The Specials cover

The Specials

Released

Arguably the most significant one-band release of the 2 Tone era, the Specials’ self-titled debut was like a master class in ska revivalism. Stylistically it ranged from punk-tinged raveups like “Night Club” and “Too Much Too Young” to darker and more introspective reggae fare like “Blank Expression” and the wryly fatalistic ”You’re Wondering Now” — everything delivered with the mix of quiet anger and sardonic wit that would become the Specials’ lyrical hallmark.

Rick Anderson

Recommended by

Suggestions
The Journey cover

The Journey

Double Tiger
Cultural Fashion cover

Cultural Fashion

Various Artists
Making History cover

Making History

Linton Kwesi Johnson
Rise Again cover

Rise Again

Bill Laswell, Lee "Scratch" Perry
Jahbulon cover

Jahbulon

Method of Defiance
Earl Cunningham & Shining Star cover

Earl Cunningham & Shining Star

Earl Sixteen, Earl Cunningham
Build the Ark cover

Build the Ark

The Upsetters, Lee "Scratch" Perry
600% Dynamite! cover

600% Dynamite!

Various Artists