In the Studio

This article is about the album. For the radio show, see In the Studio with Redbeard.

In the Studio is the third album from the ska band The Specials, released in 1984 - long after the break-up of the original Specials - and only just managed to get into the UK Top 35.

The album was released under the name 'The Special AKA' and, despite over 2 years in the making (hence the title), was not as commercially successful as their previous two albums although "(Free) Nelson Mandela" and "Racist Friend" became popular singles.

Track listing

All tracks composed by Jerry Dammers; except where indicated

1. "Bright Lights" (John Bradbury, Stan Campbell, Dick Cuthell, Dammers) – 4:11
2. "The Lonely Crowd" (Campbell, Dammers, John Shipley) – 3:52
3. "What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend" – 4:50
4. "Housebound" – 4:13
5. "Night on the Tiles" (Dammers, Shipley) – 3:04
6. "(Free) Nelson Mandela" – 4:07
7. "War Crimes" – 6:13
8. "Racist Friend" (Bradbury, Cuthell, Dammers) – 3:49
9. "Alcohol" – 5:01
10. "Break Down the Door" (Bradbury, Cuthell, Dammers) – 3:36

Personnel

• Caron Wheeler - Backing Vocals
• Stan Campbell - Male Vocals
• Rhoda Dakar - Female Vocals
• John Shipley - lead guitar
• Jerry Dammers - organ, piano, Vocals
• Gary McManus - bass guitar
• John Bradbury - drums
• Claudia Fontaine - Backing Vocals
• Dick Cuthell - flugelhorn
• Nigel Reeve - saxophone

Technical Credits

• Nigel Reeve - remastering coordination
• Noel Summerville - remastering
• Adrian Thrills - sleeve notes

Design Credits

• David Storey - album cover design