Total Madness… The Very Best of Madness cover

Total Madness… The Very Best of Madness

Madness · 1997

43 min · 12 tracks · new wave · reggae · synth-pop

A vibrant blend of ska, pop, and new wave that captures the irreverent spirit of British music in the 80s.

Why this album works

'Total Madness' achieved commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and solidifying Madness's legacy in pop culture. The compilation not only celebrated their hits but also introduced a new generation to their unique sound, influencing subsequent ska and pop bands that emerged in the late '90s.
Best for
sing-along anthems with friends steady mid-tempo dance vibes nostalgic celebration of youth
Context
By the time 'Total Madness… The Very Best of Madness' was released in 1997, Madness had already established themselves as a key player in the ska revival of the late 1970s and early 1980s. This compilation marked a significant retrospective of their career, following their last studio album 'The Sweetest Girl' in 1995, showcasing their evolution from chart-topping hits to enduring cult favorites.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Our House Standout 3:19
  • 2 It Must Be Love Standout 3:24
  • 3 Tomorrow’s Just Another Day 3:13
  • 4 Shut Up 3:26
  • 5 Grey Day 3:38
  • 6 The Sun and the Rain 3:17
  • 7 Wings of a Dove (A Celebratory Song) 3:02
  • 8 Michael Caine 3:36
  • 9 One Better Day 4:06
  • 10 Uncle Sam 4:16
  • 11 Yesterday’s Men 4:36
  • 12 One Step Beyond Standout 3:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata