “newer” punk/ska bands. Some classic songs.
reggae, ska, punk, ok.
As much a breath of fresh air now as it was then.
Meh. 3 stars. Its early reggae.
Slightly emotional to listen to this knowing I’ll never see Terry Hall singing these songs again. The Specials are an iconic band in the UK - musically an important movement, political but in a clever way and just fun. Ska/two tone was a very British moment and it was all because of The Specials. Great album with all the vibe of a live band playing. Nothing quite like it.
Feestje voor de oren, lekkere nummers, en legendarische band. Wel veel van hetzelfde.
7/10
Another one where I have no idea what to expect. The album opens with Gangsters that has a ska-infused, polka beat going for it with some whiny buried vocals. This feels like it would be at home in the intro of some cheesy Halloween movie. I've definitely heard A Message to You Rudy before. Either embedded in a DJ set or sampled in some other artists work. Pretty classic vibes on this one. Very dusty feeling; I'm into it. Do the Dog is an energetic surf song with a very strange chorus + vocal overlay. I think it works in a surf/skateshop context, but outside of that I'm not huge on it. It's up to You is a groovy dub track. Has a lot of similar vibes to some Police tracks. One of the better so far, with some sweet fretwork to boot. Nite Klub follows up with a meaty slab of bass forming the backbone. I can get down with it. Concrete Jungle goes in hard with the drums out of the gate. Gives way to a pretty standard energetic dub hop, but damn this song rips. The guitar work in the background is fire; reminds me of Minutemen in the tone and vocal nature. Jam. Too Hot is more reggae than ska. Reminds me of a Marley song that I can't quite put my finger on. Kaya maybe? Monkey Man feels familiar as well, though I'm not certain why. Unfortunately the back half of the album doesn't keep up the energy of the first. Either that or it becomes repetitive. Either way, I lost interest shortly after Monkey Man, which is too bad because I was really surprised and into the first half. Wish there was a bit more virtuoso guitar work as in Concrete Jungle, or bass rumpus as in Nite Klub. All said, I enjoyed this much more than I expected. Surprise 3 / 5 for me.
This is a nice sounding album right out of the gate. A little reggae/punk? A good combo in my eyes. Feels like some beach rock. It's easy to listen to, but gets a little bit monochromatic throughout the album. Overall was an enjoyable listen, but didn't have much variety to send it to 4 stars. I could see this whole album playing on repeat at a place like Mackey's on a Tuesday afternoon.
All of these songs sound like that Elvis Costello song about the detectives which I like. But I don't need a whole album of that
The chorus of A Message to You Rudy is at the end of DJ's by Sublime! Never knew that wild. Stop yo messin around. Another album that just feels all over the place. Doesn't sound like it came out in 79 for some reason. Bass in Nite Klub is sick! Not much else I'm really feeling enough to write out.
A eclectic mix of ska and reggae, and really these guys were doing ska before many did. It's a lighthearted yet earnest album for the most part, it would be the type of thing that you'd kick back on a beach and just vibe while it plays in the background, which isn't a bad thing at all.
var nice å høre men har eksamenshjerne nå så husker ikke hvordan d var 3.5
Fun listen like the Jamaican thing
I really love the message of this album. Sadly thats kinda the only thing i love about it.
I do love this album. The lyrics are clever and reflect the social issues at the time, and you can hear the Coventry in Terrys accent. There is a huge mix of genres, sounds and voices on the album which reflects the amazing things that were happening in music at the time, as well as huge cultural changes in the UK. I especially love bass lines but every member brings something unique to the band. I always thought the shorter live version of too much too young was better as it showed the energy in the bands live performances but it’s still a 5/5.
Brilliant ska album and definitely vital to pioneering the scene.
O jee, een obscuur Engels bandje anno 1979. Dat kan maar één ding betekenen: gejengel. Maar nee! Het is blije reggae en ska, en het is zowaar wél aan te horen. Het kan dus wel. Meerdere keren luisteren, vrolijk van worden.
The Specials ken ik vooral van Back to Mine. Verzamelcd's met de favoriete muziek / inspiratie van van grote namen in de elektronische muziek. Liam 'Prodigy' Howlett en de Audiobullys zetten beide een nummer van dit album op hun Back to Mine. Een leuke cd-serie om muziek te ontdekken of mee te reizen met een artiest. Tip! Hier had ik dus zin in. Tja, en dat moet dus eigenlijk niet. Is de verwachting groot, dan valt het altijd tegen. Nu ik het hele album hoor, staat de matige zang me tegen. Het mag allemaal wat voller. Maar ach, dat komt dus wellicht vooral door de verwachting.
Het is ergens altijd wel grappig om ska te horen, want het is wel soort van blij. De gitaren bij the Specials vertonen gelukkig wat meer afwisseling dan de standaard reggae en ska gitaren. De getrouwe holle resonerende drum is wel gewoon van de partij (ik weet even niet goed welke voor dat typerende geluid zorgt), net als het tikken met de drumstokken op de rand van de drum. Het zit allemaal goed in elkaar. Blijkbaar is er toch nog iets waar Elvis Costello bij betrokken is, wat ik wel kan waarderen.
Ska is the worst form of music. I hate this more than I rationally should and I've let it run my day. God damn this sucks.
Fun and still fresh-sounding, but not as good as the second record, and perhaps a bit one-note and unnecessarily lengthy. "You're Wondering Now" and "Message to Rudy" are tops.
