Madness Discography (1979 2005) [mp3@VBR]

Madness Discography (1979-2005): A Complete Guide to the Legendary Ska Band

Madness are an English ska band from Camden Town, London, that formed in 1976. One of the most prominent bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s 2 Tone ska revival, they continue to perform with their most recognised line-up of seven members. Madness achieved most of their success in the early to mid 1980s. Both Madness and UB40 spent 214 weeks on the UK singles charts over the course of the decade, holding the record for most weeks spent by a group in the 1980s UK singles charts. However, Madness achieved this in a shorter time period (1980–1986).

In this article, we will explore the Madness discography (1979-2005), which comprises twelve studio albums, sixteen compilation albums, four live albums, two soundtrack albums, two extended plays, four box sets and forty-three singles. We will also provide you with links to download their discography in high quality MP3 format.

Studio Albums

Madness released their first studio album, One Step Beyond…, in October 1979 on Stiff Records. The album was produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, who would become their long-time collaborators. The album featured their signature song, “One Step Beyond”, which was a cover of a Prince Buster instrumental. The album reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and was certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).

Their second album, Absolutely, was released in September 1980 on Stiff Records. The album contained some of their most popular songs, such as “Baggy Trousers”, “Embarrassment” and “The Return of the Los Palmas 7”. The album peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart and was also certified platinum by the BPI.

Their third album, 7, was released in October 1981 on Stiff Records. The album marked a slight change in their musical direction, as they experimented with pop, soul and reggae influences. The album included the hits “Cardiac Arrest”, “Shut Up” and “It Must Be Love”, which was a cover of a Labi Siffre song. The album reached number five on the UK Albums Chart and was certified gold by the BPI.

Their fourth album, The Rise & Fall, was released in November 1982 on Stiff Records. The album was considered their most ambitious and mature work, as they tackled social and political issues with a more sophisticated musical style. The album featured their biggest hit, “Our House”, which reached number five on the UK Singles Chart and number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100. The album also contained the classics “House of Fun”, “Tomorrow’s Just Another Day” and “Primrose Hill”. The album peaked at number ten on the UK Albums Chart and was certified gold by the BPI.

Their fifth album, Keep Moving, was released in February 1984 on Stiff Records. The album continued their musical evolution, as they incorporated more elements of jazz, folk and Motown into their sound. The album included the singles “Wings of a Dove”, “Michael Caine” and “One Better Day”. The album reached number six on the UK Albums Chart and was certified silver by the BPI.

Their sixth album, Mad Not Mad, was released in September 1985 on Zarjazz Records, a label founded by Madness saxophonist Lee Thompson. The album was recorded without keyboardist Mike Barson, who had left the band in 1984. The album received mixed reviews from critics and fans, as it lacked the energy and humour of their previous albums. The album featured the singles “Yesterday’s Men”, “Uncle Sam” and “Sweetest Girl”. The album peaked at number sixteen on the UK Albums Chart and was certified silver by the BPI.

Their seventh album, The Madness, was released in May 1988 on Virgin Records under the name of The Madness. The album was recorded by a four-piece line-up of Suggs, Chas Smash, Chris Foreman and Lee Thompson, after Mark Bedford, Daniel Woodgate and Mike Barson had left or rejoined the band. The album was a commercial failure, as it only reached number sixty-five on the UK Albums Chart and spawned no hit singles.

Their eighth album, Wonderful, was released in November 1999 on Virgin Records. The album marked their comeback after a decade of hiatus and reunions. The album featured all seven original members of Madness and was produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley. The album received positive reviews from critics and fans, as it recaptured their classic sound and spirit. The album included the singles “Lovestruck”, “Johnny the Horse” and “Drip Fed Fred”. The album peaked at number seventeen on the UK Albums Chart.

Their ninth album, The Dangermen Sessions Vol. 1

, was released in August 2005 on V2 Records. The album was a cover album, featuring songs by artists such as Prince Buster, Desmond Dekker, Bob Marley and The Kinks. The album was produced by Dennis Bovell, who had worked with Madness on their debut album. The album included the singles “Shame & Scandal” and “Girl Why Don’t You?”. The album reached number eleven on the UK Albums Chart.

Their tenth album, The Liberty of Norton Folgate, was released in May 2009 on Lucky Seven Records. The album was a concept album, inspired by the history and culture of London. The album was co-produced by Clive Langer and Liam Watson, who had worked with The White Stripes and The Zutons. The album featured the singles “NW5”, “Dust Devil” and “Sugar and Spice”. The album received critical acclaim and reached number five on the UK Albums Chart, their highest position since 1982.

Their eleventh album, Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da, was released in October 2012 on Lucky Seven Records. The album was a collection of songs that had been written over the years but never recorded or released. The album was produced by Clive Langer and Charlie Andrew, who had worked with Alt-J and Bloc Party. The album included the singles “My Girl 2”, “Never Knew Your Name” and “How Can I Tell You?”. The album peaked at number ten on the UK Albums Chart.

Their twelfth and latest album, Can’t Touch Us Now, was released in October 2016 on Lucky Seven Records. The album was recorded as a six-piece band, after saxophonist Lee Thompson had left the group due to health issues. The album was produced by Clive Langer and Liam Watson. The album featured the singles “Mr. Apples”, “Herbert” and “Can’t Touch Us Now”. The album reached number five on the UK Albums Chart.

Compilation Albums

Madness have released sixteen compilation albums over the years, featuring their greatest hits, rare tracks, remixes and live recordings. Some of their most notable compilation albums are:

Complete Madness (1982): A compilation of their singles from 1979 to 1982, plus two new songs: “House of Fun” and “Wings of a Dove”. The album reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and was certified platinum by the BPI.
Divine Madness (1992): A compilation of their singles from 1979 to 1991, plus one new song: “The Sweetest Girl”. The album reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and was certified three times platinum by the BPI.
Our House: The Original Songs (2002): A compilation of their original songs that were used in the musical Our House, based on their music and lyrics. The album reached number forty-five on the UK Albums Chart and was certified silver by the BPI.
Total Madness (2009): A compilation of their singles from 1979 to 2008, plus two new songs: “NW5” and “Forever Young”. The album reached number eleven on the UK Albums Chart.

Live Albums

Madness have released four live albums, capturing their energetic and entertaining performances on stage. Some of their most notable live albums are:

Dance Craze (1981): A live album featuring various ska bands from the 2 Tone label, including Madness, The Specials, The Selecter and The Beat. The album reached number five on the UK Albums Chart.
Madstock! (1992): A live album recorded at Finsbury Park in London in August 1992, where Madness reunited for two concerts after six years of hiatus. The album reached number twenty-two on the UK Albums Chart.
The Dangermen Sessions Vol. 1 (2006): A live CD given away with copies of The Mail on Sunday newspaper in September 2006, featuring songs from their cover album of the same name.

Soundtrack Albums

Madness have released two soundtrack albums, featuring songs from films or musicals based on their music. Their soundtrack albums are:

Take It Or Leave It (2013): A soundtrack album featuring songs from their 1981 film of the same name, which documented their early days as a band. The album reached number seventy-seven on the UK Albums Chart.
The Get Up! (2022): A soundtrack album featuring songs from their upcoming film of the same name, which is a comedy about a fictional ska band inspired by Madness. The album reached number ninety-seven on the UK Albums Chart.