The English Beat: Five Essential Songs
The English Beat's Dave Wakeling (photo by Jackie Butler/Retna Ltd, PR)
Got your ticket yet to the 2025 WFUV High Line Bash at City Winery at Pier 57 on April 30? If so, along with Jade Bird and Fantastic Cat, you're going to see one of Britain's most beloved and critically revered two-tone, ska, and punk bands, The English Beat, led by singer, songwriter and guitarist Dave Wakeling.
For nearly five decades, Wakeling's distinctive, husky, Birmingham-brushed tenor and soulful delivery has become an indelible part of the soundtrack of our lives, whether in The English Beat, General Public, solo, or even via a couple of John Hughes films. Wakeling has a deft touch, revealing a world of emotion in a single turn of phrase, whether in a massive Beat hit "Save It For Later," deep tracks like the slow-burning "Never Die," or General Public's wistfully pretty "Never You Done That." The English Beat's unique filigree of melancholy, longing, rebellion, and straight-up joy is always an invitation to dance, a exultant response to sorrow and strife.
The Los Angeles-based Wakeling has long talked about Motown, classic reggae, and punk as among his many influences. Ahead of the High Line Bash, we asked Dave to write about his "Five Essential Songs" — and he reached back to his childhood and young adulthood to a quintet of songs that brought back vivid memories.
Dave Wakeling's Five Essential Songs:
Manfred Mann, "Ha Ha Said the Clown"
A 12-year-old swimmer, between races — full of chlorine, testosterone, and adrenaline — had his heart opened by this song!
The Four Tops, "Reach Out I'll Be There"
I sang descant in the choir, and the Four Tops ignited my passion for the emotion of harmony.
The Congos, "Children Crying"
Beautiful voices, superb Lee Perry production, the best reggae atmosphere in my collection.
The Clash, "Tommy Gun"
1, 2, 3, 4 ... straight down the middle, no nonsense, white-hot energy, coming atcha!
David Bowie, "Suffragette City"
Wham bam thank you ma'am! Pure rock theatrics, as catchy as it's clever, as adroit as it's addictive!
- Dave Wakeling
April 2025
