Absolutely

Released in 1980, Absolutely marks Madness’s second studio album and a defining moment in the band’s early career. Following the breakout success of their debut One Step Beyond…, Absolutely cemented the band’s position in the UK music scene with its dynamic fusion of pop and ska. The album showcases the band’s signature sound—infectiously upbeat rhythms, sharp wit, and working-class storytelling—further refined from their first record. Upon release, the album climbed to number 2 on the UK Albums Chart, reflecting both commercial appeal and cultural relevance.

Containing 14 tracks, Absolutely delivers a mixture of high-energy tunes and introspective numbers, capturing the diversity of Madness’s musical and lyrical abilities. Standout tracks include the ever-popular “Baggy Trousers,” a nostalgic yet cheeky ode to school days that peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, and “Embarrassment,” a more serious song addressing family shame and societal prejudice, which reached number 4. Another instrumental gem, “The Return of the Los Palmas 7,” displayed the band’s musical range and managed to hit number 7 on the charts, rounding out a trio of successful singles.

Beyond the hits, the album includes deeper cuts such as “Disappear,” “E.R.N.I.E.,” “Shadow of Fear,” and “You Said,” all of which offer a deeper dive into Madness’s evolving sound. With tight arrangements, smart lyrics, and the band’s characteristic sense of humor, the record reflects growth from their debut while staying rooted in the ska-pop foundation that first brought them success. Many critics noted the improvement in songwriting and musical sophistication, hailing it as a step forward for the band both artistically and commercially.

In 2009 and 2010, Absolutely was re-released as part of a broader campaign to remaster and reintroduce Madness’s early catalog. This edition featured seven bonus tracks and an additional CD containing a live recording from their 1980 performance at the Hammersmith Odeon. The remastered version was praised by fans for its sound quality and the richness of the bonus content. The live CD, in particular, received acclaim for capturing the raw energy and charisma of the band’s performances during their rise to fame, offering a time capsule of their early years for longtime fans and new listeners alike.

An intriguing detail about Absolutely lies in its original vinyl release, which came in two cover variants. On the earlier pressing—of which approximately 10,000 copies were produced—keyboardist Mike Barson is seen holding an umbrella up to his chin. In the later and more widely circulated version, the umbrella rests on the ground. This quirky difference has since become a piece of collectible trivia for fans and vinyl enthusiasts, illustrating how the band’s image and style often extended beyond just their music.

Adding a personal layer to the album’s legacy, saxophonist and founding member Lee Thompson declared in a 2020 interview with GQ that Absolutely remains his favorite Madness album. His endorsement underscores the importance of the record within the band’s history and offers insight into how the members themselves view their work. Thompson’s fondness for the album adds emotional weight to its significance, beyond its chart success or fan popularity.

The album’s title, Absolutely, reportedly came from the frequent use of the word by the band’s then-tour manager Tony Duffield. It’s a fitting name for a project that captures Madness in a moment of full artistic confidence—absolutely themselves, absolutely unique, and absolutely at the heart of the British ska-pop movement of the early ’80s.

In conclusion, Absolutely stands as a cornerstone in the Madness catalog. With its chart-topping singles, clever songwriting, and vibrant ska-pop fusion, the album represents both a continuation and an evolution from their debut. The 2009/2010 reissue, complete with bonus material, helped preserve its legacy, while personal anecdotes and collector’s trivia give it added charm. Over four decades later, Absolutely still resonates as a vital, exuberant piece of British music history.