3.5 Prima album, maar too much too young is gruwelijk kut.
Very special
No es un album para escucharlo para mi ya que la verdad me aburrio y no es mi estilo así que le doy un 3 o 4 de 10
“There was some good stuff, there was some skippable stuff but none of it was a bad listen at all.” - Me, yesterday, can be repeated today. Although I was more pleasantly surprised this time, enjoyed it more than I expected
I bet these guys are a blast live. Music was good
Kinks möter Hoffmaestro
was alright
Awesome vibe I love this kind of music. Lots of great songs on here that I didn’t realize were from the specials
5/10 du ska UK, s'écoutait bien au début, devenait long à la longue.
UK ska/two-tone masterpiece (RIP, Terry Hall). Lots and lots of lively or endearing tunes. Ideal for a holiday soundtrack. Which is why, this time, I won't bother writing a damn review, and just fully enjoy the music instead. Number of albums left to review: less than 500 (I've temporarily lost count) Number of albums I'll include in my own list: half so far, approximately (including this one). Number of albums I *might* include: a quarter, approximately. Number of albums I'll never include: another quarter (many others are more important to me).
Concrete Jungle. Instrumentals are the best part and the voice is hairable. It would be a 3 if the singer jumped off a cliff.
it's worse than pure reggae because it's harder to tune out. 🗑️
These are very special boys. A special 3.5 for being so special. 👨🦼
Pas mon genre de musique mais du bon petit ska
I don’t know why but I always thought The Specials would be to ska what UB40 are to reggae. That was a very silly assumption to make! This is a lot better than I anticipated, and a lot more punk than I was expecting. A good chunk of bands I listened to as a teen and beyond clearly owe a lot to the Specials. There is a few filler tracks on here but that doesn’t detract too much from it being a great record. Concrete Jungle, Monkey Man, Too Much Too Young probably my highlights. Tres good tres good
I know the big songs by the specials and Id always assumed they were an 'influential' band that helped create the sound without being that good themselves. Turns out I'm completely wrong! Couldn't believe how well the majority of the tracks stood up to contemporary ska, no wonder people take the piss out of the genre when the Specials did it just as good nearly half a century ago. Loved it, downloading this for sure.
I have to agree with the group. Susprisingly good. My favourites were Dawning of a New Era, Little Bitch, and Stupid Marriage. Quite funky and relaxing.
Really enjoyed this album, had heard of a couple of tracks but this was some top class Ska. Can't believe this was released in 1979, feels well ahead of it's time. Will definitely listen again. Highlights: A Message to You Rudy Too Much Too Young Monkey Man Little Bitch
I love ska but probably hadn't heard this album all the way through before. I was thinking I would give it a 4, as there is a bit of filler in the first half of the album. But from monkey man onwards it's mostly great. The good songs make up for the few bad ones and there's too many for me not to give a 5 Highlights: Message to you Rudy Do the dog Monkey man New era Blank expression Too much too young You're wondering now
Great cross cultural moment. It has the raw feel of a live show.
Hörde talas om The Specials för något år sedan, och än mer för några månader sedan då sångaren Terry Hall gick bort. Tyckte de verkade väldigt spännande, hur de gjorde sin egen ska- och reggaeinfluerade musik i en period som känns mer dominerad av postpunk och new wave. Alltid härlig, svängig musik med tydliga basgångar! Gillar! Temat är aldrig heller fel, antifascistiskt och om hur brittiska ungdomar känner frustration och hur man borde "stick it to the man". 'Doesn't Make It Alright' har lite långsammare tempo och väldigt fin refräng, men melodin i verserna låter så jävla mycket som en annan låt och jag blir galen när jag inte kommer på vilken det är. Men den, tillsammans med låtarna innan och efter - 'Nite Klub' och 'Concrete Jungle' - utgör albumets bästa låtföljd. 'A Message to You Rudy', bandets största hit, är också bra, men inte bland de bästa. '(Dawning of A) New Era' också bra. Bästa låt: Doesn't Make It Alright.
"The Specials" is the debut album by British ska revivalists The Specials. The album was produced by Elvis Costello and released on keyboardist Jerry Dammers' record label 2 Tone. Ska, reggae, 2 Tone, punk rock and new wave are the listed genres with some calling this album the defining moment of the UK ska scene. The songs are a mix of original songs and covers of classic Jamaican songs. An interesting description of the album is that "it captures the disaffection and and anger felt by the youth of the UK's "concrete jungle" (concrete jungle - a phrase from Bob Marley) used to describe the grim, violent inner cities of the 1970's Britain. The album actually received mixed reviews upon its release but now continues to make a lot of "best of" lists. "A Message to You Rudy" is a cover of the 1967 Dandy Livingstone song. Horns (trumpet and trombone) drive the song. A reggae beat. Multple lead vocalists telling the rude boys and girls to stop foolin" around. Crowd noise including wanting drugs open "Nite Klub." Jazzy horns go to ska. Keyboards take the melody. A great guitar solo. A catchy backing vocal chorus including Chrissie Hyne. A fun song. "Doesn't Make It Alright" has a slower reggae beat. Maybe, vocalist Terry Hall's best performance. An anti-violence anti-racist song. A great deep cut. A cheerleading chant and clapping hands and drums start "Concrete Jungle." Lead guitarist Roddy Radiation wrote and sang lead vocals. This song is more rockin' punk and fast. The bass is reggae. Nice guitar solo. The band continues the quick pace in the cover of Toots & The Maytals' "Monkey Man." Multiple vocals. "Little Bitch" alternates between hard rock and ska. The song lyrics tell the story of a complaining rich girl who would apparently commit suicide to gain attention. Vocalist Terry Hall regrets the lyrics of this as he would actually deal with suicide issues himself. The album ends with another cover in "You're Wondering Now." Slower, more laid back reggae. Mutiple lead vocalists. A nice way to end. I really enjoyed this album and it grew on me after multiple listens. The music moves between ska and other styles. Multiple lead singers and lead instruments. The lyrics are sociopolitical at times. Other times not. Yeah, a lot to like beyond the few songs you've probably heard.
