Madness

Madness

new wave, reggae, ska, synth-pop

United Kingdom Est. 1979

"Driven by syncopated rhythms and layered brass arrangements, their tracks pulse with contagious energy while maintaining a sense of reflective tension."

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Begin with Madness…

The Liberty of Norton Folgate

The Liberty of Norton Folgate

2009
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Career Arc

Madness's discography from 1979 to 2016

1979 1997 2016
One Step Beyond… (1979) My Girl (1979) One Step Beyond (1979) The Prince (1979) Night Boat to Cairo (1979) Absolutely (1980) Work Rest and Play (1980) Embarrassment (1980) Baggy Trousers (1980) The Return of the Los Pal... (1980) 7 (1981) Shut Up (1981) Grey Day (1981) The Rise & Fall (1982) Our House (1982) Driving in My Car (1982) House of Fun (1982) Cardiac Arrest (1982) Complete Madness (1982) Madness (1983)
Madness holds a significant place in the landscape of British music, not only for their infectious melodies but also for their ability to infuse social commentary into the upbeat rhythms of 2 Tone and new wave.
Madness holds a significant place in the landscape of British music, not only for their infectious melodies but also for their ability to infuse social commentary into the upbeat rhythms of 2 Tone and new wave. Their unique blend of ska-inflected pop is a vibrant reflection of cultural nuances, addressing both the struggles and joys of everyday life, creating a bridge between the dance floor and deeper societal issues. Their music has consistently resonated with audiences, encouraging collective celebration while simultaneously provoking thought about the world around them. The band's approach is marked by a playful yet poignant exploration of themes, often utilizing humor and irony to convey serious messages. This juxtaposition gives their work an accessibility that invites listeners to engage with both the sound and the meaning. Madness employs a collaborative spirit in their songwriting, weaving together diverse perspectives that reflect a broad spectrum of experiences, all set against catchy hooks and lively instrumentation. Commonly exploring themes like nostalgia, love, and urban life, Madness crafts narratives that resonate through vivid imagery and character-driven storytelling. Their tone often oscillates between earnestness and playful sarcasm, creating a sense of relatability amidst the infectious grooves that define their sound.

Full discography

Madness's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

64 releases • 23 albums • 1 EP • 1979–2016
Type:

EPs ()

Work Rest and Play album by Madness

Work Rest and Play

1980

Singles ()

Forever Young album by Madness

Forever Young

2010

Sugar and Spice album by Madness

Sugar and Spice

2009

Dust Devil album by Madness

Dust Devil

2009

NW5 album by Madness

NW5

2008

Sorry album by Madness

Sorry

2007

Girl Why Don't You album by Madness

Girl Why Don't You

2005

Drip Fed Fred album by Madness

Drip Fed Fred

2000

Johnny the Horse album by Madness

Johnny the Horse

1999

Lovestruck album by Madness

Lovestruck

1999

I Pronounce You album by Madness

I Pronounce You

1988

(Waiting For) The Ghost Train album by Madness

(Waiting For) The Ghost Train

1986

Uncle Sam album by Madness

Uncle Sam

1985

Yesterday's Men album by Madness

Yesterday's Men

1985

One Better Day album by Madness

One Better Day

1984

Michael Caine album by Madness

Michael Caine

1984

The Sun and the Rain album by Madness

The Sun and the Rain

1983

Wings of a Dove album by Madness

Wings of a Dove

1983

Madness (Is All in the Mind) album by Madness

Madness (Is All in the Mind)

1983

Tomorrow's (Just Another Day) album by Madness

Tomorrow's (Just Another Day)

1983

Our House album by Madness

Our House

1982

Driving in My Car album by Madness

Driving in My Car

1982

House of Fun album by Madness

House of Fun

1982

Cardiac Arrest album by Madness

Cardiac Arrest

1982

Shut Up album by Madness

Shut Up

1981

Grey Day album by Madness

Grey Day

1981

Embarrassment album by Madness

Embarrassment

1980

Baggy Trousers album by Madness

Baggy Trousers

1980

The Return of the Los Palmas 7 album by Madness

The Return of the Los Palmas 7

1980

My Girl album by Madness

My Girl

1979

One Step Beyond album by Madness

One Step Beyond

1979

The Prince album by Madness

The Prince

1979

Night Boat to Cairo album by Madness

Night Boat to Cairo

1979

Live Albums ()

Live in Germany 1981 album by Madness

Live in Germany 1981

2012

Madstock! album by Madness

Madstock!

1992

Compilations ()

Forever Young – The Ska Collection album by Madness

Forever Young – The Ska Collection

2012

Total Madness – All the Greatest Hits & More! album by Madness

Total Madness – All the Greatest Hits & More!

2009

The Heavy Heavy Hits album by Madness

The Heavy Heavy Hits

1999

Divine Madness album by Madness

Divine Madness

1992

It's… Madness Too album by Madness

It's… Madness Too

1991

Complete Madness album by Madness

Complete Madness

1982

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Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Madness sound like?

Driven by syncopated rhythms and layered brass arrangements, their tracks pulse with contagious energy while maintaining a sense of reflective tension. Rooted in new wave and reggae. Start with Madness.

What is the best Madness album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Madness" (1983). It's the most representative of what makes Madness worth hearing.

Who is Madness for?

If you're into new wave and reggae, Madness is worth your time. Driven by syncopated rhythms and layered brass arrangements, their tracks pulse with contagious energy while maintaining a sense of reflective tension.

How many albums does Madness have?

Madness has 64 releases in their discography, including 23 albums and 1 EP.

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