Description
The Specials – Encore – Vinyl Record
Encore is the eighth studio album by the British band The Specials, released on February 1, 2019. Known for their pioneering role in the 2 Tone ska revival movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s, The Specials blended elements of ska, punk, and reggae with politically charged lyrics. Encore marked the band’s first studio album with new material in nearly two decades and saw the return of original members Terry Hall, Lynval Golding, and Horace Panter.
Tracklist and Themes
Black Skin Blue Eyed Boys – (3:17) A cover of the song by The Equals, reinterpreted with The Specials’ distinctive blend of ska and reggae, addressing racial harmony and multiculturalism.
B.L.M. – (4:09) A powerful track that explores the Black Lives Matter movement and issues of racial injustice, combining spoken word with a reggae rhythm.
Vote for Me – (4:19) A politically charged song that critiques the state of politics, with echoes of the band’s earlier hit “Ghost Town.”
The Lunatics – (4:17) A reworking of the Fun Boy Three track “The Lunatics Have Taken Over the Asylum,” offering a commentary on contemporary social and political issues.
Breaking Point – (4:01) A track that reflects on modern life’s pressures and the mental health crisis, set to a driving ska beat.
Blam Blam Fever – (3:17) A cover of The Valentines’ track, addressing gun violence, with The Specials’ signature sound.
10 Commandments – (4:34) Featuring guest vocalist Saffiyah Khan, this track offers a feminist perspective, updating the original Prince Buster track “Ten Commandments of Man.”
Embarrassed by You – (3:20) A reflection on youth culture and the disillusionment of the younger generation, with a catchy ska-punk rhythm.
The Life and Times (of a Man Called Depression) – (5:59) A deeply personal track dealing with mental health, delivered through spoken word by Terry Hall over a minimalist backing.
We Sell Hope – (4:29) The closing track is a hopeful, anthemic song that calls for unity and positivity in challenging times.
Encore stays true to The Specials’ ska and reggae foundations, with rhythmic grooves, brass sections, and socially conscious lyrics. True to their legacy, The Specials address a range of contemporary issues, from racial injustice and political disillusionment to mental health and gun violence. The album includes both new material and reworkings of older tracks, showing the band’s ability to remain relevant while staying connected to their roots. Several tracks feature spoken word, particularly “B.L.M.” and “The Life and Times (of a Man Called Depression),” adding a reflective, narrative quality to the music.
Encore received positive reviews from critics, who praised the album for its timely social commentary, the quality of the new material, and the band’s ability to remain musically relevant decades after their peak. The album debuted at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart, marking The Specials’ first-ever number 1 album and confirming their enduring appeal. Fans of The Specials appreciated the album for its blend of nostalgia and contemporary relevance, with many seeing it as a worthy continuation of the band’s legacy.
Encore reaffirmed The Specials’ position as one of the most important and socially conscious bands in British music, proving they could still speak to current issues with the same urgency as in their earlier work. The album’s success highlighted the continuing influence of The Specials on modern ska and punk bands, inspiring a new generation of musicians to address social issues through their music. The critical and commercial success of Encore demonstrated the enduring appeal of The Specials’ music, bridging the gap between their original fans and new listeners.
Encore by The Specials is a powerful return to form for the iconic band, blending their classic ska and reggae sound with sharp social and political commentary. The album addresses contemporary issues with the same passion and urgency that defined their earlier work, while also reflecting on personal themes like mental health. Celebrated by both critics and fans, Encore stands as a testament to The Specials’ lasting influence and their ability to remain relevant in the ever-changing landscape of music.
Includes download voucher. Comes with a 4 pages 12″ foldout including lyrics, photos and credits.
Made in the E.U
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Black Skin Blue Eyed Boys
B.L.M.
Vote For Me
The Lunatics
Breaking Point
Blam Blam Fever
10 Commandments
Embarrassed By You
The Life And Times (Of A Man Called Depression)
We Sell Hope
