New subscriber here. I've just paused the video whilst you're talking about Absolutely for one reason and one reason only: You've not got to The Liberty Of Norton Folgate yet. What an album. It's the sort of album a 30 year old band simply shouldn't make. I know there are tracks on it that date back to prior to Mike Barson leaving (On The Town), but it fills me with joy to see someone who was into Madness in the early days (and who has a couple of years on me, I was 14 when Complete Madness came out) who properly appreciates the album. For me it's number one. Simply the most complete (small c) Madness album. We all know how great One Step Beyond... is, but that's an album you could only make as a debut, when you're young, the band is tight and know the songs inside out due to gigging and rehearsing. Norton Folgate is the sort of album you make nearly 30 years later when you've lived a bit, seen the world and don't necessarily end your ambition at getting the venue jumping. Except most bands don't pull it off. Madness did with aplomb. Anyway, back to the video. Let's see if you agree with me...
Welcome to the Rambles mate, It was on my 16th birthday I bought Complete Madness (and first heard House of Fun) talk about timing, and Complete Madness is still my fav best of (nostalgia I guess) I love all Madness' albums but The Liberty Of Norton Folgate is their masterpiece, 100%, and it's timeless. The track The Liberty Of Norton Folgate at 15mins long always puts my in a great mood (I can't sit still) cheers pal
Hi Pal, The nutty sound of Madness. The Liberty Of Norton Folgate.... for sure their best. And their 1st album Madness right behind it at number 2. A nice video again. 40 Years ago......we are getting old. Cheers mate
Thanks, Pe Ke, I knew you'd know, and agree with my number one ;) 40 years indeed and yet, they are still gigging like a new band. I'm tempted to go the HOF this year...we'll see! cheers pal
FINALLY! Noone did this before on youtube. And was gonna do it myself soon. You beat me to it. Maybe I’ll still do it myself too soon. Great video as always!
Thanks for the rundown Stripey. I'm one of them that bought the singles at the time - still have them (only thing I have from my childhood). Have most of the Albums on CD but I do have Absolutely on original vinyl and that's still my fave. Enjoy the concert! Matt
as more of a youngster, i can agree a lot with your rankings, i’d place 7 higher though since it’s the one I was introduced to madness with, wonderful stuff, loved the editing
Great list! Picking a favourite is so difficult! At the moment I play Mad not Mad the most🤔 ~ Also I heard you mention that you’ve seen Keep Moving in blue vinyl, I have it and 100% recommend you getting this version as it’s so cool! I saw Madness in December and am seeing them again in June, can’t wait😁✨
The Liberty Of Norton Folgate is a great album and my favourite. 2nd absolutely. 3rd one step beyond. oui oui si si ja ja da da is defenatley worth listening to again.
Ok ok this video was just the greatest …. So come on did you do this video for me lol . I do agre with your list but my favorite is ….. Wow you know this is hard … I did pick one then I changed it . Ok its Keep moving for now lol. But your number 1 I just sent for it about a week ago . But I do know that you love it and I probably will too !!!! > Congratulations < clap clap clap on your shirt going on display well done Stripey !!!! Oh we did get top of the pops and I just loved it a lot . It would be fun to get on DVD . Once again just a top video mate !!! All the best :).
Thanks, matey, glad you enjoyed this list, I can't believe they've been going 40 years. I'm listening to Keep Moving as I write this ;) Glad you have Falgate on order (it's amazing mate). Thank you regarding the 2 Tone shirt, I was chuffed when asked! thanks, Beatle Brad, take it easy
Wow yes 40 years it is so hard to believe that one !!! Great video . You know I just night do a video on the Madness CD win I do get it . Great video mate !!!
Love the Liberty Of Norton Folgate and your right about the title track - it’s a right pick me up . Psychedelic Madness ?😀. We Are London , Rainbows , so many great tracks . Haven’t listened to many of these in a long time.Rise and Fall on listening pile now.Stripey have you any plans for a first play of the current UK No1 album The Specials “Encore” ?
I love The Rise and Fall. I have heard a few tracks from Encore, The Specials 1st number 1. I must give it a proper listen. Glad your enjoying Falgate, Mark, cheers pal
1. Madness 2. 7 3. Absolutely 4. Wonderful 5. The Rise and Fall 6. Keep on Moving 7. The Liberty of Norton Folgate 8. Can't Touch Us Now 9. Mad Not Mad 10. Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da 11. The Dangermen Sessions no. 1 12. The Madness Great video Stripey.