Like basically every ska album I’ve heard, it’s fun at first but grows a bit tiresome
I’d heard of The Specials before but never really listened to them. This was great though, huge respect to the bass player
British reggae funk, pioneer band for the period. Enjoyable and funky 6/10
I’m not a huge ska-head but this album is a really good. I was familiar with “Rudy” but I honestly thought this album was from the 90s. Ska is timeless I suppose! Maybe with another listen I’d see more variety in the songs, but on first pass it feels a little repetitive.
some solid early ska! not my favorite genre but there are some really cool ideas here
Ska
Interesting but not for me
Harvest festival music
The Clash after a year in Jamaica. Pleasant, but forgettable
Nothing Special
One that deserves a second listen, upon first it didn’t seem too impressive. May have missed on the ska influences as it just felt more 60s/70s rock and roll
HL: “Concrete Jungle”, “Too Hot”, “A Message To You Rudy” Decent. More punky than I expected (tbf I knew “Ghost Town”, & nothing else) July 3, 2023
There is something really intriguing about the moment in time, the disaffection captured in the sound of The Specials. When I put on the album and pulled up the Wikipedia page about the album, I expected to hate it since The Specials are described as a "British ska revival band", and my only reference point for ska music is the mid-90s era, which I think is mostly trash. However, I was taken in by the sound, loved the bass lines and entire vibe.
Yeah good
So great
It’s great.It’s fun and lively,I really enjoy the horns and fun guitar parts.you’re wondering now is great and of course is “a message to you Rudy”
2.5
PREFS : TOUT MOINS PREF : RIEN
A Classic. One of the first albums I bought as a teenager around 1980. And still enjoy it today.
It’s fine. Not really my thing though
A debut album which still holds it own.
first listen bouncy romp, kinda forgettable idk
i listened to this at my standing desk so it had me moving a bit but will likely never hear again
Pretty fun older alt vibe. 3.5
Spot ik hier een Dries bop?
Een Dries bop. Leuke gezellige muziek.
Alright with some weak songs.
not really what i would listen to and dont really know why its here
Кринж не прошедший время
3/14
nite klub is good, the other songs before it have blurred together so far too hot is neat but deserves more instrumentation to make the lyrics stand out. taking a break at midway point of album as of 21:38. to be finished
Starts strong, tapers off
It's ok, not my style.
The Ska was fun! The rhythms had a lot to get into. Some tracks kinda dragged, but overall, this was nice. The best track is Dawning of a New Era.
Yeah, these guys just don't do anything for me. It's one of my blind spots. It's discouraging because I feel like I should be all in on them, but I'm so far removed from this band that I wonder if perhaps it's the critics writ large who have it wrong about them.
Pretty cooo sound. RUDY!
Ska just isn't my thing. Really disliked this one.
I generally like ska but this is not that good.
Usually I don't like ska but... I still don't. This album was a slog to get through. I think I just don't like ska.
Even though it was the forerunner of reggae which I love, I've never really cared for ska. Too poppy and almost like novelty music.
This was alright, certainly an albums you would bob up and down to, but it doesn't feel it has too much substance. Once you ignore that, fun enough.
Never heard this album before and loved every track! Great 70’s ska, loved Nite Klub. Solid 4!
Quite conflicted regarding this record. I have several issues with ska and reggae, but the punk nerve and general dissatisfaction on tracks like 'Little Bitch' are great. That being said, I'll probably never listen to this again.
There’s really nothing special about this Specials album.
THE classic album of Two Tone Ska. This is the album that kicked off the entire 80s Ska revival. In the U.S. reggae went mainstream first but led to interest in earlier Jamaican music. When this crossed the pond, all the Punks and New Wave types added Two Tone Ska to our repertoire. Do the Dog alone makes this album worthwhile, but the whole album is great.
Enjoyed this, it feels like summer! Not my usual thing at all, but I'll definitely listen again.
Enjoyed this one. Unlike anything we’ve had up to now and sounded ahead of it’s time.
Not the biggest fan of ska but that was alright. First half definitely stronger. Could hear a lot of ska-punk elements that bands I used to love borrowed/stolen.
- Heard this album many times before in my dad's car - Actually very good - Pinnacle of British ska in the 70s/80s - Fav songs: Too Much Too Young, Monkey Man, A Message to You Rudy
Mai saputo si chiamasse "A Message to you Rudy" <3 Molto simpatico in generale
I get the impression that The Specials and two-tone ska in general reflected a regretfully limited social movement to be easygoing, inclusive and optimistic about life in general and about race relations in Britain in the 80's in particular. This record portrays a possible world where you and I can get along alright and have a some fun along with a tinge of rock-reggae and horns.
