Madness, the iconic British ska band, has been entertaining audiences for over four decades with their unique blend of ska, reggae, and pop music. Their catchy tunes and high-energy performances have won them legions of fans across the globe. With a discography spanning over 12 studio albums, there is no shortage of great Madness songs to choose from.
But which Madness songs are the best of the best? In this article, we will be delving deep into the band’s back catalog to highlight their most beloved and enduring tracks.
From their early hits such as “One Step Beyond” and “Baggy Trousers” to their more recent releases like “Mr. Apples” and “Bullingdon Boys,” we will be exploring the full range of Madness’s musical output. We will examine the lyrics, the melodies, and the cultural context that made these songs so special to their fans.
Whether you’re a die-hard Madness fan or a casual listener, this article will provide an insightful and entertaining journey through some of the best songs in the band’s extensive discography. So sit back, turn up the volume, and get ready to skank along as we countdown the top Madness songs of all time.
1. The Prince
“The Prince” is a classic ska-punk song by the British band Madness, released in 1979 as the B-side to their hit single “One Step Beyond.” The song is characterized by its driving bassline, upbeat horns, and catchy chorus, which exclaims “Oh, he’s gonna buy some land, he’s gonna buy some land!”
The lyrics of “The Prince” tell the story of a working-class man who dreams of becoming a wealthy landowner and marrying into royalty. The song’s protagonist is ambitious, but ultimately unfulfilled, as he remains trapped in his lowly social status. The lyrics touch on themes of social mobility, class consciousness, and the allure of wealth and status.
Musically, “The Prince” is a quintessential Madness song, featuring the band’s signature blend of ska, pop, and punk influences. The song’s infectious melody and upbeat tempo make it a fan favorite and a staple of Madness’s live performances.
Overall, “The Prince” is a timeless anthem of youthful ambition and social commentary, showcasing Madness’s unique musical style and lyrical with.
2. My Girl
“My Girl” is a classic pop-soul song originally recorded by The Temptations in 1964. Written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, the song became an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Motown’s most iconic songs.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is head-over-heels in love with his girl, describing her as “talkin’ sweet like candy to my soul” and “the sunshine of [his] life.” The song’s catchy melody, driving beat, and memorable chorus make it an enduring classic, and its romantic sentiment has made it a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions.
Beyond its musical appeal, “My Girl” is also significant for its place in the history of Motown and R&B music. The song was a breakthrough hit for The Temptations and helped to establish Motown as a major force in the music industry.
Over the years, “My Girl” has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials. Its timeless appeal and universal message of love and devotion have ensured its enduring popularity and its place as a beloved classic of American popular music.
3. Embarrassment
“Embarrassment” is a ska-pop song by the British band Madness, released in 1980 as a single from their second album, “Absolutely.” The song was written by band members Lee Thompson and Mike Barson, and features a catchy melody and upbeat horn section, typical of Madness’s signature sound.
The lyrics of “Embarrassment” tell the story of a young woman who becomes pregnant out of wedlock, causing shame and embarrassment for her family and community. The song touches on themes of social stigma, moral judgment, and the pressures of conformity. Despite its serious subject matter, the song remains upbeat and danceable, and its catchy chorus has made it a fan favorite.
Beyond its musical and lyrical appeal, “Embarrassment” is also significant for its place in the history of ska music. The song helped to popularize the ska revival movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s, and established Madness as one of the leading bands of the genre.
Over the years, “Embarrassment” has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials. Its enduring popularity and its socially conscious message have ensured its place as a classic of British pop music.
4. A Day on the Town
“A Day on the Town” is a song by the British rock band Madness, released in 1983 as a single from their album “The Rise and Fall.” The song was written by band member Chris Foreman and features a catchy pop melody, upbeat horns, and lively piano riffs.
The lyrics of “A Day on the Town” tell the story of a group of friends who go out on the town for a day of fun and adventure. The song describes their escapades, including drinking, dancing, and carousing, with the chorus proclaiming “What a day, what a day, to take to a day in the city.”
