It was probably an expected thing that when The Specials re-formed a few years back would have some sort of a response to the current situation in the world with music that would at the same time be their statement and views on what is going on.
What a better way to do so than with a collection of protest songs of their choice (including two of their own)with a simple and clear statement in the album title – ‘Protest Songs – 1924-2021.’
As was always the case with The Specials, the current incarnation of the band now comprising Terry Hall, Lynval Golding and Horace Panter, couldn’t just simply be labelled as a ska band. And even if there was ska present in their repertoire, it always had a bigger purpose than to make people dance and have fun.
So it was down to choice/personal taste and their take on their chosen songs that was to make or break this album. And both are more than just a band playing a themed collection of songs.
As could have been expected, the playing itself is practically impeccable, witness, say, their full-on funk version of The Staples Singers ‘Freedom Highway.’
Yet, it is the actual choice of the songs and care, love and particularly the message they convey that makes this album practically impeccable. From Leonard Cohen’s ‘Everybody Knows and Talking Heads’ ‘Listening Wind’ to Rod McKuen’s ‘Soldiers Who Want To Be heroes,’ or anywhere on this album it all works. It covers everything from world politics to racism (‘Black Brown And White’).
Throughout the whole feel and sound of the album is subdued and pensive, but then it is quite fitting that the only two rousing tracks are the live performances of two of their own protest standards that close the album (or are enclosed as a separate disc) – ‘The Lunatics’ and ‘We Sell Hope.’
As is almost always the case, something special from The Specials.