Just not my thing
Some fun individual tunes on here, but I just couldn't get it out of my head that every once in a while the lead singer sounded like John Mulaney. 3/5
I can't really explain it, but I have a weird soft spot for ska music. It's not cool at all and it kind of surprises me that it was ever popular, but it's light and fun and it always brings my mood up a bit. This album basically aligns with my general feelings about ska (though occasionally it's a little more alt-rock-y than just ska (Concrete Jungle), and sometimes more heavily reggae (Too Hot)). Good vibes throughout, a few interesting songs, generally a pleasant listen, though I would still probably not choose to listen to this over other things. The genre caps the rating a bit, but it's perfectly good for what it is. Favorite song: You're Wondering Now Other: A Message to You Rudy, Doesn't Make It Alright, Concrete Jungle, Too Much Too Young
2nd wave ska meta
Pretty weird album. Monkey man really resonated with me. I’m giving this a 2 and i’m unsure if that’s fair but a 3 didn’t feel right either
fun but over wrought
A classic
Oooh so good
Highlights: "Concrete Jungle," "Gangsters," "Nite Klub" It's good that a seminal ska-punk act, with compelling intros, hooks, and vocals, also knows how not to be appropriative way back in '79. Jamaican, Cuban, and British members each speak as themselves to their shared situations. But. If we're caring about the politics of the songs, because that's part of punk music, it absolutely trips on the finish line.
Nah
Good album.
early white boy rock that has a weird amount of reggae influence 2.5
It was enjoyable enough. I don't really know what else to say. I'd say this is a perfect three. My favourite song was Monkey Man, I think.
Not for me
I absolutely loved this, and I am absolutely stunned at this fact. Very, very fun album with the arrangements to make any ska band proud. Favorite track: Doesn't Make It Alright
I love albums like this on the list because I end up learning things I didn’t even know I was missing out on. I like ska but knowing this came out in 1979 totally changed my mental timeline on when ska happened. Very cool track to start the album and fun moments throughout. The quote from the stones was a cool spot.
upbeat, pretty cool - bits of ska, rock, some reggaeton
One of my favourite albums. Everything about this breathes integrity and attitude. From the stark album cover it has the hit singles but interspersed are some great gems that for me really make it stand out- Blank Expression, You're wondering now, Do the Dog etc etc The lyrics really stand out as a historical commentary of 1979 and the tunes are so infectious, I've never stopped bopping to this. Outstanding in every way.
This 1979 guitar-driven ska clearly sounds like the blueprint for so much of the 1990s ska punk revival. Fantastic album. Favorite Tracks: Monkey Man, Stupid Marriage. Absolutely a 5/5.
Ruuuude boy! 5 stars.
Its got some pretty good angst and recognisable songs Unfortunately not what I’m really into but I understand it’s influence in teenage rock and drifting away from the norm
Reggae, but snarky. 4/5
Enjoyed my time bopping away at most of the songs, I already knew the song Message to you rudy just not that version but was happy to hear it again. Over all a pleasant album.
Big fan of there work
Not the donkey
Top 3 Songs: 1) It Doesn’t Make it Alright 2) A Message to You Rudy 3) Monkey Man Bottom 3 Songs: 1) Concrete Jungle 2) Nite Klub 3) Do the Dog
Never got into ska, a few good songs tho
Fun times
Hup!
One of those records which owes more to its history than to its values. A couple of great tracks/covers, 'A Message to You Rudy' and 'Too Much Too Soon', a wonderful cover and the birth of a movement, label and attitude which would become pretty relevant at late 70s/early 80s. Very far from a masterpiece though
A nice ska and reggae album that transfers the music of Jamaica into a proper British context. Is it as good as the stuff from the island? No. But it is so more unique than many other 'white reggae' stuff that came later.
I always thought that The Specials were a bit overrated, but having listened to the through twice, I get it! There's so much raw talent here, and also some really thoughtful political songwriting for such a young group at the time. It makes sense that they were such a phenomenon, definitely worth the praise!
7th April 2023 Listened during the day on Saturday / Sunday having been in London on Friday with sav and sally. Tom and Anna etc round at mum and dads on Sunday and Jen back from Aus Sunday night. Vibrancy, beat, energy, the Specials haunting party vibes make you sound like you’re on a night out with your mates.
Ok, this is way better than I expected. This is the beginning of Ska music. These guys are instantly recognizable in their sound and instrumentation. The band's energetic blend of ska, reggae, punk, and pop is infectious and irresistible. The album features the band's signature hit "A Message to You Rudy." It's a timeless album that still sounds fresh and exciting more than four decades after its release.
I'm not generally a big ska fan but this is a solid album. If I was going to choose to listen to ska, which again I probably wouldn't do this, I can't think of another album I'd choose. The rating reflects the mix between it being such a strong album but I'm knocking a star off because if I'm being honest I probably won't come back to this one too often, just because I don't know the next time I'll want to listen to ska. Standout Tracks: A Message to You Rudy, It's Up To You, Nite Klub, Monkey Man, (Dawning of A) New Era, Blank Expression, Too Much Too Young, Little Bitch, You're Wondering Now
OK ska music, gets a bit repetitive. "Concrete Jungle" was the highlight for me - it rocks.
Cool, ramones-esque rock
They do The Specials thing, it's great
Somewhat enjoyed hearing The Specials. The ska sound does wear itself out a bit, but I think there’s enough variety. Walking bass lines, some cool guitar licks. The song Concrete Jungle provides a good example of this. Although the vocals don’t really steal the show on this album, I did enjoy the ensemble in A Message to you Rudy. You can’t say this album isn’t at least a little bit of fun.