Musically, “A Day on the Town” is a quintessential Madness song, featuring the band’s signature blend of ska, pop, and rock influences. The song’s lively tempo, catchy melody, and upbeat horns make it a fan favorite, and its infectious chorus has made it a staple of Madness’s live performances.
Overall, “A Day on the Town” is a fun and lively ode to the joys of urban adventure, showcasing Madness’s unique musical style and lyrical wit. Its upbeat energy and catchy melody have made it a classic of British pop music and a beloved favorite of Madness fans.
5. It Must Be Love
“It Must Be Love” is a romantic pop song originally recorded by Labi Siffre in 1971, and later covered by the British band Madness in 1981. The Madness version of the song became a massive hit, reaching number 4 on the UK singles chart, and cementing the band’s reputation as one of the most popular and successful groups of the 1980s.
The song’s lyrics describe the feelings of being in love, with lines like “I never thought I’d see the day when I’d feel my heart and I’d say, ‘Oh, it must be love, love, love.'” The song’s catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and joyful horns make it an enduring classic of British pop music.
Beyond its musical appeal, “It Must Be Love” is also significant for its place in the history of Madness and ska music. The song helped to broaden Madness’s audience beyond their traditional ska-punk base, and established them as a mainstream pop act. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and has been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Overall, “It Must Be Love” is a timeless classic of British pop music, with its catchy melody, joyful horns, and romantic lyrics capturing the joy and magic of being in love. Its enduring popularity has ensured its place as a beloved favorite of music fans around the world.
6. Our House
“Our House” is a classic pop song by the British band Madness, released in 1982 as a single from their album “The Rise and Fall.” The song was written by band member Chris Foreman and features a catchy melody, driving beat, and a memorable chorus, making it one of the band’s most popular and enduring hits.
The lyrics of “Our House” describe the everyday events and routines of a typical family, as seen through the eyes of a child. The song celebrates the joy and warmth of family life, with lines like “Our house, in the middle of our street, our house, that was where we used to sleep.”
Musically, “Our House” is a quintessential Madness song, featuring the band’s unique blend of ska, pop, and rock influences. The song’s catchy melody, driving beat, and infectious horn section make it an irresistible dance-floor filler, and its upbeat energy has made it a crowd favorite at Madness’s live shows.
Beyond its musical and lyrical appeal, “Our House” is also significant for its place in the history of British pop music. The song helped to establish Madness as one of the most popular and successful bands of the 1980s, and remains a beloved classic of British pop music to this day.
Overall, “Our House” is a timeless celebration of family, home, and community, with its catchy melody and joyful energy capturing the essence of Madness’s unique musical style. Its enduring popularity has ensured its place as a beloved favorite of music fans around the world.
7. The Sun and the Rain
“The Sun and the Rain” is a song by the British ska-pop band Madness, released in 1983 as a single from their album “The Rise and Fall.” The song was written by Madness band member Mike Barson and features a catchy chorus, driving bassline, and a memorable saxophone riff.
The lyrics of “The Sun and the Rain” describe the ups and downs of life, with the sun representing happiness and the rain representing sadness. The song’s chorus declares, “The sun and the rain, the sun and the rain, they’re both in my face.” The song also touches on themes of perseverance and resilience, with lines like “Sometimes I think I’ll pack it in and buy a pick-up, take it down to LA.”
Musically, “The Sun and the Rain” is a quintessential Madness song, featuring the band’s signature blend of ska, pop, and rock influences. The song’s catchy melody, driving beat, and energetic horns make it an instant classic, and its upbeat energy has made it a crowd favorite at Madness’s live shows.
Beyond its musical appeal, “The Sun and the Rain” is also significant for its place in the history of Madness and ska music. The song helped to cement Madness’s reputation as one of the most popular and successful bands of the 1980s, and remains a beloved classic of British pop music to this day.
Overall, “The Sun and the Rain” is a powerful and uplifting anthem about the ups and downs of life, showcasing Madness’s unique musical style and lyrical depth. Its catchy melody, driving beat, and memorable chorus have made it a beloved favorite of Madness fans and music lovers around the world.
