Dawning of a New Era is an album credited to "The Coventry Automatics AKA The Specials", first released in 1993. The album is a collection of demo recordings from 1978, when the band was still known as "The Automatics". They would shortly rename themselves "The Coventry Automatics" before eventually becoming "The Specials". The release is notable for featuring an early lineup of the band, featuring original drummer Silverton Hutchinson and before the addition of toaster Neville Staple.[2] It was also the first release of recordings of three songs not otherwise recorded by the band, "Wake Up", "Look But Don't Touch" and "Jay Walker". "Rock & Roll Nightmare" was retitled "Pearl's Cafe" and appeared on the "More Specials" album (featuring Rhoda Dakar on additional vocals).

Tracklist:
A1 Wake Up
A2 Nite Klub / Raquel
A3 Rock And Roll Nightmare
A4 Look But Don't Touch
A5 Concrete Jungle
A6 It's Up To You
B1 Stupid Marriage
B2 Blank Expression
B3 Too Much Too Young
B4 Little Bitch
B5 (Dawning Of A) New Era
B6 Jay Walker