"The Very Best Of" by The Specials captures the band's signature blend of ska and rock with a fresh twist through re-recorded tracks. The production maintains a raw, energetic feel, characteristic of their late '70s and early '80s sound, yet benefits from a cleaner, more polished modern studio approach. The instrumentation is vibrant, with punchy brass sections and rhythmic guitar work driving the upbeat tempos. Tracks like "Ghost Town" and "Gangsters" retain their haunting and rebellious edge, while "A Message to You Rudy" and "You're Wondering Now" offer a nostalgic yet invigorated vibe. The album's distinctive texture lies in its ability to balance the original's gritty energy with a refined clarity, making it a compelling listen for both new and longtime fans.

Album: The Very Best Of by The Specials (2000)
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Li... Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: 2000s, Compilation


Album: Specials by The Specials (1979)
Genre: Ska | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Album

Description: The Specials is the debut album by British ska revival band The Specials.
Released in 1979 on Jerry Dammers' 2Tone label, the album is seen by some as the defining moment in the UK ska scene. Produced by Elvis Costello, the album captures the disaffection and anger felt by the youth of the UK's "concrete jungle" - a phrase borrowed from Bob Marley's 1972 album Catch A Fire but equally apposite used here to describe the grim, violent inner cities of 1970s Britain.
Musically, the album encapsulates the wave of British ska, greatly reworking the original sound of 1960s Jamaican ska. The music shares the infectious energy and humour of the original sound, but injects new-found anger and punk sensibility. The resulting sound is considerably less laid-back and "Caribbean" sounding than original ska, and dispensed with much of the percussion and the larger horn sections used in the older variety. The Specials also brought guitar to the front of the mix; it had often been a secondary instrument in Jamaican ska. The album features a mixture of original material and several covers of classic Jamaican ska tracks, a debt which went uncredited on the 1979 release.
Many songs on The Specials' debut album were covers of older Jamaican songs. "Monkey Man" had been a hit for Toots & the Maytals in 1969, "Too Hot" was a Prince Buster original from 1966, and the opening track, "A Message to You, Rudy" was a Dandy Livingstone single in 1967. "You're Wondering Now" was originally performed by The Skatalites; a vocal version was recorded by duo Andy and Joey in 1964. Other tracks are reworkings of Jamaican originals: "Too Much Too Young" was based on Lloyd Charmers' "Birth Control"; "Stupid Marriage" draws heavily on the Prince Buster hit "Judge 400 Years" (also known as "Judge Dread").
A live version of "Too Much Too Young" was later released on a five-track EP, The Special AKA Live!, which went to #1 on the UK charts. A Message to You Rudy/Nite Klub was also released as a single.
Trombonist Rico Rodriguez, who performed on many 50s and 60s Jamaican recordings before moving to London in 1962, played on the band's version of "A Message to You, Rudy", as he had on the original recording fifteen years previously. As a former member of the legendary Skatalites, a band that helped define the sound of ska, Rico's appearance on the album considerably added to the album's credentials.
A digitally remastered edition also featuring promotional videos to "Gangsters" and "Too Much Too Young" as enhanced content was released by EMI in 2002.
Also, the song "Little Bitch" is featured as a playable song on the very first release of the dance simulation game Dance Dance Revolution.

Artist Background: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Li... Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Ska, Rock/Pop, 1970s, Album

Additional Context: Rating score: 7. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