8. One Better Day
“One Better Day” is a song by the British ska-pop band Madness, released in 1984 as a single from their album “Keep Moving.” The song was written by Madness band member Mike Barson and features a catchy melody, uplifting horns, and a memorable chorus.
The lyrics of “One Better Day” describe the struggles of everyday life, with the narrator longing for a day that’s just a little bit better than the one before. The song’s chorus declares, “One better day, one better day, it’s better than nothing, and nothing’s enough.” The song touches on themes of hope, perseverance, and the power of small victories in the face of adversity.
Musically, “One Better Day” is a quintessential Madness song, featuring the band’s unique blend of ska, pop, and rock influences. The song’s upbeat tempo, driving beat, and joyful horns make it an irresistible dance-floor filler, and its positive energy has made it a crowd favorite at Madness’s live shows.
Beyond its musical appeal, “One Better Day” is also significant for its place in the history of Madness and ska music. The song helped to establish Madness as one of the most popular and successful bands of the 1980s, and remains a beloved classic of British pop music to this day.
Overall, “One Better Day” is a powerful and uplifting anthem about the power of hope and perseverance, showcasing Madness’s unique musical style and lyrical depth. Its catchy melody, joyful horns, and memorable chorus have made it a beloved favorite of Madness fans and music lovers around the world.
9. Drip Fed Fred
“Drip Fed Fred” is a song by the British ska-pop band Madness, released in 1999 as a single from their album “Wonderful.” The song was written by Madness band members Suggs and Mike Barson and features a dark and moody melody, driven by a haunting bassline and punctuated by eerie synths and guitar riffs.
The lyrics of “Drip Fed Fred” describe the disturbing thoughts and actions of a disturbed and violent character named Fred, who is “drip-fed on fear and hate.” The song touches on themes of mental illness, social alienation, and the dangerous consequences of a society that fails to provide proper care and support to those in need.
Musically, “Drip Fed Fred” is a departure from Madness’s more upbeat and danceable tracks, featuring a brooding and atmospheric sound that reflects the darkness and menace of the song’s subject matter. The song’s haunting melody and atmospheric instrumentation create a mood of foreboding and unease that sets it apart from Madness’s more lighthearted hits.
Beyond its musical and lyrical appeal, “Drip Fed Fred” is also significant for its place in the evolution of Madness’s sound and style. The song demonstrates the band’s willingness to experiment with darker and more complex themes, while still retaining their signature ska-pop sensibility.
Overall, “Drip Fed Fred” is a powerful and thought-provoking song that showcases Madness’s versatility as a band and their willingness to explore new musical and thematic territory. Its haunting melody, atmospheric instrumentation, and provocative lyrics have made it a beloved favorite of Madness fans and a standout track in the band’s extensive catalogue.
10. The Liberty of Norton Folgate
“The Liberty of Norton Folgate” is a song by the British ska-pop band Madness, released in 2009 as the title track of their album of the same name. The song was written by Madness band member Suggs and features a sweeping orchestral arrangement, intricate harmonies, and a driving beat.
The lyrics of “The Liberty of Norton Folgate” describe the history and culture of a neighborhood in East London, named Norton Folgate. The song celebrates the unique character and diversity of the area, touching on themes of community, identity, and the passage of time.
Musically, “The Liberty of Norton Folgate” is a departure from Madness’s more traditional ska-pop sound, featuring a more grand and ambitious arrangement that incorporates elements of orchestral and choral music. The song’s intricate harmonies, soaring strings, and driving percussion create a sense of grandeur and drama that reflects the historical and cultural importance of the Norton Folgate area.
Beyond its musical and lyrical appeal, “The Liberty of Norton Folgate” is also significant for its place in the evolution of Madness as a band. The song demonstrates the band’s willingness to experiment with new musical styles and arrangements, while still retaining their signature sound and lyrical depth.
Overall, “The Liberty of Norton Folgate” is a powerful and evocative song that showcases Madness’s musical and lyrical prowess. Its grand and ambitious arrangement, intricate harmonies, and heartfelt lyrics have made it a beloved favorite of Madness fans and a standout track in the band’s extensive catalogue.
April Johnson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
