The Most Popular Ska Song, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the song you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 19, 2024 07:33
Imagine you're at a lively party with the smooth, upbeat rhythms of Ska music setting the tone. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on which song gets the crowd moving best. By ranking these tunes, we not only celebrate the rich history and vibrant culture of Ska but also find out which tracks resonate most with fans around the globe.
This dynamic list, fueled by your votes, continuously shapes the consensus on the greatest Ska songs. It’s a fun way to see how your personal favorites stack up against the community’s choices and discover new music that might just make it to your playlist. Your participation directly influences the rankings, making it more than just a list—it’s a community snapshot of what truly makes us skank and sway.
What Is the Most Popular Ska Song?
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195votesThis song is considered a classic ska anthem and helped to popularize the genre in the UK.
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251votes
"Monkey Man" by The Maytals
The MaytalsThis song is a ska/reggae classic and has been covered by many artists over the years.Monkey Man is a popular Ska song originally recorded by The Maytals, a Jamaican ska and reggae group. Released in 1969, the song quickly became a hit and is regarded as one of their most influential tracks. Monkey Man displays a high-energy blend of ska, rocksteady, and reggae elements, capturing the essence of the genre during that era. With its catchy melodies, infectious rhythm, and vibrant horn section, the song is a beloved classic among ska enthusiasts worldwide.- Genre: Ska
- Original Release Year: 1969
- Artist: The Maytals
- Album: Monkey Man
- Duration: 3 minutes and 47 seconds
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323votes
"A Message to You, Rudy" by The Specials
The SpecialsAnother classic from The Specials, this song has been covered by many artists and remains a popular ska anthem.A Message to You, Rudy is a popular ska song performed by The Specials.- Genre: Ska
- Album: The Specials
- Released: 1979
- Length: 2:53
- Label: 2 Tone
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418votes
"Pressure Drop" by The Maytals
The MaytalsThis song is a ska/reggae classic and has been covered by many artists over the years.The song 'Pressure Drop' by The Maytals is a classic ska track released in 1969. It is known for its infectious catchy melody and energetic rhythm. The song features a blend of ska, rocksteady and reggae elements, showcasing the distinctive vocal style of lead singer Toots Hibbert.- Release Year: 1969
- Genre: Ska
- Vocalist: Toots Hibbert
- Length: 2:52
- Album: Monkey Man
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514votesThis song is considered a classic ska anthem and helped to popularize the genre in the UK.
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611votes
"One Step Beyond" by Madness
MadnessThis song is a ska classic and helped to popularize the genre in the UK.One Step Beyond is a popular ska song released by the British band Madness in 1979. It is known for its energetic, up-tempo beat and catchy horn melodies, which are characteristic of ska music. The song's lyrics tell a story about someone experiencing a sense of madness and urging others to join in the fun. One Step Beyond became a signature song for Madness and helped popularize ska music beyond its traditional Jamaican roots.- Genre: Ska
- Release Year: 1979
- Album: One Step Beyond
- Length: 2:18
- Writer(s): Cecil Campbell
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721votesThis song is a mix of punk and ska and remains a popular song in both genres.
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911votesThis song is a haunting and powerful ska anthem that reflects the social and economic struggles of the UK in the early 1980s.
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104votes
"The Impression That I Get" by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
The Mighty Mighty BosstonesThis song is a ska-punk classic and remains a popular song in both genres.The Impression That I Get is a popular Ska song by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. It was released in 1997 as the lead single from their album Let's Face It. The song combines elements of Ska, punk rock, and alternative rock, featuring catchy horns, energetic vocals, and relatable lyrics. The Impression That I Get is known for its upbeat and infectious sound, showcasing the band's signature blend of Ska and punk influences. It became a breakthrough hit for The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and helped bring Ska music into the mainstream during the late 1990s.- Release Date: 1997
- Album: Let's Face It
- Genre: Ska, Punk Rock, Alternative Rock
- Horns: Catchy
- Vocals: Energetic
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Ranking factors for popular song
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Historical significanceSongs that were groundbreaking in their time or helped shape the genre should be given extra weight.
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Chart successChart performance is always an important factor in determining popularity, regardless of whether it's a Billboard chart or a regional chart.
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Cultural impactSongs that become anthems for a particular subculture or scene should be taken into account.
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LongevitySongs that were popular for a long time and continue to be played today should be given extra consideration.
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Innovation and influenceSongs that were innovative or influential in terms of style or production should be taken into account.
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Personal preferenceOf course, personal preference will always play a role in any ranking of popular songs.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Ska song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2877 views
- 245 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular ska song
Ska music originated in Jamaica in the 1950s, blending elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American R&B and jazz. Known for its upbeat tempo and emphasis on brass and percussion instruments, ska quickly gained popularity in the UK and later, around the world. Today, ska music remains a beloved genre, with classic tunes like "A Message to You, Rudy" by The Specials and "Monkey Man" by Toots and the Maytals still inspiring new generations of fans. But what is the most popular ska song of all time? With so many beloved classics to choose from, the answer is a matter of personal preference. At StrawPoll, we've compiled a list of the top ska songs voted on by fans, and the results may surprise you.
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