Nice post stripey like the videos you post mate i been a madness/2 Tone fan since 79...when it all kicked off my favorite madness album is absolutely the tracks disappear/ overdone are simply amazing along with the rest of the album probably put one step beyond 2nd and rise and fall 3rd...just started listening to the liberty album pretty decent like the sound of That close 👍
Cheers, Mick, I am a long-time fan also (since Baggy Trousers). I was a Sex Pistols fan before that. I love all Madnesd albums, but Folgate is their masterpiece (in my humble). Keep with it, mate, it grows on you. Cheers pal
Got all the picture disks and 12" records. Just bought the new release keep moving. Love that lp. Probably my favourite lp. The Madness came out again last month and there are a few gems and cracking new liner notes. Wonderful out this month on Lp for the first time
Great review. And Liberty has got to be up there. Difficult choice. I too started my Madness journey back in 79. Saw em Xmas 80 at Leics de mont (superb). Had the first two on vinyl. No vinyl anymore. But have 11 of the cds. With extras on the salvo ones. In fact I’m playing the virgin release of (1999 issue) “Rise & Fall” as I type. Great sound quality……but Ive seen it’s now out on salvo with a load of bonus tracks….so I’ve had to buy it! Such a completist. One of those bands you never fall out of.
I must confess that I haven't listened to the WEE WEE SEE SEE album at all but I have seen a live version of "I Never Knew Your Name," done in Trafalgar Square on video and I think it's a genius song.. Would you believe it only got to no. 88 on the charts but I guess the public didn't take to it as much as I did. And thanks again as I never even knew that they made "My Girl 2," so I'll listen to that a.s.a.p.... Can't wait to hear it.
I know, kinda makes me feel old, I remember One Step Beyond... coming out 1979 wow I am old! Falgate is their Masterpeice but I love most of em. Cheers pal
Can you include Crunch? Or is that cheating? 1. Absolutely 2. Keep on Moving 3. One Step Beyond. 4. Rise & Fall 5. 7 6, The Liberty of Norton Folgate 7. Mad Not Mad 8. The Madness 9. Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da 10 Wonderful
11. Can't Touch Us Now 12. The Dangermen Sessions no. 1 Just to add I love The Madness album, its been a grower for me over the years, "I Pronounce You" "Song in Red" "Nail Down The Days" "4BF"
Haven't heard the album "Wonderfull, " but I will have heard the brilliant single "Love Struck," which got to no. 10 in the charts.. Think they had about 15 to 17 top 10 singles which is phenomenal..
Mr. Apples is ok, I like the song but not mad about it if you can forgive the pun lol.. Will have to take the time to listen to this album "Can't Touch Us Now," if you say its that good.
As far as I am aware it is because of the Sony DADC warehouse burning down during the London riots in 2011. It was the only reissue not on USM/Salvo. Most of the back stock was lost in the fire and EMI didn't press any more. Loads of bands lost their catalogue and back catalogue stock in that fire, including many who could not afford to get them re-pressed. Such a waste. The one good thing is that the whole Madness catalogue is being re-appraised now as so much of it is out of print. Mad Not Mad is already back on vinyl and will hopefully see the light of day on a deluxe CD again soon.
Hello there Stripey! This is my first ever go at RUclips! Can you believe that? My partner and I watch a lot of your videos,we love your taste in music 😊 Are you on Instagram? Sarah 😊
K, my view on the LIberty album.. "We Are London," is catchy but a bit to modern sounding for me.. 6/10.. Sugar and Spice sounds like the old Madness sound returning for me.. a good song 7/10 Forever Young is a nice song but nothing to write home about. 6/10 Not liking Dust Devil at all..5/10, Rainbows is ok, but nothing more than a 6/10 for me.. That close sounds like what would have been a good b - side on their earlier albums which sums up the rest of the songs for me so far.. Sugar and Spice is by far the stand out track so far.. MK II is a nice little melodic song but nothing special.. 6/10 "On The Town," has some lovely clever lyrics but like most of the songs on this album the melodies are not catchy enough as I feel the songs are lacking the magic that was found on the earlier albums. 6/10 Bingo is much the same, a nice song but average at best with nice clever lyrics.. 6/10. "Idiot Child," again sums up this album for me which sounds over produced with very good lyrics.. This song sounds nice but to much going on in it.. 6/10 Africa is bang average, moving on.. 4/10 "NW5," sounds like a return to form her sounding like the madness of old but a little bit over produced in my opinion.. This song is up there with Sugar and Spice.. "Polka," is a good effort, a song which would have been very suitable for Tom Waits to sing on.. It's just a nice song but I'm not wanting to return to it immediately but again, wonderful lyrics.. And finally "The Liberty of Norton Folgate," again sums up this album which is quite lyrically good and entertaining but is suffering from killer melodies which the earlier albums could not be accused of.. This is a good effort though so I'm giving this a 6 1/2 out of 10... Glad I listened to this album and will go back to it another time...
