Recommendation of Ska: from signature songs to popular tracks, must-hear classics

Life Could Be A DreamToots & The Maytals

Toots & The Maytals – Life Could Be A Dream

A ska band formed in Jamaica in 1962 that incorporates elements of rocksteady and reggae.

They are characterized by stable vocal harmonies.

With a long career that includes performances as recently as 2016, the band won a Grammy Award in 2004.

Sound SystemOperation Ivy

Operation Ivy – Sound System

Despite being active for only about three years, Operation Ivy wielded an overwhelming influence on later ska-core and ska punk.

Centered around Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman—who would go on to form RANCID—they are a legendary band.

Considering their activity at the sacred venue 924 Gilman Street in San Francisco, you could say their very existence embodies the history of punk rock from the late ’80s onward.

Every song they left behind is a classic, and the track we’re highlighting here, “Sound System,” is a catchy, quintessential number that’s easy for ska punk beginners to enjoy.

If this piques your interest, be sure to listen to their only album, “Operation Ivy.”

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Have The TimeThe Slackers

The Slackers – Have The Time

The Slackers, a band fronted by Vic Ruggiero—who also performs as a solo artist—were formed in Manhattan in 1991.

Their popular style blends ska, rocksteady, and reggae with dub, soul, garage rock, and jazz.

My Boy LollipopMillie Small

Millie Small – My boy lollipop (HQ)

One of the most famous hit songs in ska history is My Boy Lollipop.

Sung by Jamaican artist Millie Small—then a teenager—the single was released in 1964 and reached No.

2 on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, becoming a massive hit around the world.

Its poppy melody, driven by a lively ska beat and a cute vocal, has remained beloved across generations.

Incidentally, the song actually traces back to a 1956 version sung by a white teenage girl named Barbie Gaye.

It’s fascinating that, even in the 1950s, it already incorporated an offbeat rhythm akin to ska—well worth checking out alongside Millie Small’s version!

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One Step BeyondMadness

Madness – One Step Beyond

Alongside The Specials and The Selecter, Madness is one of the most important bands in 2 Tone and neo-ska, enjoying popularity that transcended the genre.

In addition to their innovative musicality, their humorous personas and cool fashion helped them gain worldwide recognition—not only in their native UK but also with a successful push into the United States.

This track is the title song from Madness’s landmark debut album released in 1979, a stylish, feel-good number featuring prominently spotlighted saxophone tones, a punkish sense of speed, and chic organ sounds.

The original is a song by Jamaican legend Prince Buster.

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Three Minute HeroThe Selecter

The Selecter – 01 Three Minute Hero

The Selecter were a band signed to the 2 Tone label alongside The Specials.

Among the new elements they incorporated, the most striking were a brash female vocal style and organ-driven rhythms.

This song is about escaping the rat race and becoming a pop star.

Overbuying Boogieretoro honpo

Retro Honpo “Kaisugi Boogie” PV

A ska band based around Kobe featuring a female vocalist.

Their somewhat nostalgic lyrics and pop sound have made them highly popular, and they perform at major local festivals.

In their live shows, they incorporate choreography and engage the audience to energize the entire venue.