The English Beat

The English Beat decided to do more than just evoke the sounds of the past on their debut album: they created an original, hybridized world of rock, pop, reggae and ska. "Mirror in the Bathroom" is the key track on a set that practically plays like a greatest hits collection -- "Big Shot," "Hands Off... She's Mine", "Best Friend" all became modern classics. Solid songwriting was only enhanced by the combination of Dave Wakeling's lead vocals, Rankin' Roger's toasting style, and an amazing rhythm section.