Dear Mads fans did u know there is a another album that was made in 86 but because off break up it was no more : does anyone know more? Rude boy Richie Dublin
Many, if not most of those songs have now been re-worked and recorded by The Nutty Boys (on the Crunch! album), Madness on albums since ad including The Madness and I think Cathal used a few bits on his solo album. I am not sure if any of Suggs' solo albums included tracks from those aborted sessions, but I think (and I can never get the title right) Green Eyes, or Brown Eyes was originally work in progress for Madness. Incidentally they never actually made the album. They aborted it during the pre-production songwriting and demos process and split up.
Thanks buddy, i never knew about this final live appearance on TOTP's Just watched this line where the guitar and base player flipped their instruments to reveal the words "The End," which did finally see the end of Madness. ruclips.net/video/0sqAtBi9j68/видео.html
Just had a listen to your no. 12 ranked Madness album and I must say that the only song I liked was "Good Boy," so far.. It sounds way over produced like a band trying to be somebody else but not succeeding.. It just doesn't sound like Madness at all with to much technical sounds going on in the background.. I'll give that album a miss, maybe play it from time to time but it's got nothing for me at the moment.
I must be missing some regarding Madness. Their music is comical as is stage act. Reminds me of the Baron knights a bit. I am afraid i cant take them seriously.
Mate you are so wrong. Subjects for hit singles: Mixed race children born out of wedlock (to use old phraseology); Depression; Stress, illness, heart attacks caused by work related stress; Condoms and the age old problem of getting hold of them to avoid the first subject; The joy and stress of family life as a kid growing up; Isolation; Apartheid; IRA informants and witness protection schemes related to them; American domination of UK policy and war mongering; Arranged and/or forced marriage; A homeless person being murdered on the streets of London for kicks. If I moved onto album tracks it gets a lot lot deeper and darker: Youth crime and institutionalisation; The perils of sex without contraception and STDs; Being wrongfully imprisoned; Contraception again; The running down of the NHS; Rent boys and child abuse; Soldiers sent to their deaths in meaningless political wars; The selling off of every decent asset Britain ever had; The House of Lords; Media manipulation; The murder of Marvin Gaye; Racism in America specifically the Ku Klux Klan Domestic violence and child abuse. Not many laughs in there and I've only given subject matter from the first 7 albums up to and including The Madness. Madness had a knack of getting serious topics to the top of the charts without getting radio and TV bans (with the exception of Cardiac Arrest. Even that one would have slipped through the net had they used its original title, which I think was 'Seven Letters').
Whilst I appreciated your effort doing this, what I don’t understand is why do lists like this if you can’t even be bothered to listen to certain albums. Kind of defeats the object of the whole thing
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
New subscriber here. I've just paused the video whilst you're talking about Absolutely for one reason and one reason only: You've not got to The Liberty Of Norton Folgate yet. What an album.
It's the sort of album a 30 year old band simply shouldn't make. I know there are tracks on it that date back to prior to Mike Barson leaving (On The Town), but it fills me with joy to see someone who was into Madness in the early days (and who has a couple of years on me, I was 14 when Complete Madness came out) who properly appreciates the album.
For me it's number one. Simply the most complete (small c) Madness album. We all know how great One Step Beyond... is, but that's an album you could only make as a debut, when you're young, the band is tight and know the songs inside out due to gigging and rehearsing.
Norton Folgate is the sort of album you make nearly 30 years later when you've lived a bit, seen the world and don't necessarily end your ambition at getting the venue jumping. Except most bands don't pull it off. Madness did with aplomb.
Anyway, back to the video. Let's see if you agree with me...
