Rather than stick to their original formula–a winning blend of ska, reggae, progressive politics and sheer adrenalin–the English Beat have elected to experiment with a broad range of musical idioms on their third album, and in so doing, they reveal the full range of their formidable talents. Special Beat Service sparkles with surprising touches that might sound incongruous were it not for the Beat's ability to make them sound perfectly right. Even when retracing their ska roots on "Jeanette" and "Sorry," they manage to incorporate, respectively, an Old World accordion and snatches of Seventies Philadelphia funk. But the most striking departure is "Save It for Later," whose hypnotically sluggish melody, slashing rhythm guitars and manic viola infuse the Beat's customary tropical ambiance with more than a glimmer of the Velvet Underground's "White Light/White Heat."

Apart from a few general homilies in "Sugar and Stress" to the effect that "this world is upside down," the English Beat have also foregone the topical verbiage of their earlier records. The Latin rhythms of "Ackee 1 2 3" end the album on a lighthearted note reminiscent of Haircut One Hundred. The English Beat may be more sophisticated and versatile than that band, but they seem to be playing music in much the same spirit these days. There's nothing on Special Beat Service that's especially dazzling or profound; nonetheless, it eloquently demonstrates the creative possibilities of unassuming, heartwarming commercial pop. (RS 382)

NICHOLAS SCHAFFNER