This music would be great if I was 7 beers in at a party. If I need to be drunk to enjoy your music, it’s probably not very impressive.
That was a fun album! I had never heard of them before this, and I really enjoyed listening to this album.
Busy day! Gave a quick listen. Pretty fun album but not sure if I’ll revisit soon.
Respect what the band put out, but not really my cup of tea.
(Mandatory "SKA SUCKS") I've never heard of these guys before, but actually enjoyed this quite a bit. Solid short and catchy ska songs - I never realized A Message To You Rudy was them (which is apparently a cover of a reggae song). Favourites include Nite Klub and Little Bitch. Too Much Too Young is super repetitive.
I had a blank expression on my face for most of the album. This album is perfect for blowing up a floaty raft for a day at the beach. But at a certain point you realize there’s a hole in the raft. And because of this, your kids start a deep seated resentment towards you that’ll last a lifetime. I dislike upstroke guitar rhythm very much. So obviously I’m not a huge fan of ska music, so this album was already destined to fail in my eyes. I learnt that 2 Tone was the specific genre of ska in 1970s Britain. And I love that they literally put “2 Tone” on the cover of the album. It’s like if The Clash put “PUNK” on their album covers. It’s a weird mix of 60s bubble rock and reggae ska, that just left me scratching my head and wondering (now). I don’t get it. But maybe I’m just a little bitch. Some songs had some rock elements to them, but it doesn’t make it alright because a lot of them always revert back to 2 Tone at some point. My favourite on the album is Concrete Jungle because of the rock feel and the staccato bass just jabbing through the track. The Specials. Not that special, amirite? Amirite?!
More like "The Alrights". I thought it was fun at first, Rudy is a good song and the start of the album kind of makes me want to dance in some mud or something. The album drags through the middle, maybe I just get tired of Ska by that point. Little Bitch is a standout song on the back half of the album, think I might add it to a playlist. It was an alright listen but won't go back to this
Well I can definitely say this is the first time I've ever listened to an entire ska album. My impression of this was that it was like if someone really liked the Clash's Revolution Rock and decided to make an entire album of slight variations on that song. However, this actually came out a couple months ahead of London Calling so I guess it was just in the air of London at the time. The musicianship is decent but the album drags on a bit since it's all the same thing. Definitely some good tracks sprinkled throughout though, and I didn't hate it. I bet these guys are fun to drink with.
Are they called “The Specials” because they’re special? I don’t know and frankly I don’t care- I could barely get through this album once. This may be my least favourite album so far, so in a sense they are special.
This is a really interesting album! I had never heard of 'The Specials' before. I was going to rate it a 4 after the first few songs, but as I got into the B-side, I was thoroughly enjoying and it became a 5 pretty quickly. It has a reggae-hybrid sound. As the album progressed, they started making unique transitions, sometimes through tempo, sometimes through melody. I think this was composed as albums used to be, intended to listen to as a whole. It felt as though the A-side is the general attitude of being young while the B-side moved into having more responsibilities and the irritations that come with it. I'll probably listen to more from them. I KNOW I'll listen to "Blank Expression" again. The uneven meter of the chorus is superb!!
Events in my life have shaded 2 tone and ska in a bad light. Despite that, there were some gems on this one.
Not really big on ska but there's some good stuff here. Some of it is incredibly repetitive Saved songs: Doesn't Make It Alright, Concrete Jungle, (Dawning Of A) New Era, Too Much Too Young
An intriguing document, somewhat of its time, politically activist, racially progressive, a little misogynistic, music that bounces, mix of genres, occasionally entertaining.
Thanks to Chef I have heard 1 song on this album before. And it’s the best song on this album. That song is Very catchy and fun to listen to. The rest of the album is some decent ska music but I never would’ve expected it to be as old as it was. Overall it was decent and mildly impressive. 5.2/10
Good but not great. Favorite song: (Dawning of a) New Era
Score: 60 Album art: 70 It's funky, weird mix of Ska raggea rock and funk, but worst of all its British. Its well made but it's just hard to get through 40 minutes of the same sounding songs. Im not a huge ska fan. Little bitch is really fun. Blank expression and too much too young go one for too long. The fun incel charm really wears off after the 4 minute mark. Keep eating beans and toast boys
These surely are some special boys. Black and white people come together to make... British Ska. This is a pretty fun and upbeat album. Never heard this band but I heard plenty from the revival in the 90s. I like this genre, but it's not my favorite and can be annoying. The music is light and unpretentious with a little attitude and sometimes funny lyrics.
A cool and fun early 2 tone ska album blending reggae and rock. Not really my favourite genre in the world, and this album was a little bit hit-and-miss for me, but it was still just fun and pleasant throughout. Favourite: A Message to You, Rudy
Not for me. Proto ska punk.
Rudy-sangen gir meg vonde flashbacks til musikkjulekalenderen
Man, I never really liked ska. I really tried to keep an open mind with this album. The nicest thing I can say about it is that it isn't nearly as bad as the obnoxious pop punk ska we got in the late 90s and early 00s, but this just really isn't for me.
Really not a fan. This didn’t have the energy that makes ska fun for me and I don’t know how else to put it in words.
If someone played this at a party. Everyone would stop talking and leave.
Very British ska music. It's ok I guess. Not my style honestly. Probably a 2 or 3 Honestly it isn't terrible, but I don't really find most of the songs very good. Sonically it is ok I guess, but I would not want to listen to it
pretty offensive, but not quite a 1 yet i think. definitely the closest to a 1 so far.
