Total Madness The Classic Singles Collection

by Madness

Out on Union Square Records

Get the party started with this album which is jam packed full of hit after hit from a band that always live up to their name. One Step Beyond is the natural starter to this madcap race through the singles of this timeless band. It is followed by another corker, Baggy Trousers, which displays Suggs’ clipped diction over the fast and furious pace of the track. House of Fun highlights the intricacies of the wonderful brass section that always gives that distinct Madness sound. Our House is one of the catchiest tunes ever and everyone simply has to sing along.

My Girl is a short, sharp and bouncy little number and It Must Be Love has some great keyboards.

Wings Of A Dove creates that carnival atmosphere and steel band sound while The Sun And The Rain brings out Suggs’ softer side in a pretty little tune that has a happy vibe. It throws a gossamer sheen over the vocals that is not evident in other Madness songs. It is non stop mayhem in this greatest hits album and to accompany the audio disc, Total Madness also features a DVD of the classic videos.

There are some great harmonies in Grey Day and NW5 has a very different feel again with a strong melody and close harmony backing. I really like this one. It is Madness with a twist. Cardiac Arrest returns to typical Madness mayhem with a xylophone solo.

Just Another Day is a huge orchestral number with a distinct Beatles influence while Bed And Breakfast Man has some lush guitar and the great Michael Cain song has some final examples of Suggs’ lower range of vocals.

Return of the Las Palmas 7 has some glorious sax and The Prince has the early 1970s reggae beat in an Upsetters style, while the song Madness is again a reggae beat with strong sax overlying that rock ‘n’ roll tinge.

This huge walk through time with Madness ends in the epic Night Train To Cairo, the perfect end to a real party album. - Flicky Harrison