Recommendation of Ska: from signature songs to popular tracks, must-hear classics
Do you all like ska?
Even if you’re not familiar with the term “ska,” you’ve almost certainly heard its sound—the beat that emphasizes the 2nd and 4th counts, often with guitar upstrokes.
Beyond so-called authentic ska, there’s also 2 Tone, neo-ska, ska punk, and ska-core, and you can find ska elements in other genres as well—its influence is substantial.
So this time, we’re broadly researching classic and popular ska tracks from both Western and Japanese music.
We’ll present it in a way that’s easy to approach as an introduction to ska.
Hope you find it helpful!
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Recommendation of Ska: From Signature Songs to Popular Tracks, 41–50 Must-Listen Classics
Life of the PartyThe Planet Smashers
The Planet Smashers are a Canadian ska punk band that has been an essential part of Montreal’s music scene since their formation in 1994.
They are a band that tours in the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Recommendation of Ska: From Signature Tracks to Popular Songs, Must-Listen Classics (51–60)
BLAZING FIREDerrick Morgan
“Blazing Fire” is a song by singer Derrick Morgan, born in 1940 in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica.
The reggae singer Queen Ifrica is Derrick Morgan’s daughter.
Blazing Fire is included on the album Seven Letters, released in 1969.
Hoosier LoveMU330
MU330 is a ska band formed by students from St.
Louis University High School in Missouri, USA.
Known for their humor-filled, offbeat performances, they helped establish a genre called “psycho ska.”
too much too youngThe Specials
A song that became the third single release by The Specials, a 2 Tone ska band formed in the UK.
It is based on Lloyd Charmers’ 1969 track “Birth Control.” As pioneers of 2 Tone ska, the band continues to be active today.
Independent JamaicaLord Creator
Lord Creator, a renowned calypso singer born in Trinidad, is one of the non-Jamaican artists who had a major impact on Jamaica’s music scene.
He continues to be respected as an essential figure for understanding the history of Jamaican music.
As its title suggests, this song conveys respect for Jamaica; released in 1962, it’s one of Creator’s signature tracks and a classic that celebrates the nation’s independence.
While it has the feel of a happy calypso, it’s crafted in a way that also appeals to ska enthusiasts.
The BoilerThe Special AKA featuring Rhoda Dakar
In the UK’s 2 Tone and ska revival movement, the presence of The Special AKA is indispensable.
Released in January 1982, this track features Rhoda Dakar and reached No.
35 on the UK Singles Chart.
Beyond its fusion of ska and punk, it drew attention for its strong social messaging.
With lyrics tackling the heavy theme of sexual violence, it made a profound impact on listeners at the time.
The danceable beat and incisive message are perfectly matched, and the song is highly regarded as a ska classic.
It’s a must-listen for music fans interested in social issues.
MIND YOUR STEP!SNAIL RAMP
Formed in 1995, Snail Ramp is one of the defining bands of Japan’s ska-core to melodic hardcore scene.
The late 1990s marked a period of major transformation in Japanese music history, with bands like Hi-Standard and Brahman breaking into the upper ranks of the Oricon charts one after another.
Released in 1999, MIND YOUR STEP! also achieved a remarkable feat by debuting at No.
10 on the Oricon chart.
From its catchy English-language melodies to its astonishingly melodic guitar solo, every element makes it a bona fide hit that deserves its success.
As an aside, the first time I saw TAKEMURA’s style of slinging the bass as low as possible, it was truly shocking.