The Business – the Definitive Singles Collection

Madness · 1993

230 min · 70 tracks · new wave · reggae · synth-pop

A vibrant fusion of ska, pop, and new wave that encapsulates the exuberance of British youth culture.

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Why this album works

Best for: vibrant party atmosphere nostalgic sing-along moments dynamic energy shifts
Context: Released in 1993, 'The Business – the Definitive Singles Collection' captures Madness at a reflective phase following their peak commercial success in the 1980s. This compilation arrives after a decade-long hiatus from the charts, allowing the band to revisit their classic hits while introducing previously unreleased material and live recordings. It serves as both a retrospective of their influential singles and a bridge to a new generation of fans.
If you like: new wave, reggae, synth-pop

The Business – the Definitive Singles Collection is an album by Madness, released in 1993. A vibrant fusion of ska, pop, and new wave that encapsulates the exuberance of British youth culture. This collection not only reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart but also solidified Madness's legacy as one of the quintessential bands of the ska revival movement. The album's mix of beloved classics and rare tracks showcases their versatility, which has influenced countless artists across genres and remains relevant in discussions about British pop music history. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Business – the Definitive Singles Collection sound like?

A vibrant fusion of ska, pop, and new wave that encapsulates the exuberance of British youth culture. Rooted in new wave and reggae.

What makes The Business – the Definitive Singles Collection by Madness notable?

This collection not only reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart but also solidified Madness's legacy as one of the quintessential bands of the ska revival movement. The album's mix of beloved classics and rare tracks showcases their versatility, which has influenced countless artists across genres and remains relevant in discussions about British pop music history. Released in 1993, 'The Business – the Definitive Singles Collection' captures Madness at a reflective phase following their peak commercial success in the 1980s. This compilation arrives after a decade-long hiatus from the charts, allowing the band to revisit their classic hits while introducing previously unreleased material and live recordings. It serves as both a retrospective of their influential singles and a bridge to a new generation of fans.

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.

Tracklist

70 tracks·230:32

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

Disc 1

1 [intro to "The Prince", Rick Rodgers, Specials Manager] 0:44
2 The Prince 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 Standout 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