All the Rage

Description

General Public's debut is arguably the ska supergroup's best work. Fresh out of the English Beat, Dave Wakeling recruited vocal partner Ranking Roger, as well as bassist Horace Panter (the Specials), keyboardist Mickey Billingham (Dexy's Midnight Runners), and veteran sax man Saxa for this set of shiny pop that is virtually all as infectious as the album's Top 40 hit, "Tenderness." Sure, the English Beat's best grooves found their way into the Fine Young Cannibals, but Wakeling and Roger's breathless vocals and undeniable hooks still shine on this undervalued album. --Bill Forman