Specials, The: Singles (Vinyl LP)

The Singles is a compilation album, originally released in January 1991, bringing together key tracks from across the careers of both The Specials and The Specials AKA.

The Specials are an English 2 Tone and ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry. In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Specials AKA Live! EP, reached No. 1 in the UK. The unemployment-themed single "Ghost Town" also hit No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart in 1981.

True innovators of the punk era, the Specials began the British ska revival craze, combining the highly danceable ska and rock steady beat with punk's energy and attitude, and taking on a more focused and informed political and social stance than their predecessors and peers.

Their agenda of racial harmony and social inclusion was pursued through their music, and came to be described as the Two Tone movement. Identified also by their distinctive look, the band wore mod-style 1960s period "rude boy" outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers) that were adopted by fans and musical followers alike.

1. Gangsters
2. A Message to You, Rudy
3. Nite Klub
4. Too Much Too Young
5. Guns Of Navarone
6. Rat Race
7. Stereotype
8. International Jet Set
9. Do Nothing
10. Ghost Town
11. Why?
12. Friday Night, Saturday Morning
13. War Crimes
14. Racist Friend
15. Nelson Mandela
16. (What I Like Most About You Is Your) Girlfriend