Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da (Expanded Edition)

The 2024 expanded edition of Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da by Madness, released on May 10, 2024, breathes new life into the band’s eleventh studio album originally issued in 2012. Issued by BMG as a 2CD deluxe digipak, this reissue offers a comprehensive look at one of the band’s most vibrant and eclectic records. Blending the band’s trademark ska-pop stylings with elements of dub and pop finesse, the expanded edition not only revives the original album’s spirit but enriches it with 11 bonus tracks and exclusive content for both longtime followers and curious newcomers.

Originally released on September 13, 2012, Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da followed Madness’ critically acclaimed 2009 comeback The Liberty of Norton Folgate. It marked a pivotal moment in their career, proving their enduring relevance by climbing into the UK Top Ten charts more than three decades after the band first emerged on the British music scene. The 2012 version showcased their ability to evolve while remaining faithful to the energetic and whimsical spirit that defined them in the late ’70s and ’80s. The original album featured a mix of polished pop songs and laid-back dub rhythms, with standout tracks like “My Girl 2” and “Death of a Rude Boy” becoming instant fan favorites.

The 2024 edition stays true to the original 14-track lineup but expands the offering with 11 additional songs, many of which were previously available only on the limited 2013 3CD+DVD deluxe set. Notable among these are “Deolali” and “Never Knew Your Name (LA Discotheque Mix),” both of which offer fresh takes and extended versions that further illuminate the album’s original themes and sonic palette. These extra tracks provide a deeper dive into the sessions that birthed the album and present new angles on songs that fans thought they already knew.

A key element of the 2024 reissue is the inclusion of exclusive liner notes featuring interviews with core band members Mike Barson, Chrissyboy Foreman, and Daniel ‘Woody’ Woodgate. These reflections provide a candid and engaging look into the album’s creation, shedding light on the band’s dynamic during that era and offering personal insights that were not available in earlier releases. Their commentary gives fans a behind-the-scenes narrative that adds depth to the listening experience and captures the band’s humor, chemistry, and creative process.

Visually, the album maintains a strong connection to its artistic roots through the iconic work of Sir Peter Blake, the celebrated pop artist responsible for the cover design. Blake, best known for co-creating the legendary cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles, brought his distinctive style to Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da, creating a cover that featured a collection of alternate album titles—crossed out in bold strokes—symbolizing the band’s playful indecision and multifaceted identity. This concept of rejected titles reflected the spirit of experimentation and irreverence that runs throughout the album. For the 2024 edition, designer Paul Agar has adapted Blake’s original artwork to fit the new format, preserving the original aesthetic while subtly refreshing the presentation.

The timing of this reissue aligns with a broader celebration of Madness’ later-era work, as it was released alongside a similar expanded edition of their 2016 album Can’t Touch Us Now. Together, these deluxe packages offer a curated look at the band’s creative output in the 2010s, a period marked by reflection, reinvention, and renewed artistic vitality.

Though reviews of the 2024 edition are still emerging, the album’s enduring popularity and the fanfare surrounding the original release suggest that this expanded reissue will be warmly welcomed. With its blend of familiar favorites, rare gems, and rich contextual materials, the expanded edition of Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da is more than just a re-release—it’s a celebration of Madness’ legacy, a nod to their artistic collaborators, and a treat for listeners who appreciate music that balances craft with charisma.