The Specials is the debut album by British ska revival band The Specials.
Released in 1979 on Jerry Dammers' 2Tone label, the album is seen by some as the defining moment in the UK ska scene. Produced by Elvis Costello, the album captures the disaffection and anger felt by the youth of the UK's "concrete jungle" - a phrase borrowed from Bob Marley's 1972 album Catch A Fire but equally apposite used here to describe the grim, violent inner cities of 1970s Britain.
Musically, the album encapsulates the wave of British ska, greatly reworking the original sound of 1960s Jamaican ska. The music shares the infectious energy and humour of the original sound, but injects new-found anger and punk sensibility. The resulting sound is considerably less laid-back and "Caribbean" sounding than original ska, and dispensed with much of the percussion and the larger horn sections used in the older variety. The Specials also brought guitar to the front of the mix; it had often been a secondary instrument in Jamaican ska. The album features a mixture of original material and several covers of classic Jamaican ska tracks, a debt which went uncredited on the 1979 release.
Many songs on The Specials' debut album were covers of older Jamaican songs. "Monkey Man" had been a hit for Toots & the Maytals in 1969, "Too Hot" was a Prince Buster original from 1966, and the opening track, "A Message to You, Rudy" was a Dandy Livingstone single in 1967. "You're Wondering Now" was originally performed by The Skatalites; a vocal version was recorded by duo Andy and Joey in 1964. Other tracks are reworkings of Jamaican originals: "Too Much Too Young" was based on Lloyd Charmers' "Birth Control"; "Stupid Marriage" draws heavily on the Prince Buster hit "Judge 400 Years" (also known as "Judge Dread").
A live version of "Too Much Too Young" was later released on a five-track EP, The Special AKA Live!, which went to #1 on the UK charts. A Message to You Rudy/Nite Klub was also released as a single.
Trombonist Rico Rodriguez, who performed on many 50s and 60s Jamaican recordings before moving to London in 1962, played on the band's version of "A Message to You, Rudy", as he had on the original recording fifteen years previously. As a former member of the legendary Skatalites, a band that helped define the sound of ska, Rico's appearance on the album considerably added to the album's credentials.
A digitally remastered edition also featuring promotional videos to "Gangsters" and "Too Much Too Young" as enhanced content was released by EMI in 2002.
Also, the song "Little Bitch" is featured as a playable song on the very first release of the dance simulation game Dance Dance Revolution.

Album: Guilty 'til Proved Innocent! by The Specials (1998)
Genre: Ska | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Album

Description: Guilty 'til Proved Innocent! is an album by The Specials, released in 1998 (see 1998 in music). It is the first studio album of new songs by the group since 1984. The song "It's You" was promoted on Modern Rock radio stations upon the album's release.

Artist Background: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Li... Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Ska, Rock/Pop, 1990s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Guilty 'til Proved Innocent! is an album by The Specials, released in 1998 (see 1998 in music). It is the first studio album of new songs by the group since 1984. The song "It's You" was promoted on Modern Rock radio stations upon the album's release.

"A Special Collection" by The Specials encapsulates the vibrant energy and socially conscious themes typical of their late '70s and early '80s work. The album's sound is rooted in the ska and 2-tone movement, characterized by its upbeat tempos and infectious rhythms. The production style maintains a raw, live feel, with crisp horn sections and punchy bass lines driving the tracks. Songs like "Ghost Town" and "Too Much Too Young" feature a haunting atmosphere and socially charged lyrics, while tracks like "Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think)" bring a playful, almost carnival-like energy. The instrumentation is a blend of tight, rhythmic guitar work and dynamic brass, creating a distinctive, danceable texture that captures the essence of the era.

Album: A Special Collection by The Specials (1999)
Format: Album

Artist Background: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Li... Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: 1990s, Album


Album: Too Much Too Young by The Specials (1996)
Genre: Ska | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Energetic
Format: Compilation

Description: Too Much Too Young - The Special A.K.A. Live! is a live EP by The Specials with Rico Rodriguez, released on 11 January 1980. On the original release, the front cover credited the performers as The Special A.K.A. featuring Rico, while the back cover mentions and the labels credited only The Specials.

Renowned for their live shows, The Specials released a five-track live EP in January 1980 as the third single by the band. The EP featured "Too Much Too Young" (originally recorded on the album The Specials) with "Guns of Navarone" recorded live in London; and "Skinhead Symphony" - a medley of "Long Shot Kick De Bucket", "The Liquidator" and "Skinhead Moonstomp" - which was recorded at Tiffany's in Coventry.

Lead track "Too Much Too Young" was based on the 1969 song "Birth Control" by Lloyd Charmers. It is sometimes wrongly stated that the song was banned by the BBC due to mentions of contraception in the lyrics, which is not true. However, when the song's promotional video was featured on Top of the Pops, it was cut off just before reaching the final line, "try wearing a cap".

The song topped the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in February 1980. It became only the second EP to top the chart after "The Roussos Phenomenon EP" in 1976, and was also the first live recording to top the chart since Chuck Berry's "My Ding-a-Ling" in 1972. At 2:04, it was the shortest song to reach No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in the 1980s.

Rodriguez played trombone on "Guns of Navarone" and "Long Shot Kick De Bucket", and Dick Cuthell played flugelhorn on "Guns of Navarone".

