Lord, we are truly blessed. The full line-up of Madness reunited with original producers Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley on their best batch of songs since The Rise & Fall. Add in sessions at Liam Watson's Toe Rag studios and this is truly manna from heaven.
History has been unkind to Madness. Forever regarded as purveyors of the self-defining, self-created “Nutty Sound”, the North London seven-piece has always had more than one side. There was the Ska-Saturated Madness (circa 1978), the Serious Grown-Up Pop Band Madness (circa 1984-1985) and the Socially Aware Madness (1985-1986).
A pure treat. Madness reform and get right back to their great earlier music. Beautiful story telling, clever lyrics, often wry observations about life, 500 times cleverer than supposed clever but uninspiring dull bands like Radiohead. This is music to make you smile, to pull at heart strings and to live by. Africa is one of the most longing tracks ever.
#9 | / | MOJO |
#28 | / | Uncut |
#47 | / | Q Magazine |