Wonderful (Expanded Edition)

The 2023 Wonderful (Expanded Edition) by Madness stands as a carefully curated reissue of the band’s 1999 studio album, Wonderful, released on September 22, 2023. This expanded edition arrives as a 2CD set, thoughtfully assembled for dedicated fans, collectors, and new listeners curious about the band’s rich musical legacy. The release offers not only the original 11-track album but also 14 additional tracks on a second disc, including B-sides, alternate versions, and selections from the Our House musical, enriching the listening experience with rare and lesser-known material.

When Wonderful was first released on November 1, 1999, it marked a significant return for Madness, their first studio album in 14 years since 1985’s Mad Not Mad, and the first to feature the classic seven-member lineup since Keep Moving in 1984. The album reunited the band with longtime producers Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, capturing the nostalgic essence of their earlier work. Commercially, Wonderful reached number 17 on the UK Albums Chart and was widely viewed as a successful comeback. Singles such as “Lovestruck,” “Johnny the Horse,” and “Drip Fed Fred” (featuring the late Ian Dury) garnered radio play and critical attention. Notably, “Drip Fed Fred” was among Ian Dury’s final recorded appearances before his passing in 2000, adding emotional weight to the track.

The 2023 expanded reissue retains the original album on CD1, preserving its core sound and structure, while CD2 delves deeper into the band’s output during that era. This second disc is a treasure trove for fans, offering alternate versions like the radio edit of “Johnny the Horse” and the single version of “Drip Fed Fred,” along with B-sides that didn’t make the original cut. What may surprise and delight many is the inclusion of songs from the Our House musical, such as “It Must Be Love” and “You’re Wonderful,” bridging Madness’s work in pop music with their ventures into musical theatre. This theatrical crossover adds an extra dimension to the band’s artistic narrative, highlighting their versatility and influence beyond the studio.

In addition to the music, the 2023 edition is enhanced by brand new liner notes that feature interviews with band members Lee Thompson, Chris Foreman, Mark Bedford, Cathal Smyth, and Daniel Woodgate. Conducted by respected music journalist Stevie Chick, these interviews offer behind-the-scenes insights and personal reflections on the album’s creation, the reunion period, and the broader Madness story. These notes provide valuable context, making the package not just a listening experience but also a historical document for those interested in the band’s evolution.

While contemporary reviews of the expanded edition are limited, the original album received generally positive acclaim. AllMusic awarded it four out of five stars, calling it “a pretty successful return,” while BBC reviewer Chris Charles praised it for recapturing the band’s earlier magic. Over time, the album has been re-evaluated, especially as part of Madness’s broader legacy, and the expanded reissue offers a new opportunity to appreciate the work with added context and content.

For collectors, this edition is especially meaningful. In an era increasingly dominated by streaming, physical reissues like this one appeal to those who value the tangibility and completeness of a well-packaged release. The inclusion of rare material, combined with the detailed liner notes, positions this version of Wonderful as a definitive edition. It not only preserves the original experience but expands upon it, offering more for fans to explore.

Ultimately, the 2023 Wonderful (Expanded Edition) is more than a simple reissue; it’s a celebration of Madness’s enduring appeal and creative breadth. It serves both as a nostalgic reminder of their late-90s resurgence and as a new point of discovery for those just getting to know the band. With its thoughtful curation, bonus content, and personal commentary from the band themselves, it reaffirms Wonderful as a meaningful chapter in the Madness discography, now given a fresh and expansive second life.