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The Specials

The Specials have long been renowned for their marvelous songs and music that continues to resonate with people all around the world. Their phenomenal catalog of hits have become iconic and timeless classics, spanning several decades. From 'Ghost Town' and 'Do Nothing', to newcomers such as 'Vote For Me' and 'The Lunatics (Have Taken Over The Asylum)' - it really feels like there's something special here in both their sound and delivery. Furthermore, their perfect blend of punk and pop across multiple genres truly helps to make The Specials a unique band with colossal fame amongst both younger audiences as well as many from the golden era. Therefore when you hear The Specials you know you're always in for a magical ride.
The Specials: The Legendary Band That Brought Ska Music to the Masses
The Specials were a British 2-Tone ska revival band formed in 1977, during the peak of the punk rock movement. They became one of the most influential bands of their generation, infusing politically charged lyrics with upbeat dance music. Their sound has been described as a fusion of punk rock, ska, and reggae. The band's musical biography is a testament to their dedication to their craft, as they created a unique sound that resonated with audiences across the world. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the best songs, music genre, and famous concerts of The Specials.
The Specials' music is a combination of punk rock, ska, and reggae, known as the 2-Tone sound. Their debut album, The Specials, released in 1979, was an instant hit, featuring the classic tracks A Message to You, Rudy and Too Much Too Young. The band's second album, More Specials, released in 1980, showcased their musical versatility, with tracks like Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think) and Stereotypes. The Specials' music was unmistakable, with catchy horn sections and passionate lyrics.
One of The Specials' most famous concerts was the Rock Against Racism concert in 1979, where they performed in front of a crowd of over 80,000 people. The concert was a turning point for race relations in the UK, as it brought together a diverse range of music fans to stand against racial discrimination. The concert was a testament to the power of music to bring people together and promote positive social change.
Another standout concert in The Specials' career was their performance at the Glastonbury Festival in 2009. The band had reunited after a long hiatus, and the crowd was eager to see them perform their classic hits. The performance was electrifying, with the band bringing their signature 2-Tone sound to the stage. The concert was a reminder of the enduring legacy of The Specials and their influence on the music world.
The Specials' best songs are a testament to their musical talent and creativity. Ghost Town, released in 1981, is widely regarded as their masterpiece, featuring haunting vocals and an atmospheric soundscape. The song's lyrics reflect the social and economic turmoil of the time, making it a timeless classic. Gangsters, the band's first single released in 1979, is a fast-paced, energetic track that showcases the band's punk rock influences. Rat Race, released in 1980, features a driving rhythm and socially conscious lyrics that resonate with listeners today.
A critic of The Specials' music might argue that their sound was too political and divisive, with lyrics that could be seen as preachy or didactic. However, it is precisely this political edge that made The Specials such an important band. They used their music to highlight social injustices and call for positive change, inspiring generations of musicians to follow in their footsteps.
In conclusion, The Specials were a legendary band that brought ska music to the masses. Their combination of punk rock, ska, and reggae created a unique sound that resonated with audiences across the world. The band's best songs, including Ghost Town, Gangsters, and Rat Race, are still beloved by fans today. The band's famous concerts, including the Rock Against Racism concert and their performance at the Glastonbury Festival, are a testament to the enduring impact of their music. The Specials used their music to highlight social injustices and promote positive change, inspiring a generation of musicians to follow in their footsteps.

LISTEN THE BEST THE SPECIALS SONGS IN STREAMING

2022-11-01

The Legendary Musical Biography of The Specials

When it comes to Ska music, there is no denying that The Specials are legends in the genre. This British band has influenced countless musicians and music listeners with their energetic, socially conscious, and unique Ska sound. Their music is a representation of their time and place, with themes of social issues, politics, and youth culture. In this post, we're going to explore the musical biography of The Specials, taking a closer look at their beginnings, their most famous albums, their most notable songs, and their musical style and influences.

The Specials were formed in Coventry, England, in 1977, by keyboardist Jerry Dammers. Dammers brought together a group of musicians and singers who shared his love for Jamaican Ska music, such as Lynval Golding, Terry Hall, and Neville Staple. The band signed to Chrysalis Records in 1979 and released their self-titled debut album, which featured hits like A Message to You, Rudy and Too Much Too Young.

Their second album, More Specials, released in 1980, showcased the band's growth and experimentation with different genres, including reggae and jazz. It also featured political and social themes, such as Ghost Town, which became the band's most famous song. The song was a commentary on the economic and social issues faced by the working class in Thatcher-era Britain.

The band's third and final studio album, In the Studio, released in 1984, demonstrated the band's change in musical direction, departing from their Ska roots and experimenting with synthesizers and other electronic sounds. The album was not as commercially successful as their previous albums, and the band officially broke up in 1985.

In terms of their musical style, The Specials were known for their unique blend of Ska, punk, and reggae music. They were also famous for their energetic live performances and their political and social commentary in their lyrics. Their music not only reflected the time and place they were living in but also continues to resonate with music listeners today.

The Specials were heavily influenced by Jamaican Ska music, as well as British punk and reggae. Their music also incorporated elements of soul, jazz, and dub. Their style was unique, and their influence can be heard in various Ska and punk bands that followed, such as Sublime, No Doubt, and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones.

The Specials may have only been active for a few years, but their impact on the music industry, particularly the Ska genre, has been long-lasting. Their music remains relevant today, with themes of social justice and political commentary that still resonate with society. The Specials were pioneers in their style, blending different genres to create a sound that was uniquely their own. Their legacy lives on, influencing countless musicians and music fans around the world.

