Encore
by The Specials
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Feb 1, 2019
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Mojo
    Jan 31, 2019
    60
    For all its skill you do miss Neville Staple's aggro, Roddy Radiation's punk-Chuck Berry guitars, and inevitably, Jerry Dammers' singular, maddening vision. [Mar 2019, p.88]
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  2. AllMusic
    Jan 31, 2019
    60
    Everything on Encore is amiable but not especially defined: they play with the ease of a group who has made their living on the road, but they lack urgency, even when they're singing about hot-button issues. Despite this lack of fire, Encore is a definite step up from the covers albums the Specials made surrounding Y2K: they feel like a band with a purpose, even if they're not making an especially big deal about it.
  3. The Guardian
    Jan 31, 2019
    60
    Encore is at its best when it leaves the Specials’ past behind and faces forward.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. ArchieandErnie
    Feb 5, 2019
    8
    Good album. A few standout tracks after a couple of listens, particularly the Saffiyah Kahn guesting 'Ten Commandments'. The Specials seemGood album. A few standout tracks after a couple of listens, particularly the Saffiyah Kahn guesting 'Ten Commandments'. The Specials seem just as relevant today as their heyday given that this is their first new material for 38 years.… Full Review »
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