The English Beat’s first album came out in 1980. The English Beat (“English” was added to the band’s name in North America to avoid confusion with an existing American band named “The Beat”) was part of the second wave of ska music in England, along with contemporaries The Specials, Madness, The Selector, to name a few. This genre was also known as 2 Tone for the combination of black & white band members. I was enjoying the punk and New Wave musical scene and The Clash had been incorporating elements of reggae and ska in their music, so an expansion into the ska / 2 Tone genre was a natural evolution.
It’s always interesting to me how bands address social issues in their music, if they choose to do so. The English Beat addresses topics such as fascism, narcissism, & “Margaret Thatcherism” in an engaging musical manner that allows you the choice of dancing over the issues or engaging in them.
This album is a lively blend of reggae, ska, punk, & power pop that makes for a very enjoyable, dancey listen – it’s nigh impossible to stay still listening to this. While there are several well interpreted covers on the album, there is strong songwriting, musicianship and production throughout this album. The talent of the musicians is shown in their follow on careers in bands such as General Public and Fine Young Cannibals.
My personal favourites are “Mirror in the Bathroom”, “Twist and Crawl” and “Rough Rider”. Enjoy finding – or remembering – your favourites!