Artist Background: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Li... Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Ska, Rock/Pop, Energetic, 1990s, Compilation

Additional Context: Rating score: 2. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Too Much Too Young - The Special A.K.A. Live! is a live EP by The Specials with Rico Rodriguez, released on 11 January 1980. On the original release, the front cover credited the performers as The Special A.K.A. featuring Rico, while the back cover mentions and the labels credited only The Specials.

Renowned for their live shows, The Specials released a five-track live EP in January 1980 as the third single by the band. The EP featured "Too Much Too Young" (originally recorded on the album The Specials) with "Guns of Navarone" recorded live in London; and "Skinhead Symphony" - a medley of "Long Shot Kick De Bucket", "The Liquidator" and "Skinhead Moonstomp" - which was recorded at Tiffany's in Coventry.

Lead track "Too Much Too Young" was based on the 1969 song "Birth Control" by Lloyd Charmers. It is sometimes wrongly stated that the song was banned by the BBC due to mentions of contraception in the lyrics, which is not true. However, when the song's promotional video was featured on Top of the Pops, it was cut off just before reaching the final line, "try wearing a cap".

The song topped the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in February 1980. It became only the second EP to top the chart after "The Roussos Phenomenon EP" in 1976, and was also the first live recording to top the chart since Chuck Berry's "My Ding-a-Ling" in 1972. At 2:04, it was the shortest song to reach No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in the 1980s.

Rodriguez played trombone on "Guns of Navarone" and "Long Shot Kick De Bucket", and Dick Cuthell played flugelhorn on "Guns of Navarone".

Album: Best Of by The Specials (1996)
Genre: Ska | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Energetic
Format: Compilation

Description: Best of the Specials is a compilation album by The Specials, released in 1999 (see 1999 in music).

Artist Background: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Li... Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Ska, Rock/Pop, Energetic, 1990s, Compilation

Additional Context: Rating score: 2. Based on 1 votes


Best of the Specials is a compilation album by The Specials, released in 1999 (see 1999 in music).

Album: Today's Specials by The Specials (1996)
Genre: Ska | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Album

Description: Today's Specials is a cover album by The Specials, released in 1996 (see 1996 in music). It is the first studio album by the group since 1984 although not in the full original line-up.

Artist Background: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Li... Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Ska, Rock/Pop, 1990s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Today's Specials is a cover album by The Specials, released in 1996 (see 1996 in music). It is the first studio album by the group since 1984 although not in the full original line-up.

Album: More Specials by The Specials (1980)
Genre: Ska | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Album

Description: More Specials is an October 1980 (see 1980 in music) album from the ska band The Specials. The album was the band's second, after their self-titled debut, and expanded the group's 2 tone sound to include lounge music and other influences. It includes collaborations with The Go-Go's, Rhoda Dakar from The Bodysnatchers and Lee Jay Thompson from Madness. The lyrics, like the previous album, were often intensely political.
On the charts, the album hit the Top Five in the UK, where "Rat Race", "Stereotype" and "Do Nothing" hit the Top Ten. "Rat Race" hit #89 on Billboard Music Chart's (US) Club Play Singles chart, while the album as a whole hit #98 on Billboards Pop Albums chart.
More Specials was a hit in the two-tone movement, a late-1970s revival of Jamaican ska from the 1960s. Along with bands like the Bodysnatchers and Madness, The Specials would go on to be a leader in this revival, and later heroes for two further ska-punk revivals on the opposite side of the Atlantic: the late 1980s Southern California scene (NOFX, Operation Ivy) and the mid-1990s "third wave of ska" (Sublime, No Doubt) which popularised the mixture in the US.
The Track 'Hey, Little Rich Girl' has been covered by Amy Winehouse.

