In the Studio

by The Special AKA

In the Studio cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 23 June 1984
  • Label: 2 Tone
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Community rating: 3.65/5 from 3 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Created during a period of immense internal friction and lineup changes, Jerry Dammers steered this iteration of the band into a dense, sophisticated blend of jazz, reggae, and political commentary. The grueling, expensive recording process yielded the iconic protest anthem 'Free Nelson Mandela', which played a significant role in international anti-apartheid awareness. The financial strain and exhaustion resulting from the project effectively led to the dissolution of the 2 Tone label.

Genres

Descriptors: political, existential, dissonant, uncommon-time-signatures, guitars, witty, saxophone, melodic

Tracklist

  1. Bright Lights
  2. The Lonely Crowd
  3. What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend
  4. Housebound
  5. Night On The Tiles
  6. Nelson Mandela
  7. War Crimes (The Crime Is Still The Same)
  8. Racist Friend
  9. Alcohol
  10. Break Down The Door

Credits

  • The Special AKA - primary artist
  • Caron Wheeler - backing vocals
  • Claudia Fontaine - backing vocals
  • Egidio Newton - backing vocals
  • Naomi Thompson - backing vocals
  • Rhoda Dakar - backing vocals
  • Gary McManus - bass
  • John Bradbury - drums, bass, synthesizer

More from The Special AKA: full discography