Is The Business – the Definitive Singles Collection a good place to start with Madness?

Yes, The Business – the Definitive Singles Collection is recommended as a starting point for new Madness listeners. A vibrant collection of ska-infused pop anthems that reflect the eclectic energy of British youth culture in the early '90s. Released in 1993, this compilation marked a retrospective look at Madness's journey through the music scene since their debut in 1979. By the time of The Business, Madness had evolved from their early ska roots into diverse musical territories, establishing themselves as icons of British pop and new wave. This album arrived after their commercial peak in the '80s and served to reintroduce their classic hits to a new generation.

Who is The Business – the Definitive Singles Collection for?

The Business – the Definitive Singles Collection works well if you're into vibrant party atmosphere, nostalgic sing-along moments and dynamic energy shifts.

How many songs are on The Business – the Definitive Singles Collection?

The Business – the Definitive Singles Collection has 70 tracks, running approximately 230 minutes.

Released 33 years ago this November

The Business – the Definitive Singles Collection

Madness · 1993

230 min · 70 tracks · new wave

A vibrant collection of ska-infused pop anthems that reflect the eclectic energy of British youth culture in the early '90s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Prince Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Our House (Stretch mix) — This track exemplifies Madness's knack for catchy melodies and clever lyrics, encapsulating the domestic life theme that resonates widely with listeners.
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Baggy Trousers — A quintessential Madness tune that reflects youthful exuberance and school days, it remains one of their most recognizable songs and fan favorites.
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It Must Be Love — This song showcases Madness's ability to blend ska rhythms with heartfelt lyrics about love, highlighting their versatility as artists.
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Night Boat to Cairo — With its infectious horn riffs and narrative style, this track illustrates Madness's unique storytelling approach within their upbeat sound.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

vibrant party atmosphere
nostalgic sing-along moments
dynamic energy shifts
short bursts of fun
playful interludes and anecdotes

Maybe skip if you

long, cohesive listening experience
slow-paced reflective sessions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Starting Point — A compilation of hits that showcases Madness's defining sound and cultural impact.
Themes: 1980s British youth· working-class humor
Career context: Released in 1993, this compilation marked a retrospective look at Madness's journey through the music scene since their debut in 1979. By the time of The Business, Madness had evolved from their early ska roots into diverse musical territories, establishing themselves as icons of British pop and new wave. This album arrived after their commercial peak in the '80s and served to reintroduce their classic hits to a new generation.
Stylistic neighbors: The Specials· Bad Manners· The Selecter

Tracklist

Disc 1

1 [intro to "The Prince", Rick Rodgers, Specials Manager] 0:44
2 The Prince Start here 2:27
3 Madness / [Rick Rodgers speaks again] 2:45
4 One Step Beyond / [John Eichler, Publican, Hope & Anchor, London] 2:44
5 Mistakes 2:39
6 Nutty Theme / ["Wandsworth Harry", longtime fan] 2:48
7 My Girl / [John Hasler, ex-drummer, singer, manager] 2:57
8 Stepping Into Line 2:16
9 In the Rain / [Dave Robinson, ex-manager of Stiff Records] 3:06
10 Night Boat to Cairo / [John Hasler speaks again] 3:42
11 Deceives the Eye 1:58
12 The Young and the Old / [Rick Rodgers yet again] 2:43
13 Don’t Quote Me on That 4:31
14 Baggy Trousers / [Kellog’s, Madness manager 1980-81] 3:19
15 The Business / [Kellog’s speaks again] 6:19
16 Embarrassment / [Chalky friend/roadie, talks about Woody] 3:02
17 Crying Shame / [Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley] 2:38
18 The Return of the Los Palmas 7 / [Langer & Winstanley speak again] 2:50
19 That’s the Way to Do It (aka Odd Job Man) 2:51
20 My Girl (demo) 2:27
21 Swan Lake (live) / [Chalky & Toks, friends of the band] 3:48
22 Grey Day / [Chalky & Toks on the future of the band] 4:35
23 Memories / [Kellog’s on Chalky & Toks] 3:19
24 Shut Up 4:05
25 A Town With No Name 2:52

Disc 2

1 Never Ask Twice (aka Airplane) / [Elvis Costello & Clive Langer on "fame"] 3:52
2 It Must Be Love 3:17
3 Shadow on the House / [Sonny from Stiff Promotions] 4:50
4 Cardiac Arrest 2:50
5 In the City / [Paul Conroy speaks] 3:25
6 House of Fun 2:47
7 Don’t Look Back / [Neil Ferris from Ferret & Spanner] 4:51
8 Driving in My Car 3:16
9 Terry Wogan Jingle 0:25
10 Animal Farm 4:02
11 Riding on My Bike / [John Kalodner from Geffen Records] 5:37
12 Our House (Stretch mix) / [Pauline Black from The Selector] 5:50
13 Walking With Mr. Wheeze 3:31
14 Tomorrow’s (Just Another Day) / [Nigel Dick from Stiff Records] 3:46
15 Madness (Is All in the Mind) / [Lionel Martin - accountant] 3:07
16 Wings of a Dove 2:58
17 Behind the Eight Ball / [Lee’s Uncle Jack] 3:35
18 One’s Second Thoughtlessness 3:24
19 The Sun and the Rain / [Gary Doves - early Madness drummer] 3:37
20 Fireball XL5 1:44
21 Visit to Dracstein Castle 1:55
22 Michael Caine 3:44