Special Beat Service [Original recording reissued]

The Beat | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 26, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Label: Rhino
• ASIN: B000021XS9
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,502 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #4 in Music > Alternative Rock > British Alternative > British Ska
  • #21 in Music > Alternative Rock > Ska > Ska General

Editorial Reviews

Audio CD

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Their pop album (4.5 stars), July 26, 2006

By 

John Alapick (Harveys Lake, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Special Beat Service (Audio CD)

At the time they released Special Beat Service in 1982, the English Beat appeared to be on the verge of a breakthrough. While their first album, I Just Can't Stop It, was a ska classic, and their second album, Wha'ppen?, was very deep into reggae, Special Beat Service toned down those genres in favor of British pop. Dave Wakeling's vocals were more compassionate than ever before and their songs were arguably their strongest overall. However, internal dissention would ultimately break up the English Beat and although several of the band members would later find success with General Public and The Fine Young Cannibals respectively, the excellent songs and performances on Special Beat Service make you wonder how far they could have gone if they were able to keep it together.

One listen to the soulful "I Confess" and the solemn ballad "End of the Party" show a newfound maturity that didn't exist on their previous releases. Songs like "Jeanette", "She's Going", and "Sugar & Stress" are very catchy while "Sorry" mixes their snappy horn lines with a dose of funk. "Soul Salvation", which combines their ska sound with an R&B edge, is also a great track. Other strong tracks include the new wave sounds of "Rotating Head" and the island like "Ackee 1 2 3." The reggae tracks, "Spar Wid Me", and "Pato and Roger a Go Talk" are also pretty decent. Finally, "Save It for Later" is one of the best British singles of the `80s, and is living proof that sometimes the best songs are the simplest. The strings near the end of the track also provide a nice touch. All told, Special Beat Service is a great album from one of the more enduring British bands. Highly recommended.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Beat's Best..., April 13, 2000

By 

Armando M. Mesa (Chandler, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Special Beat Service (Audio CD)

This c.d. is absolutley astounding ! From the first track to the last there is not a single flop or disappointment; Even the album cover conveys a sense of coolness and sophistication. I had only heard the name English Beat growing up but never ventured to listen to their music thinking it was another heavy-synth new romantic band by it's name alone. Now, I am glad I've heard them ! Their mixture of ska, reggae, pop, and a few other styles will surely capture any avid music collector's attention. Also, the vocals of the lead singer are very reminiscent of Colin Hay's from Men At Work (another '80s great group). Although the album originally was released in 1982 I can see or hear why it firmly stands up to the test of time !

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's Back!, May 8, 2000

By 

Zack Birkenbuel (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Special Beat Service (Audio CD)

This has to be my all time favorite album and I'm happy to see it back in print. I unfortunately sold the album some 4 years ago (I was the poor starving college student) and subsiquently spent 3 years searching for it in every used CD store in the Seattle area. Favorite tracks are Janette, Rotating Head and Ackee 1-2-3 (I only wish samples for them were available). If you're looking for a definately unique sound that never grows old and while forever remind me of the 80's check out the beat :)