Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da (180g Heavyweight, Remastered)

The 2023 remastered version of Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da, the tenth studio album by Madness, marks a significant release in the band’s celebrated discography. Originally launched in 2012, the album made a strong impact by reaching the UK Top Ten and demonstrated the group’s continued relevance decades after their emergence in the late 1970s. With its blend of ska, reggae, and pop, the album showcased Madness’s signature sound while offering new musical directions. The 2023 expanded edition on 180g heavyweight vinyl enhances this legacy with improved sound quality, bonus content, and additional context, making it a must-have for collectors and dedicated fans.

Released on April 28, 2023, the remastered version comes as a double LP pressed on 180-gram vinyl, known for its superior audio fidelity. This expanded edition includes seven bonus tracks that were not part of the original release, offering listeners a broader glimpse into the sessions that shaped the album. These additions are further complemented by newly written liner notes, which feature interviews with band members Mike Barson, Chris Foreman, and Daniel “Woody” Woodgate. These interviews offer personal reflections and insights into the album’s development and the band’s evolution over the years, providing fans with a richer understanding of both the music and the minds behind it.

One of the more unexpected and visually engaging elements of Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da is its album artwork. Designed by Sir Peter Blake, the celebrated artist behind The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band cover, the sleeve features a series of humorous, crossed-out alternative album titles. This playful and whimsical touch not only captures the spirit of Madness but also reflects their enduring sense of creativity and irreverence. Blake’s involvement lends the album a layer of artistic prestige, blending visual artistry with musical innovation in a way that resonates with both music lovers and art enthusiasts.

In a broader historical and artistic context, the album continues Madness’s tradition of genre fusion, seamlessly combining ska, reggae, and pop influences into a cohesive sound that both honors their roots and pushes boundaries. The decision to collaborate with Peter Blake, a figure synonymous with British pop art and music history, further cements the album’s cultural significance. The unique album title and Blake’s quirky visual flourishes align well with Madness’s offbeat humor and theatricality, adding another layer of identity to the project.

Critically, Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da garnered mixed but generally favorable reviews upon its original release in 2012. The Daily Express awarded it a 3 out of 5, describing it as “rather good” while noting that it lacked some of the youthful vigor of the band’s early records. Punknews.org rated it 3.5 out of 5, appreciating the diversity of its musical styles and the steady backbone of ska and reggae rhythms, ultimately calling it “a solid and fun listen.” On the other end of the spectrum, NME provided a starkly contrasting take with a one-star review, dismissing the album as “clod-hopping ska-by-numbers.” This divergence in critical opinion highlights both the risks and rewards of longstanding bands evolving their sound while maintaining a connection to their musical origins.

Despite the divided critical reception, several tracks stood out for their appeal. Songs like “Misery,” “Never Knew Your Name,” and “Powder Blue” were often singled out as highlights, praised for their melodic strengths and emotional depth. The single “Never Knew Your Name,” released in January 2013, became a particular success, reaching the UK Airplay Chart Top 25 and becoming the band’s biggest radio hit since 1999’s “Lovestruck.” Its success demonstrated Madness’s enduring ability to craft catchy, resonant music that connects with audiences across generations.

With its combination of high-quality audio, expanded content, and new personal insights, the 2023 remastered edition of Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da stands as both a celebration and a reintroduction of one of Madness’s most intriguing late-career albums. For fans old and new, the release offers a deeper appreciation of the band’s artistry, longevity, and continued relevance in British pop culture. From the historical significance of the Peter Blake cover to the heartfelt reflections in the liner notes, this edition enriches the listening experience and solidifies the album’s place in Madness’s storied legacy.