What is the best ska band of all time?

From the dancehalls of 1960s Kingston to the packed venues of the 2-Tone revival and the third-wave explosion, ska has proven itself one of music's most infectious and enduring genres. Whether you love the brass-heavy originals, the sharp-suited British revival, or the high-energy punk-ska fusion, there's no shortage of legendary acts to choose from. Which band made ska their own in a way no one else could match?

1

The Skatalites

Jamaican ska pioneers who defined the original ska sound in the 1960s

2

Madness

British 2-Tone ska band known for "Our House" and "One Step Beyond"

3

The Specials

British 2-Tone ska revival band, known for "Ghost Town"

4

The Selecter

British 2-Tone ska band fronted by Pauline Black

5

The English Beat

British ska band known for energetic live shows and pop-ska sound

6

Bad Manners

British ska band known for their humorous style and "Lip Up Fatty"

7

Fishbone

American ska-punk band known for blending ska, punk, funk, and metal

8

Reel Big Fish

American third-wave ska band known for "Sell Out"

9

Less Than Jake

American ska-punk band from Gainesville, Florida

10

Toots and the Maytals

Jamaican band who helped define early ska and reggae

11

Mighty Mighty Bosstones

Boston ska-punk pioneers, known for "The Impression That I Get"

12

Operation Ivy

Influential ska-punk band from the Bay Area

13

Desmond Dekker & The Aces

Jamaican ska and reggae artist who achieved international success

14

Streetlight Manifesto

New Jersey ska-punk band known for intricate arrangements

15

Sublime

Long Beach ska-punk band famous for "What I Got" and "Santeria"