The Specials may have only been active for a few years, but their impact on the music industry, particularly the Ska genre, has been long-lasting. Their music remains relevant today, with themes of social justice and political commentary that still resonate with society. The Specials were pioneers in their style, blending different genres to create a sound that was uniquely their own. Their legacy lives on, influencing countless musicians and music fans around the world.
Tag: The Specials, musical biography, best songs, playlist
2022-01-01

Celebrating the Timeless Rebellious Spirit of The Specials

If you’re a fan of classic punk, ska, dub and the rebellious spirit that tend to come with it, The Specials have always been keenly held in high regard. There is no denying the influence they’ve had on punk music over their 40 year career – from being credited as inspiring two-tone revolution to setting up an entire genre for others to take inspiration from. However, unfortunately some of their more unforgiving compositions can often feel a little dated at times, only diminishing the impact they could otherwise achieve. Despite these issues however this veteran English band has proven time and again just why they remain so beloved by many listeners all around the world.

It's impossible not to appreciate the powerful influence of The Specials in the punk and ska music industry. The band's impressive 40-year career has been marked by their unique ability to challenge societal norms while producing music that feels both timely and classic. Their blend of punk, ska, and dub has given rise to subgenres that many other bands have taken inspiration from. Let's dive deeper into why The Specials have achieved such an iconic status in the music industry despite their occasionally outdated compositions.

Their Unique Sound

The Specials' unique sound was born out of the intersection of punk and ska music. Their songs feature a mix of reggae beats, horn sections, and catchy guitar riffs to produce a sound that combines the energy of punk music with the spirit of ska. This mix proved to be a winning formula, especially in the late '70s, when the UK was deep in economic crisis and many people felt that the government wasn't doing enough to help them. Their music was an anthem for those who felt left behind by the system.

Their Impact on Two-Tone Revolution

The Specials' music also played a crucial role in the creation of the two-tone subgenre. Two-tone was a term coined to describe the mix of punk and ska that was dominant in UK underground music scenes in the late '70s and early '80s. The Specials' lead singer Jerry Dammers created the Two-Tone record label, which helped to launch the careers of bands like Madness, The English Beat, and The Selector. Through their production and curation efforts, The Specials actively encouraged other bands to experiment with a mixed-punk and ska sound.

Their Socially Conscious Lyrics

The Specials didn't just produce great music - they also actively addressed social and political issues through their lyrics. Their lyrics often tackled serious topics such as racism, inequality, and poverty, which resonated with many listeners. Ghost Town, their 1981 hit, spoke about the consequences of government neglect and economic decline in the UK. And Nelson Mandela, released in 1984, drew attention to the then-imprisonment of the South African political leader by the apartheid government. Their music provided a strong political voice to UK's progressive movement.

Their Timeless Rebellious Spirit

The Specials' music is more relevant now than it's ever been before. Their rebellious spirit is particularly poignant in today's era of socio-political upheaval. The UK, like many other countries, has witnessed a growing wave of xenophobia, racism, and nationalism in recent years. It's essential more than ever to have music that actively addresses these concerns. The Specials have long been addressing these issues, and their music remains crucial to the UK's and the world's socio-political landscape.

The Specials have cemented a firm place in the music industry for over four decades because of their unique sound and socially conscious lyrics. Their music has inspired several subgenres, while their lyrics delivered a powerful political message about different socio-political issues. Today, their music's relevance is stronger than ever, with the world facing similar social and political challenges. We are forever grateful for the timeless rebellious spirit of The Specials and for their immense contribution to punk, ska, dub music genres.

The Specials have cemented a firm place in the music industry for over four decades because of their unique sound and socially conscious lyrics. Their music has inspired several subgenres, while their lyrics delivered a powerful political message about different socio-political issues. Today, their music's relevance is stronger than ever, with the world facing similar social and political challenges. We are forever grateful for the timeless rebellious spirit of The Specials and for their immense contribution to punk, ska, dub music genres.
Tag: The Specials, music artist, best songs, artist career
SONGS OF THE SPECIALS - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - The Selecter
2 - Ghost Town
3 - Nite Klub
4 - Why
5 - Maggie's Farm
6 - International Jet Set
7 - A Message To You Rudy
8 - Guns of Navarone
9 - Gangsters
10 - Rat Race
11 - Monkey Man
12 - Do the Dog
13 - Too Much Too Young
14 - Little Bitch
15 - Concrete Jungle
16 - Blank Expression
17 - Too Hot
18 - Do Nothing
19 - (Dawning of A) New Era
20 - Stupid Marriage
21 - A Message To You Rudy - 2002 Remaster
22 - You're Wondering Now
23 - Doesn't Make It Alright
24 - It's Up To You
25 - Friday Night, Saturday Morning
26 - Rude Boys Outa Jail
27 - Why?
28 - Stereotype
29 - Racist Friend
30 - Pressure Drop
31 - Maggie's Farm
32 - I Can't Stand It
33 - Enjoy Yourself (it's Later Than You Think)
34 - Man At C & A
35 - Pearl's Cafe
36 - Man At C&a
37 - Gangsters - 2015 Remaster
38 - Enjoy Yourself
39 - Free Nelson Mandela
40 - Rude Boys Outta Jail
41 - Hey, Little Rich Girl
42 - Too Much Too Young - 2002 Remaster
43 - War Crimes
44 - Sock It To 'em J.b.
45 - Friday Night, Saturday Morning - 2015 Remaster
46 - Black Skin Blue Eyed Boys
47 - The Lunatics