Welcome to the Rambles mate,
It was on my 16th birthday I bought Complete Madness (and first heard House of Fun) talk about timing, and Complete Madness is still my fav best of (nostalgia I guess)
I love all Madness' albums but The Liberty Of Norton Folgate is their masterpiece, 100%, and it's timeless. The track The Liberty Of Norton Folgate at 15mins long always puts my in a great mood (I can't sit still)
cheers pal
Hi Pal,
The nutty sound of Madness.
The Liberty Of Norton Folgate.... for sure their best.
And their 1st album Madness right behind it at number 2.
A nice video again. 40 Years ago......we are getting old.
Cheers mate
Thanks, Pe Ke, I knew you'd know, and agree with my number one ;) 40 years indeed and yet, they are still gigging like a new band. I'm tempted to go the HOF this year...we'll see! cheers pal
FINALLY! Noone did this before on youtube. And was gonna do it myself soon. You beat me to it. Maybe I’ll still do it myself too soon. Great video as always!
Thank you, I thought it'd be appropriate with the 40 years anniversary.
Thanks for the rundown Stripey. I'm one of them that bought the singles at the time - still have them (only thing I have from my childhood). Have most of the Albums on CD but I do have Absolutely on original vinyl and that's still my fave. Enjoy the concert! Matt
Cheers, Matt, Absolutely is amazing and nice one for keeping all the singles all three years (so wish I did) thanks for watching pal
I enjoyed your this video. Love a bit of Madness!😎
as more of a youngster, i can agree a lot with your rankings, i’d place 7 higher though since it’s the one I was introduced to madness with, wonderful stuff, loved the editing
Great list! Picking a favourite is so difficult! At the moment I play Mad not Mad the most🤔 ~ Also I heard you mention that you’ve seen Keep Moving in blue vinyl, I have it and 100% recommend you getting this version as it’s so cool! I saw Madness in December and am seeing them again in June, can’t wait😁✨
I'm really gonna have to give these guys a listen!!
The Liberty Of Norton Folgate is a great album and my favourite. 2nd absolutely. 3rd one step beyond. oui oui si si ja ja da da is defenatley worth listening to again.
Ok ok this video was just the greatest …. So come on did you do this video for me lol . I do agre with your list but my favorite is ….. Wow you know this is hard … I did pick one then I changed it . Ok its Keep moving for now lol. But your number 1 I just sent for it about a week ago . But I do know that you love it and I probably will too !!!! > Congratulations < clap clap clap on your shirt going on display well done Stripey !!!! Oh we did get top of the pops and I just loved it a lot . It would be fun to get on DVD . Once again just a top video mate !!! All the best :).
Thanks, matey, glad you enjoyed this list, I can't believe they've been going 40 years. I'm listening to Keep Moving as I write this ;) Glad you have Falgate on order (it's amazing mate). Thank you regarding the 2 Tone shirt, I was chuffed when asked! thanks, Beatle Brad, take it easy
Wow yes 40 years it is so hard to believe that one !!! Great video . You know I just night do a video on the Madness CD win I do get it . Great video mate !!!
Love the Liberty Of Norton Folgate and your right about the title track - it’s a right pick me up . Psychedelic Madness ?😀. We Are London , Rainbows , so many great tracks . Haven’t listened to many of these in a long time.Rise and Fall on listening pile now.Stripey have you any plans for a first play of the current UK No1 album The Specials “Encore” ?
I love The Rise and Fall. I have heard a few tracks from Encore, The Specials 1st number 1. I must give it a proper listen. Glad your enjoying Falgate, Mark, cheers pal
1. Madness
2. 7
3. Absolutely
4. Wonderful
5. The Rise and Fall
6. Keep on Moving
7. The Liberty of Norton Folgate
8. Can't Touch Us Now
9. Mad Not Mad
10. Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da
11. The Dangermen Sessions no. 1
12. The Madness
Great video Stripey.
Nice post stripey like the videos you post mate i been a madness/2 Tone fan since 79...when it all kicked off my favorite madness album is absolutely the tracks disappear/ overdone are simply amazing along with the rest of the album probably put one step beyond 2nd and rise and fall 3rd...just started listening to the liberty album pretty decent like the sound of That close 👍
Cheers, Mick, I am a long-time fan also (since Baggy Trousers). I was a Sex Pistols fan before that. I love all Madnesd albums, but Folgate is their masterpiece (in my humble).
