"Specials" is the debut album by the British ska revival band The Specials, released on October 19, 1979, on Jerry Dammers' 2 Tone label. This album is often regarded as a pivotal moment in the UK ska scene, capturing the youth's disaffection and anger during a turbulent period in 1970s Britain. Produced by Elvis Costello, the album channels the gritty realities of urban life, drawing inspiration from Bob Marley’s description of inner cities as a "concrete jungle."
Musically, Specials revitalizes the first wave of British ska by reinterpreting the original sound of 1960s Jamaican ska. While retaining the infectious energy and humor of its predecessors, The Specials infused the genre with a punk sensibility and a sense of urgency. The album features fewer percussion elements and larger horn sections typical of traditional ska, instead placing a stronger emphasis on guitar.
The album includes a mix of original songs and covers of classic Jamaican tracks. Notable covers include "Monkey Man," originally by Toots & the Maytals, and "A Message to You, Rudy," which was a Dandy Livingstone hit. The album also features reworked versions of older songs, such as "Too Much Too Young," which draws from Lloyd Charmers' "Birth Control," and "Stupid Marriage," based on Prince Buster’s "Judge 400 Years."
Trombonist Rico Rodriguez, who had a rich history in Jamaican music, contributed to the album, enhancing its authenticity and musical depth. His presence on "A Message to You, Rudy" further bridges the gap between the original Jamaican sound and the UK ska revival.
The album includes singles like "A Message to You, Rudy" and a live version of "Too Much Too Young," which later featured on the EP The Special AKA Live! and topped the UK charts. A digitally remastered edition was released in 2002, including promotional videos for "Gangsters" and "Too Much Too Young."
Specials has been recognized as an essential album, included in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, and it continues to influence musicians and shape the ska genre today. Its mix of social commentary, catchy rhythms, and punk energy remains a defining feature of The Specials' legacy.
