The 2 Tone genre, which began in the late 1970s in England, was a fusion of Jamaican ska rhythms and melodies with punk rock's uncompromising lyrics and aggressive guitar chords and often reworking classic ska songs. Compared to 1960s ska, 2 Tone music had faster tempos, fuller instrumentation and a harder edge.

The genre was named after 2 Tone Records, a record label founded by Jerry Dammers of the Specials. Other 2 Tone bands included the Beat and the Selecter. Also, although only on the 2 Tone label for one single, Madness were one of the most effective bands at bringing the 2 Tone genre into the mainstream.