In the Studio

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

In the Studio was the third album by the British ska revival group, but it was released in June 1984 under the name The Special AKA. It took more than two years to make and by the time it came out, the original line-up had long since broken up. Jerry Dammers produced the album. Besides the regular members, many guests took part, including trombonist Rico Rodriguez. Elvis Costello produced Nelson Mandela.

The sound is gloomier than on the first two records, with a dark view of the world and political lyrics. Nelson Mandela became an international hit, although the album sold less than its predecessors and reached the British top 35. NME ranked it number three in its list of the best albums of 1984. A reviewer in Sounds spoke of Dammers's most powerful statement to date. Later critics see it not as a noble failure, but as the fitting conclusion to the group's career.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Bright Lights (2002 Remaster)4:08Apple Music ↗
2. 2The Lonely Crowd (2002 Remaster)3:51Apple Music ↗
3. 3What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend (2002 Remaster)4:52Apple Music ↗
4. 4Housebound (2002 Remaster)4:10Apple Music ↗
5. 5Night on the Tiles (2002 Remaster)3:04Apple Music ↗
6. 6Nelson Mandela (2002 Remaster)4:17Apple Music ↗
7. 7War Crimes (The Crime Remains the Same) [2002 Remaster]6:14Apple Music ↗
8. 8Racist Friend (2002 Remaster)3:50Apple Music ↗
9. 9Alcohol (2002 Remaster)5:02Apple Music ↗
10. 10Break Down the Door (2002 Remaster)3:35Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

See also

• The Specials