Madness

The Profile

Madness are an English ska and pop group formed in Camden in the late 1970s, known for their 1979 debut One Step Beyond... and later hits and albums mixing ska, pop and witty, often satirical lyrics.

Reviews note the band's 1979 breakthrough with One Step Beyond..., praise Mike Barson's keyboard work on early records, describe the 13th album as a three-act concept rock opera, and remark that the band remain active performers with a characteristic ironic/sarcastic style. Dadu's review mentions the bassist 'embarked on a decent solo career'.

Madness are praised for their seminal 1979 debut One Step Beyond... and for retaining energy and irony into later records. Reviews highlight their ska roots, witty/sarcastic lyrics and theatrical ambitions. The 13th album is described as a three-act concept rock opera.