The third-wave of ska is a musical genre derived from the fusion of Jamaican ska and various American and British styles of music, such as rock, punk, hardcore and jazz. Ska punk and ska-core are major sub-genres, which together comprise a majority of third-wave ska music.

Originating in America during the late 1980s, and gaining popularity throughout the early 1990s, the third-wave of ska is the latest incarnation of the genre. During the height of its popularity, some third-wave bands enjoyed major commercial success, including regular radio play and outstanding album sales. However, this success proved short-lived as metalcore and emo scenes gained popularity. Third-wave ska lost much of its popularity at the turn of the millennium. Currently, it stands as a faded genre, holding the interest of a relatively small fanbase.

Third-wave ska artists such as The Toasters, No Doubt, Sublime, Mad Caddies, Reel Big Fish and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones were influenced by two-tone ska revivalists from the late 1970s/early 1980s such as The Specials, English Beat, and The Selecter. Third-wave music features the use of horns and a heavily accented offbeat, a common characteristic of the second wave of ska.

See also

• List of ska musicians
• Jamaican music
• Third-wave ska groups

Ska | Punk | American styles of music