"The Singles Collection" is a compilation album by The Specials, a renowned British ska revival band. Released in 1991, this album showcases the band's work from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Specials are often credited for being the pioneers in combining traditional ska music with punk rock elements, significantly influencing the British music scene during that era.
"The Singles Collection" features several hits that charted in the UK Singles Chart, including their very first single, "Gangsters" which reached the Top 10 in the UK charts when it was released in 1979. Other notable songs in the album include "Rat Race," "Rudi, A Message to You," which is a cover of the original by Dandy Livingstone, and "Ghost Town," their UK number one hit in 1981.
The compilation not only portrays the musical prowess and versatility of The Specials but also traces their evolving sound and line-up changes. Over the years, the band went through several break-ups and reunions. This album comes as a reflection of The Specials' impressive catalogue and their enduring relevance in the world of music. It's their musical testament that has successfully stood the test of time, making them influential figures in the ska genre and beyond.