Keep with it, mate,
it grows on you.
Cheers pal
@@StripeyR will do mate 👍
Got all the picture disks and 12" records. Just bought the new release keep moving. Love that lp. Probably my favourite lp. The Madness came out again last month and there are a few gems and cracking new liner notes. Wonderful out this month on Lp for the first time
I could never compare any of the later albums with the early Madness album so I'll have to listen to this Liberty album now then give you my opinion..
Great review. And Liberty has got to be up there. Difficult choice. I too started my Madness journey back in 79. Saw em Xmas 80 at Leics de mont (superb).
Had the first two on vinyl. No vinyl anymore. But have 11 of the cds. With extras on the salvo ones. In fact I’m playing the virgin release of (1999 issue) “Rise & Fall” as I type. Great sound quality……but Ive seen it’s now out on salvo with a load of bonus tracks….so I’ve had to buy it! Such a completist. One of those bands you never fall out of.
Great Video Stripey, Where did you get the T Shirt from mate ?
Cheers pal, I designed it myself Declan
I must confess that I haven't listened to the WEE WEE SEE SEE album at all but I have seen a live version of "I Never Knew Your Name," done in Trafalgar Square on video and I think it's a genius song.. Would you believe it only got to no. 88 on the charts but I guess the public didn't take to it as much as I did. And thanks again as I never even knew that they made "My Girl 2," so I'll listen to that a.s.a.p.... Can't wait to hear it.
Same as you stripey folgate forever !! Looove it
Would you be interested in get any led zeppelin vinyl? would also love to see first plays for oasis definitely maybe and the smiths self titled album
I intend to listen to some Zeppelin (I know the classics) and of course Oasis the first three albums are a must. cheers, Max
40 years?! No way. Nice to see Folgate at numero 1.
I know, kinda makes me feel old, I remember One Step Beyond... coming out 1979 wow I am old! Falgate is their Masterpeice but I love most of em. Cheers pal
Can you include Crunch? Or is that cheating?
1. Absolutely
2. Keep on Moving
3. One Step Beyond.
4. Rise & Fall
5. 7
6, The Liberty of Norton Folgate
7. Mad Not Mad
8. The Madness
9. Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da
10 Wonderful
11. Can't Touch Us Now
12. The Dangermen Sessions no. 1
Just to add I love The Madness album, its been a grower for me over the years, "I Pronounce You" "Song in Red" "Nail Down The Days" "4BF"
Crunch is awesome, so is The Madness, I love basically all tracks of both albums - severely underrated
Haven't heard the album "Wonderfull, " but I will have heard the brilliant single "Love Struck," which got to no. 10 in the charts.. Think they had about 15 to 17 top 10 singles which is phenomenal..
waiting for the ghost train was a single only. mad not mad is hard going
Hi mate,no competition has to be Liberty of Norton Colgate.Its brilliant,not a bad track.Ten out of ten.Cheers
You've got to have one in last place but "The Madness" is a great album with some cracking songs on it.
It's my least played, Neil, but since having it on vinyl, it's growing on me.
Cheers pal 👍
Mr. Apples is ok, I like the song but not mad about it if you can forgive the pun lol.. Will have to take the time to listen to this album "Can't Touch Us Now," if you say its that good.
Why does the 2 CD 1 DVD Deluxe re-issue of Mad Not Mad command such a high price. Did they not press many copies?
As far as I am aware it is because of the Sony DADC warehouse burning down during the London riots in 2011. It was the only reissue not on USM/Salvo. Most of the back stock was lost in the fire and EMI didn't press any more. Loads of bands lost their catalogue and back catalogue stock in that fire, including many who could not afford to get them re-pressed.
Such a waste.
The one good thing is that the whole Madness catalogue is being re-appraised now as so much of it is out of print. Mad Not Mad is already back on vinyl and will hopefully see the light of day on a deluxe CD again soon.
Hello there Stripey!
This is my first ever go at RUclips! Can you believe that? My partner and I watch a lot of your videos,we love your taste in music 😊
Are you on Instagram?
