Cardiac Arrest cover

Cardiac Arrest

Madness · 1982

7 min · 2 tracks · new wave · reggae · synth-pop

A vibrant mix of ska rhythms and new wave energy, bursting with playful yet poignant melodies.

Cardiac Arrest is a single by Madness, released in 1982. A vibrant mix of ska rhythms and new wave energy, bursting with playful yet poignant melodies. 'Cardiac Arrest' showcased Madness's distinctive blend of ska and pop, contributing to their commercial success as it peaked at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart. The song's quirky lyrics and infectious melody helped further establish the band's unique identity during a time when ska was gaining renewed popularity in the British music landscape. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cardiac Arrest sound like?

A vibrant mix of ska rhythms and new wave energy, bursting with playful yet poignant melodies. Rooted in new wave and reggae.

What makes Cardiac Arrest by Madness notable?

'Cardiac Arrest' showcased Madness's distinctive blend of ska and pop, contributing to their commercial success as it peaked at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart. The song's quirky lyrics and infectious melody helped further establish the band's unique identity during a time when ska was gaining renewed popularity in the British music landscape. Released in early 1982, 'Cardiac Arrest' was Madness's third single, following their breakthrough album 'One Step Beyond...' in 1979. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their reputation within the UK music scene, becoming prominent figures in the 2 Tone movement and expanding their sound into more pop-oriented territories.

How many songs are on Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac Arrest has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Tracklist

2 tracks·7:04

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Cardiac Arrest (extended 12″ version) Standout 4:10
  • 2 In the City Standout 2:54

Release Date

January 1, 1982

Genre

new wave, reggae, synth-pop

More albums in new wave

Artist Origin

United Kingdom

Runtime

7 min 4 sec