One Step Beyond… (Expanded Edition)

The 2023 release of One Step Beyoond… (Expanded Edition) by Madness marks a significant and nostalgic return to the band’s iconic debut album, originally launched in 1979. This expanded edition, released on April 7, 2023, presents not only a remastered experience of the original 15-track album but also introduces 18 additional bonus tracks that give fans a deeper glimpse into the band’s formative years. This reissue is more than just a celebration of the past; it’s a comprehensive musical package designed for both longtime followers and new listeners eager to explore the roots of Madness’s unique sound.

Originally part of the late 1970s 2Tone ska revival movement, Madness quickly carved out their own space in the music world with One Step Beyond…, an album that climbed to number two on the UK Albums Chart and remained there for over a year. Its influence was profound, helping to define a genre that blended ska, pop, and punk in a distinctly British style. Songs like “One Step Beyond…,” “My Girl,” and “Night Boat to Cairo” became instant classics and have retained their popularity across generations. The 2023 edition capitalizes on this legacy, offering not just a remastered version of these fan favorites but a wealth of material that had remained, until now, largely inaccessible.

The expanded edition is available in both a 2CD deluxe format and a striking limited edition red vinyl. The CD set is attractively priced around $15.00, making it a budget-friendly collector’s item, while the red vinyl, priced at £25.99, targets vinyl enthusiasts and collectors with a taste for rare physical editions. The reissue retains the album’s original charm and raw energy, recorded in just three weeks, while enhancing the experience with new content that broadens the listener’s understanding of the band’s early journey.

Among the 18 bonus tracks are demos and alternate takes, including “My Girl (Demo Version)” and “My Girl (Ballad),” which reveal different facets of the band’s songwriting process. These recordings showcase how the band’s distinctive sound evolved in the studio, offering fans a behind-the-scenes listen at early versions of their favorite tunes. B-sides like “Nutty Theme” and “Mistakes” further expand the narrative of Madness’s early catalog, giving attention to tracks that may not have received as much spotlight at the time of the original release.

Live recordings add another layer of depth, featuring memorable performances from the BBC John Peel Sessions and other live events. Tracks like “The Prince” and “Bed and Breakfast Man” from the August 27, 1979 session offer an unfiltered snapshot of Madness at their energetic best. Other live highlights, such as “Razor Blade Alley (Live Dance Craze)” and “One Step Beyond (Live),” capture the band’s onstage charisma and the vibrant atmosphere of their performances. There are also international versions of the title track in Spanish and Italian (“Un Paso Adelante” and “Un Passo Avanti”), reflecting the band’s wide international appeal and playful experimentation with language and culture.

What truly sets this edition apart are the newly written liner notes, which include interviews with key band members like Chrissyboy Foreman, Mike Barson, Mark Bedford, and Daniel Woodgate. These firsthand insights provide fans with a richer context surrounding the making of the album, its cultural impact, and the band’s evolution. These interviews bridge the past and present, offering personal stories and reflections that deepen the listener’s appreciation of the music and the era it came from.

The 2023 ONE STEP BEYOND… (EXPANDED EDITION) is more than a simple reissue; it’s a lovingly curated retrospective that honors the past while enriching it for today’s audience. With its wealth of bonus content, high production value, and insightful commentary, this release cements Madness’s debut as not just a classic album, but a living document of musical history. It’s a must-have for devoted fans and an excellent entry point for newcomers curious about one of Britain’s most influential bands.