What makes Return of the Ugly by Bad Manners notable?

The album is significant for its rollicking take on the ska genre during a period when the scene was evolving yet still deeply rooted in its energetic roots. It includes tracks like 'Sally Brown,' which achieved notable airplay and helped cement Bad Manners' position in the UK ska revival movement, keeping the genre alive through the late '80s. By the time 'Return of the Ugly' was released in 1989, Bad Manners had already established themselves as one of the prominent bands in the UK ska revival. This album came as their fifth studio release, following 'Loonee Tunes!' from 1988, and showcased a more refined sound while maintaining their trademark energetic style.

Who is Return of the Ugly for?

Return of the Ugly works well if you're into lively celebration of sound, playful and energetic vibes and short, punchy listening sessions.

How many songs are on Return of the Ugly?

Return of the Ugly has 14 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Return of the Ugly

Bad Manners · 1989

48 min · 14 tracks · ska

A vibrant celebration of ska's infectious rhythms paired with cheeky UK humor and catchy melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sally Brown — This track stands out for its playful lyrics and upbeat tempo, encapsulating the fun spirit that defines much of Bad Manners' work.
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Skaville UK — As an anthemic opener, it celebrates British ska culture while blending humor with a catchy melody that draws listeners in immediately.
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Return of the Ugly — The title track cleverly juxtaposes self-deprecating humor with infectious rhythms, making it emblematic of the band's unique style and lyrical wit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid ska compositions but lacks cohesion due to its inclusion of remixes at the end.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Skaville UK', and maintains an upbeat tempo through the first half before introducing slower songs like 'Since You’ve Gone Away'.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that encourages listener participation.
The instrumentation prominently features brass sections, which are layered throughout most tracks, giving a rich texture to the sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

lively celebration of sound
playful and energetic vibes
short, punchy listening sessions
wave-like pacing and dynamics
varied energy with peaks

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Return of the Ugly' was released in 1989, Bad Manners had already established themselves as one of the prominent bands in the UK ska revival. This album came as their fifth studio release, following 'Loonee Tunes!' from 1988, and showcased a more refined sound while maintaining their trademark energetic style.
Stylistic neighbors: Madness· The Specials· Toots and the Maytals