Non offensive but not my cup of tea reslly
Too Ska
Ska punk forever
Thought I'd never heard of these guys but I recognized Too Hot from the SLC Punk soundtrack which has been stuck in my head since high school. Any time it's hot outside, or when you order pizza and its... too hot. Anyways, really liked the album. Faves: A Message to You Rude, Nite Klub, Concrete Jungle, Too Hot, Monkey Man, Stupid Marriage, Too Hot Too Young. 4/5
Can't help tapping along, no matter how hard you try!
I really like the energy of the Specials, but ska lulls me into a state of hypnosis. That beat turns it all in to white noise. There are moments that rip, though and Message to Rudy is strong. And Little Bitch was a blast - that's a edgy one.
A supreme vibe, some timeless bangers, and redolent of a genre that was stacked with cool bands. Only downside is that there isn't a scene half as cool as this anymore. Cheers for reminding me, lads!
Eh. I mean, ehhhhh.
perfect in every way, somehow funky and spooky at the same time, bursting with hooks and energy
Look was it bad? Not really I guess. I think it was growing on me. British reggae is such an odd combo though.
Gammel poprock, med en lille reggae-ting kørende, hyggeligt, lidt for nemt
The Specials, and similar bands, were not much of my thing as a whole genre. I like to hear, "A Message to you Rudy", on occasion, but for the most part, I wouldn't listen to the whole record.
An album very much of its and time and featuring a strange live sound, I found the performances earnest but not ones I will readily return to.
Rudy is a classic. Stupid Marriage is hilarious. First concert I ever saw was in this genre, first non school band I played trumpet in we did songs from the generation inspired by the specials - streetlight manifesto and RBF. Costello's fingerprints are all over this. That being said, it's not really the sort of thing I really seek out much nowadays. It's completely listenable and I appreciate the historical context and the whole checkered flag racial harmony ideals, but subjectively if this is for albums to hear before I die, I can't go higher than 3.5 out of 5, which for me is solid. 3 means if I heard it in the wild I wouldn't skip. A 4 has to have some special spices and a 5 would need to be something I immediately want to hear again. The half point is for stupid marriage, that was so fun. PS the chord changes and instrumentation in Little bitch is almost exactly the theme of the game show Cash Cab. Dunno how to feel about that.
If you like ska, you have to like this album. As someone lukewarm to it at best, I found the middle of this album to be a little hard to get through. A Message to You Rudy is of course the best song by far and a bop. Doesn’t Make it All Right and the unfortunately titled Little Bitch were also decent. Would listen to again if I was feeling like a rude boy.
I know there’s some famous songs on here but it’s not really my thing
Does the ska revival happen without The Specials? Maybe, maybe not. That is enough in my book for inclusion here. The fact that the music was so political only ups the ante. Strong tracks throughout, although Monkey Man, Nite Klub and A Message for You Rudy are stellar.
This was the first Ska music I had ever heard during my freshman year at college. Kind of like reggae but still different. I like the album but I think I like the clothes more. After a while it begins to sound repetitive to me.
I feel like this must have influenced the Clash and the Police greatly, but it isn't exceptional on its own. The fusion of rock and reggae into ska can very easily verge into corny territory, this one does not do so but there are times where it got close. This really should get a 3.5 if possible as I’m totally stuck between scores.
Brilliant, even the songs I didn't know before were awesome and still, sadly, so relevant. Themes of the album include racism in Britain, unemployment and hopelessness in teenagers, and corruption in politics - none of which have got any better! Much rockier than I might have expected, which is obviously a good thing
Declan McKenna meets happy Mondays
1 previous listen... to 1 song
Very good. Nightclub a standout unknown
And you think it's about time that you died And I agree, so you decide on suicide You tried but you never quite carried it off You only wanted to die in order to show off And if you think you're gonna bleed all over me You're even wronger than you'd normally be And the only things you want to see are kitsch The only thing you want to be is rich Your little pink up-pointed nose begins to twitch I know, you know, you're just a little bitch One, two 5/5
Somewhat compelling. May revisit.
They have a light, unpretentious energy but I’m not crazy about ska in general and this isn’t a strong batch of songs. The only song that stood out to me was "A Message to You Rudy." It's got a great, easy vibe. Very catchy too.
Interesting sound- I appreciated how fun it sounded as this was a Monday morning listen for me. "Do the Dog" kind of drives me nuts from a mix/master perspective. The bass is so loud, the drums are so reverberant, and the second singer's voice as the "response" voice is SO loud and dry. Very weird. The last song was funny- "You're wondering now what to do, this is the end". I like when artists do these sort of meta moments in albums. It was just OK. Unless there's some angle about this album being influential for a niche genre I'm not really sure if it belongs on the list. I also felt like once I heard 3-4 of the tracks that I knew what to expect from the others which is something that I don't like.
In the interest of full transparency, I really do not like ska. That said, this isn't ska at its worst, but it's still really annoying.
Ska is not everybody's bag, and I get that. There are some duds on the album, but overall it captures the sound and the vibe of the late 70s alternative scene perfectly. Elvis Costello's production is top notch and the band's influence on his late 70s/early 80s output is evident. It's a fun listen if you can appreciate ska.
Love it. A formative album for me.
Still sounds fresh.
