Wonderful (180g Heavyweight)

The 2022 vinyl reissue of Wonderful by Madness is a notable moment in the band’s discography and for collectors of British pop and ska music. Originally released in 1999, Wonderful marked a pivotal return for Madness after a 14-year studio hiatus. The album brought back the band’s iconic seven-piece lineup and reunited them with longtime producers Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley. While it was initially available only on CD and cassette, the 2022 release marks the first time the album has been pressed on vinyl—specifically on 180g heavyweight black vinyl, a format prized for its enhanced sound quality and durability.

This reissue, presented with care for both sound and aesthetics, is more than just a nostalgic nod to the past. For audiophiles, the heavyweight pressing provides a richer, fuller audio experience. The reissue also includes newly written liner notes by music journalist Stevie Chick, which feature interviews with key band members—Lee Thompson, Chris Foreman, Mark Bedford, Cathal Smyth, and Daniel Woodgate. These interviews provide candid reflections on the making of Wonderful, giving fans deeper insights into the band’s mindset during their comeback and the stories behind the songs.

Musically, the 11-track album stays true to Madness’s signature style, blending ska rhythms with pop melodies and wry lyricism. The singles “Lovestruck,” “Johnny the Horse,” and “Drip Fed Fred” anchor the record, with the latter standing out for its collaboration with the late Ian Dury. Dury’s appearance adds both artistic flair and emotional resonance, as it became one of his final recordings before his passing in 2000. His performance on “Drip Fed Fred” injects a gritty charm into the track and serves as a poignant farewell from one of Britain’s beloved musical storytellers.

The tracklist also includes “If I Didn’t Care,” a cover of The Ink Spots’ classic, showing the band’s range and respect for musical tradition. Throughout Wonderful, Madness sounds confident and rejuvenated, even as some critics noted that the album leans heavily on their earlier styles. Upon its original release, Wonderful received generally positive reviews. Allmusic awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, praising it as a “pretty successful return,” while other reviewers appreciated the sense of cohesion in the band’s performance. Some critiques noted that the album leaned too much on past formulas without fully adapting to the musical climate of the late ’90s, but this didn’t significantly detract from its overall reception.

In its 2022 vinyl incarnation, Wonderful has been embraced by fans old and new. On forums like Discogs, users praised the quality of the pressing, calling it “dead quiet” and “full of vibes,” with many noting that the album remains underrated. The addition of Stevie Chick’s liner notes has also been well-received, providing fans with stories and perspectives that deepen the experience of the music. For those who grew up with Madness or discovered them later, this reissue presents a thoughtful and well-produced package that honors the band’s legacy while offering a fresh way to experience their work.

From a collector’s standpoint, the release is significant for several reasons. First and foremost, it fills a long-standing gap in the band’s vinyl catalog. Until 2022, Wonderful had never been available on vinyl, making this a must-have for fans who prefer physical formats or have been building a complete Madness discography. Secondly, the heavyweight vinyl format aligns with current trends in high-fidelity music consumption, ensuring that the album not only looks good on the shelf but also sounds exceptional on the turntable. Finally, the historical importance of the album—marking the band’s full return and featuring one of Ian Dury’s last performances—adds emotional and cultural weight to this release.

In conclusion, the 2022 vinyl reissue of Madness’s Wonderful is much more than a standard repress. It’s a celebration of the band’s comeback, a tribute to their enduring sound, and a thoughtfully curated collector’s piece. With high-quality audio, insightful liner notes, and its first-ever appearance on vinyl, this release offers a compelling reason to revisit—or discover—the album anew.