THE SPECIAL AKA Vinyl & CDs

Review: The 40th Anniversary edition of In The Studio by The Special AKA celebrates one of the most unique and politically charged albums of the 1980s. Originally released in 1984, the album fused an eclectic mix of reggae, jazz, soul, and Arabic rhythms, with Jerry Dammers leading the band's bold shift in sound. Despite its modest commercial performance, In The Studio has since gained recognition as an underappreciated classic, thanks to its deeply reflective lyrics and innovative arrangements. The album's standout tracks, 'Free Nelson Mandela' and 'What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend', blended infectious energy with serious political messages. This newly remastered, half-speed mastered edition, overseen by Dammers, gives the album the sonic depth it deserves. With its themes of social unrest and global awareness, In The Studio feels as relevant today as it did four decades ago, a testament to its enduring power.