Sarah 😊
Hello, Sarah, first off, thank you glad you guys have good taste in music :) and yes I have instagram but haven't posted in ages stripey66
K, my view on the LIberty album.. "We Are London," is catchy but a bit to modern sounding for me.. 6/10.. Sugar and Spice sounds like the old Madness sound returning for me.. a good song 7/10 Forever Young is a nice song but nothing to write home about. 6/10 Not liking Dust Devil at all..5/10, Rainbows is ok, but nothing more than a 6/10 for me.. That close sounds like what would have been a good b - side on their earlier albums which sums up the rest of the songs for me so far.. Sugar and Spice is by far the stand out track so far..
MK II is a nice little melodic song but nothing special.. 6/10 "On The Town," has some lovely clever lyrics but like most of the songs on this album the melodies are not catchy enough as I feel the songs are lacking the magic that was found on the earlier albums. 6/10
Bingo is much the same, a nice song but average at best with nice clever lyrics.. 6/10.
"Idiot Child," again sums up this album for me which sounds over produced with very good lyrics.. This song sounds nice but to much going on in it.. 6/10 Africa is bang average, moving on.. 4/10 "NW5," sounds like a return to form her sounding like the madness of old but a little bit over produced in my opinion.. This song is up there with Sugar and Spice.. "Polka," is a good effort, a song which would have been very suitable for Tom Waits to sing on.. It's just a nice song but I'm not wanting to return to it immediately but again, wonderful lyrics.. And finally "The Liberty of Norton Folgate," again sums up this album which is quite lyrically good and entertaining but is suffering from killer melodies which the earlier albums could not be accused of.. This is a good effort though so I'm giving this a 6 1/2 out of 10...
Glad I listened to this album and will go back to it another time...
Dear Mads fans did u know there is a another album that was made in 86 but because off break up it was no more : does anyone know more? Rude boy Richie Dublin
Many, if not most of those songs have now been re-worked and recorded by The Nutty Boys (on the Crunch! album), Madness on albums since ad including The Madness and I think Cathal used a few bits on his solo album. I am not sure if any of Suggs' solo albums included tracks from those aborted sessions, but I think (and I can never get the title right) Green Eyes, or Brown Eyes was originally work in progress for Madness.
Incidentally they never actually made the album. They aborted it during the pre-production songwriting and demos process and split up.
Thanks buddy, i never knew about this final live appearance on TOTP's
Just watched this line where the guitar and base player flipped their instruments to reveal the words "The End," which did finally see the end of Madness. ruclips.net/video/0sqAtBi9j68/видео.html
Just had a listen to your no. 12 ranked Madness album and I must say that the only song I liked was "Good Boy," so far.. It sounds way over produced like a band trying to be somebody else but not succeeding.. It just doesn't sound like Madness at all with to much technical sounds going on in the background.. I'll give that album a miss, maybe play it from time to time but it's got nothing for me at the moment.
Oui oui album is much better in the live version CD boxset at Butlins weekender
I must be missing some regarding Madness. Their music is comical as is stage act. Reminds me of the Baron knights a bit. I am afraid i cant take them seriously.
Mate you are so wrong. Subjects for hit singles:
Mixed race children born out of wedlock (to use old phraseology);
Depression;
Stress, illness, heart attacks caused by work related stress;
Condoms and the age old problem of getting hold of them to avoid the first subject;
The joy and stress of family life as a kid growing up;
Isolation;
Apartheid;
IRA informants and witness protection schemes related to them;
American domination of UK policy and war mongering;
Arranged and/or forced marriage;
A homeless person being murdered on the streets of London for kicks.
If I moved onto album tracks it gets a lot lot deeper and darker:
Youth crime and institutionalisation;
The perils of sex without contraception and STDs;
Being wrongfully imprisoned;
Contraception again;
The running down of the NHS;
Rent boys and child abuse;
Soldiers sent to their deaths in meaningless political wars;
The selling off of every decent asset Britain ever had;
The House of Lords;
Media manipulation;
The murder of Marvin Gaye;
Racism in America specifically the Ku Klux Klan
Domestic violence and child abuse.
Not many laughs in there and I've only given subject matter from the first 7 albums up to and including The Madness.
Madness had a knack of getting serious topics to the top of the charts without getting radio and TV bans (with the exception of Cardiac Arrest. Even that one would have slipped through the net had they used its original title, which I think was 'Seven Letters').
Whilst I appreciated your effort doing this, what I don’t understand is why do lists like this if you can’t even be bothered to listen to certain albums. Kind of defeats the object of the whole thing