Don’t like ska much, but some bangers
Great album, survived much better than the 2nd one, More Specials, that was also in 1001 earlier. Rudy, Too Much too Young, You're Wondering Now (great cover, also soundtrack to Death in Paradise), Blank Expression (with lyrics used later by Daddy G/Massive Attack), love it all.
I have never heard this album before. It got better as the album went on but it's not my type of music. I don't feel the significance of this album.
Prehistoric ska? No thanks.
For a long time I hated anything remotely connected to reggae but this album completed changed that. Sometimes it just takes the right artist to switch you on to something, and for me The Specials (and Madness) opened up a whole new road. A classic. Fuck the Tories ✌🏻
Madness
Lively, engaging and cheeky, this is a fun ride overall. One finds the second record quite a bit better, actually, for being quite a bit richer and more mature and considerably more diverse, sonically and creatively. One also confesses to preferring the genuine article (that being reggae) to hybrids such as this. Still, it's not hard to imagine what a breath of fresh air this must have been in 1979 and it remains quite hard not to like today. "You're Wondering Now" is wonderful.
Used to like this not sure it is a true classic
I strangely liked it, almost like punk vibes. There were a few songs that I'd heard just around the traps. I think too hot is used as part of memes?
First listen
How can anyone not love this record? Its stylistic innovation is a lot less immediate than the social impact this record made, but it completely revitalised the reggae/ska genre for a generation of working class kids in the U.K., and did more than its share for racial and social justice in the meantime. The reggae standards are given a whole new impetus against the austerity of late 1970s Britain, and the original offerings are exactly that - totally original. “Gangsters” and “Rat Race” are brimming with satirical bite, and the energy of punk is perceptible throughout. Great instrumentation on top of that makes this one of the great debut albums of all time.
Reggae Ska type music, good stuff
It's been a lifelong dream of mine to brag to people that I listened The Specials' The Specials album.
UK ska? I’m pretty sure those two terms are mutually exclusive. Does this album count as cultural appropriation? Not to mention, I’m quite certain that the song Monkey Man has racial undertones. Anywho, this album is just plain strange. There are some redeeming factors, such as A Message to You Rudy, but then to follow that up with Do the Dog is frankly appalling. The lyrics are good and I appreciate the history behind the album, but the music surrounding it is cut and paste at its best. Do better, UK ska. Do better.
I started with low expectations and they were lowered
I liked it, but not that much
Now that was fun. I didn’t even know this genre of music existed, they sound kind of like the clash. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily good music, but it’s definitely fun to listen to, unlike Mariah Carey.
A white reggae album produced by Elvis Costello? Holy sh**, I am excited. Like chicken without seasoning.
This album seemingly owes a lot to the Clash...err, the artists that influenced the Clash. But hey, it's fun! It sounds like a pizza party. Very skankable for sure.
reggae é muito animado, muito bom. e esse album tem uma certa psicodelia que combina ate e funciona muito bem
so special💘
Super leuke Britse ska. Ik kende het nog niet, maar het is net als Madness, alleen dan misschien wel beter nog, iets gelikter, iets verfijnder, minder alle kanten op. Zelfs een gitaarsolootje her en der. Verder gewoon super blij.
Love this Rip Terry Hall
The debut album of The Specials is a blast. Energetic pointy British ska songs.
Liked the drums
Good ol Ska. Nice mix of hype tracks and slower ones. Fun record.
Pretty nice ska album. The attitude of the songs is a really distinguishing factor for the music. I however got slightly tired of it after a while.
A hot summer day in August. Cruising the local record shop, looking for a birthday gift for my friend, something special. Then something very Special catches my eye, The Specials by The Specials. You never see this one in the crates! A rare find. A great find. My search is over almost as quickly as it begins. The cashier ringing me up says "I just got this and stickered it less than 2 hours ago, knew it was gunna be snapped up today". Lucky me! Lucky my friend! She was thrilled. I'm still thrilled every time I hear this album.
Ahead of it's time for sure.
RIP Terry Hall 😢
Ugh, ska. No thanks.
My interest in these guys discography ends after ghost town man I’m so disappointed how boring this album is
The Specials are one of those bands that I've always been curious about, as I am a product of the 90s revival of ska and wanted to know if I have more appreciation for the originators of the style. I can now say with a lot of confidence that i do not fine the Specials interesting. That may be influenced by the fact that the production on this album is terrible, but even if that weren't the case, I find a lot of their songs dull. There are some good moments on the album, but overall it is not one that I will ever come back to 3/5
yeah man ska revival with a new wave twist. very cool. heard "a message to you rudy" a million times but have never really taken the dive to listen to this album as a whole. glad i did
Like a lot of Americans of a certain age, my introduction to the Specials came by way of MTV. In a sea of bands best remembered by their haircuts, the Specials stood out. They were smartly dressed but sharp-elbowed, political and full of attitude. But also, the band was always energetic, musically talented, engaging and a lot of fun. This is party music with a point of view. It seems so very much of its moment, but it's an important moment, musically, historically and socially as well. The lyrics on this album are startling honest and delivered with a great sense of conviction. They speak to the social troubles that have plagued young people for generations and continue to do so. It also helps that the music is just so good. This album is a crisp, practically perfect distillation of what I imagine a Specials live show to be. There's an immediacy and live energy to these songs that's really hard to capture on record, and the band does it brilliantly. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): A Message to You, Rudy; Too Hot; Monkey Man; Doesn't Make It Alright; You're Wondering Now; Blank Expression; It's Up to You; Little Bitch; (Dawning of A) New Era; Concrete Jungle; Nite Klub; Too Much Too Young; Do the Dog; Stupid Marriage
3.5
The album that defines a genre. Genuinely enjoyable throughout.