Artist Background: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Li... Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Ska, Rock/Pop, 1980s, Album

Additional Context: Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


More Specials is an October 1980 (see 1980 in music) album from the ska band The Specials. The album was the band's second, after their self-titled debut, and expanded the group's 2 tone sound to include lounge music and other influences. It includes collaborations with The Go-Go's, Rhoda Dakar from The Bodysnatchers and Lee Jay Thompson from Madness. The lyrics, like the previous album, were often intensely political.
On the charts, the album hit the Top Five in the UK, where "Rat Race", "Stereotype" and "Do Nothing" hit the Top Ten. "Rat Race" hit #89 on Billboard Music Chart's (US) Club Play Singles chart, while the album as a whole hit #98 on Billboards Pop Albums chart.
More Specials was a hit in the two-tone movement, a late-1970s revival of Jamaican ska from the 1960s. Along with bands like the Bodysnatchers and Madness, The Specials would go on to be a leader in this revival, and later heroes for two further ska-punk revivals on the opposite side of the Atlantic: the late 1980s Southern California scene (NOFX, Operation Ivy) and the mid-1990s "third wave of ska" (Sublime, No Doubt) which popularised the mixture in the US.
The Track 'Hey, Little Rich Girl' has been covered by Amy Winehouse.

Album: Encore by The Specials (2019)
Genre: Ska | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Energetic
Record Label: Island
Format: Album

Description: "Encore"   is an album by English 2 Tone and ska revival band The Specials, released February 1st, 2019 on the Island label.
The first full-length studio release in nearly 18 years for the reformed British ska-punk band sees the return of Terry Hall to the line-up.
At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from critics, the album received an average score of 69, based on 7 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

Artist Background: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Li... Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Ska, Rock/Pop, Energetic, 2010s, Album, Island


"Encore"   is an album by English 2 Tone and ska revival band The Specials, released February 1st, 2019 on the Island label.
The first full-length studio release in nearly 18 years for the reformed British ska-punk band sees the return of Terry Hall to the line-up.
At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from critics, the album received an average score of 69, based on 7 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

Album: Skinhead Girl by The Specials (2000)
Genre: Ska | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Album

Description: Skinhead Girl is a cover album by The Specials, released in 2000 (see 2000 in music). The album comprises covers of popular Trojan Records songs.

Artist Background: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Li... Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Ska, Rock/Pop, 2000s, Album

Additional Context: Rating score: 2. Based on 1 votes


Skinhead Girl is a cover album by The Specials, released in 2000 (see 2000 in music). The album comprises covers of popular Trojan Records songs.

Album: Conquering Ruler by The Specials (2001)
Genre: Ska | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Album

Description: Conquering Ruler is a cover album by The Specials, released in 2001 (see 2001 in music).
It is their third album of covers, and their seventh studio album. It is also their latest studio album.

Artist Background: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Li... Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Ska, Rock/Pop, 2000s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Conquering Ruler is a cover album by The Specials, released in 2001 (see 2001 in music).
It is their third album of covers, and their seventh studio album. It is also their latest studio album.

"Protest Songs 1924–2012" by The Specials is a collection that channels the raw energy of alternative music through a lens of social commentary. The album's production is crisp, yet retains a gritty edge that complements its thematic focus. The instrumentation is diverse, weaving together elements of ska, punk, and reggae, creating a layered sonic tapestry. Tracks like "Freedom Highway" and "Get Up, Stand Up" pulse with an urgent tempo, driving the album's energetic momentum. The textures are varied, with brass sections adding a punchy brightness, while the rhythm section provides a solid, propulsive foundation. The distinctive feature of this album is its ability to blend historical protest anthems with a modern sonic palette, maintaining relevance and impact.

Album: Protest Songs 1924–2012 by The Specials (2020)
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Li... Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: 2020s, Compilation


Album: The Singles Collection by The Specials (1991)
Genre: Ska | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Energetic
Format: Compilation

Description: The Singles Collection is a compilation album by The Specials.

Artist Background: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Li... Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Ska, Rock/Pop, Energetic, 1990s, Compilation

Additional Context: Rating score: 2. Based on 1 votes


The Singles Collection is a compilation album by The Specials.

Album: The Best of The Specials by The Specials (2008)
Genre: Ska | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Energetic
Format: Compilation

Description: The Best of the Specials is a DVD and CD compilation album by The Specials.

Artist Background: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Li... Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Ska, Rock/Pop, Energetic, 2000s, Compilation


The Best of the Specials is a DVD and CD compilation album by The Specials.

Album: Live From the Cathedral by The Specials (2026)
Genre: Reggae
Record Label: Island
Format: CD

Artist Background: Artist from GB, known for 2 tone, new wave, reggae, rocksteady, ska

Musical Influences: Terry Hall

Related Artists: The Selecter, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers, Bad Manners

Music Scene: Part of the Coventry, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Reggae, 2020s, CD, Island


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