This is a good raw sound. It puts more edge on the Jamaican ska sound of the Skatalites and others. It is "under-produced" which works well. It wouldn’t have worked so well otherwise.
Wow what a great week it’s been for 1001. This is such a great album, a unique & relevant (for ’79) mix of punk, ska, reggae and rock n’ roll, with the backdrop of working-class England under Thatcher. All done with a great sense of humour. I’ve always loved the pogo-worthy rockers like “Night Club” and “Stupid Marriage” but had forgotten about the slower tracks like “Doesn’t make it all Right” which puts their song-writing skills on display. The tinny production gives the LP a nice vintage feel. It’s disappointing that they became more subdued with their transformation to Specials aka, but in some ways it makes this album stand out more.
In the late 70's Thatcher's England was a powder keg about to explode. In this volatile environment three British ska bands were able to fuse 60's Jamaican music, 70's British dance music and 80's punk to create a wonderful blend of highly danceable and politically relevant music - The English Beat, Madness and The Specials. The Specials were probably the most legit of the three (with two Jamaicans on board) and their hit single - A message to you Rudy is still pretty timeless. The rest of the record has great energy and is highly danceable and I would consider it to be one of the best of this genre.
Only made it to "Concrete Jungle", but I thought it was really interesting. Maybe it's because I listened to a remaster from 2002, but the audio was really close and good-quality. I liked "Nite Klub"!
You have to REALLY be a student of music history to appreciate this album. I hated it. Maybe there are some redeeming qualities of the lyrics but I couldn’t get past the music. Just painful to listen to. 0/5
It’s pretty remarkable the effect Bob Marley, Toots, and Jamaican music at large had on the world. It’s pretty remarkable that such a huge subsection of disaffected, urban, English youth would turn to rocksteady, ska, and largely upbeat, surface-level-silly music to express their frustration with the modern world’s widening inequality gap and bureaucratic absurdisms. The result is a fantastically satirical and fun record that feels utterly timeless. As relevant and influential today as it was in 1979. A perfect cross-section of world music, punk rock, and new wave with more angst, political heart, and purpose than most burgeoning music scenes can hope for. The world of music in the 1980s, 90s and beyond would feel very different if not for this record. I am especially partial to the band’s sophomore album, More Specials, but what that album gains in sophistication, songwriting, and studio fidelity, it loses in spirit, urgency, and tenacity. To listen to the their self-titled debut today is to look back through history and experience a movement otherwise frozen in time. Few records, in my opinion, can claim that power quite like The Specials can.
Had a great time with this record. And now I feel like I understand the British ska scene more, which always seemed opaque to me. The styles on this album run the gamut, but the pervasive feeling of cynicism, feeling trapped, angst is present throughout. But it’s also fun! I just appreciated how deftly this album moves between styles… things feel very urgent and never overwrought. I read that it’s not unlike a live album, and I really get that sense. Great listen!
Top 3 Songs: 1 - Do the Dog (3) 2 - A Message to You Rudy (2) 3 - Concrete Jungle (7)
Inspired most of the ska punk bands I love, classic
This is an album I wish I'd been more familiar with. Better late than never!
Lots of great song - band had a big effect and it still has lots of powerful and funny songs
More attitude than most punk
A classic ska album, this has the quintessential hits like A Message to You Rudy and Much Too Young. Good listen.
Good work motivation music
Not really my type of music, but I enjoyed parts of it.
Early ska! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
When I think of Ska, this is one of the bands that comes to mind. Terry Hall just passed away the other day and I really hoped I would get to heard this album to honor him. I really enjoyed More Specials when it appeared on this list. Stand Outs: A Message to You Rudy, Others: Monkey Man, Dawning of a New Era, You’re Wondering Now 3.5
One of the best albums ever recorded. Huge loss of Terry Hall got me to listen again.
Not my jam
Some excellent bass lines on this album. 4/5
It's ska.
It’s the Rude Boys ‘Abbey Road’, innit? I can see why.
it’s good and I can understand it’s importance
Slaps but i like dub better sorry fam
Прослушано! Бойкий, музыкальный альбом. Ничего особенного но слушать можно.
If you like artists like Madness you would vibe with this
The perfect 2-tone album. This started the 2nd wave and lots of good things would've never existed if it wasnt for The Specials.
This was ok, but nothing special.
Favourite song: Stupid Marriage
British reggae mixed with bad ska. Best track: Little Bitch
It’s alright just not my kinda thing ska can be a bit boring and samey to me but I appreciate it enough to give it a 4/5.
Love the bass on here. Fun shit. 4 nicely tanned nudists out of 5
ahhhh ska is so lame
I'm kind of ambivalent to ska. I like it in small doses but a whole album gets grating. The Wikipedia article for this album is worth reading as I had no idea ska originated in 1950s Jamaica, nor that some of these songs were covers from older ska bands. I wouldn't listen to this again but it was okay.
Whatcha gonna do? Just dropped this rating on you! This kinda ballz. special album no cap fr fra
A Message to you Rudy
Quite nice
I listened to this last week, without prompting. Take that, algorithm. *adjusts porkpie hat* *skanks away*
I didn't knew I could enjoy ska music and that I just did. A great album and lovely tunes.
I did not expect to like it, as much as I actually did. It was very interesting music.