Madness reveal Hit Parade collection

The original Nutty Boys of Camden, Madness, have announced their return with new album Hit Parade, a journey through the band’s greatest hits. 

Formed in North London, Madness have grown into one of Britain’s most successful and best-loved bands, selling millions of records worldwide and inspiring generations of artists. More than four decades on, their music, spirit, and style are woven into the fabric of British culture.

Madness released their latest record Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C’est La Vie in 2023, which was the band’s first ever No.1 studio album in their 45 year career. The band have also had two No.1 compilation albums, 10 UK Top 10 albums, 15 Top 10 singles and have won a multitude of awards including a prestigious Ivor Novello.

Hit Parade celebrates that remarkable legacy, a career-spanning anthology, the band have chosen 45 singles from 45 years from 1979 through to 2024, capturing every era of their story.  The collection features 27 Top 40 hits, including the timeless Our House, It Must Be Love, Baggy Trousers, Lovestruck, and their chart-topping No.1 House of Fun.

Talking about the album, Madness said: “From the early days to the latest tracks… we’ve packed up the lot and brought them all together in Hit Parade. It’s a proper nutty collection of our biggest and best. Press play, turn it up, and enjoy the ride.”

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Top Of The Hit Parade

Fans will be spoiled for choice with a wide range of special formats. The line-up includes a 45-track 2CD set (available in both standard and exclusive HMV artwork editions), plus two stunning 2LP volumes: Volume 1 (1979–1986) on translucent red vinyl and Volume 2 (1992–2024) on translucent blue. Vinyl enthusiasts can also look forward to the deluxe 4LP box set, with an exclusive Townsend edition featuring a bonus 7″ single of Bed & Breakfast Man and Madness (The Singles That Never Were).

Highlights from across the decades are further showcased on curated 15-track 1LP editions, available in a range of exclusive coloured vinyl variants as well as a striking picture disc. For collectors in the US, a special opaque silver LP for Black Friday adds something truly unique, featuring rare live recordings and standout cover versions.

Hit Parade includes a treasure trove of rarities and first-time appearances, making it a must-have for collectors and completists. Fans can look forward to a number of firsts, including Drip Fed Fred (The Conspiracy Mix), Sorry (Radio Edit), Forever Young (Melt Music Radio Edit) and Mr. Apples (Toerag Mix) all appearing on a compilation and vinyl for the very first time. In addition, Bullingdon Boys and Round We Go (Single Version) are making their debut not only on a compilation and vinyl, but also on CD. These rare versions and mixes offer a fresh way to experience some of Madness’s later-era gems alongside their classic hits.

Tracklisting
CD1 : 1979 – 1986 / Also 2LP Hit Parade Volume 1 1979-1986

The Prince
One Step Beyond
My Girl
Night Boat To Cairo
Baggy Trousers
Embarrassment
The Return Of The Los Palmas 7
Grey Day
Shut Up *
It Must Be Love
Cardiac Arrest
House Of Fun
Driving In My Car
Our House
Tomorrow’s Just Another Day
Wings Of A Dove
The Sun And The Rain
Michael Caine
One Better Day
Yesterday’s Men *
Uncle Sam *
Sweetest Girl *
(Waiting For) The Ghost Train

CD2 : 1992 -2024 / Also 2LP Hit Parade Volume 1 1979-1986

The Harder They Come *
Lovestruck
Johnny the Horse
Drip Fed Fred *
Shame and Scandal
Girl Why Don’t You
Sorry *
NW5 *
Dust Devil
Sugar and Spice
Forever Young *
My Girl 2
Never Knew Your Name
How Can I Tell You
Misery
La Luna
Mr.Apples *
Can’t Touch Us Now
Bullingdon Boys
C’est La Vie
Baby Burglar
Round We Go

(Note: *= single edit/mix)

1LP

Baggy Trousers
Our House
It Must Be Love
One Step Beyond
House Of Fun
Night Boat To Cairo
My Girl
Embarrassment
Wings Of A Dove
Mr.Apples *
Michael Caine
Driving In My Car
Never Knew Your Name
Lovestruck
NW5 *

UK Tour

Madness will take the record on the road in December for their ‘Hit Parade’ UK arena tour. Kicking things off at Sheffield Utilita Arena on 4 December the Nutty Boys will perform 13 dates across the country, culminating with a special hometown show at London’s The O2 on Saturday 20 December. Madness will also be joined by very special guest Squeeze.

December
Thu 4 Sheffield Utilita Arena
Fri 5 Manchester AO Arena
Sat 6 Glasgow OVO Hydro
Sun 7  Aberdeen P&J Live
Tue 9 Newcastle Utilita Arena
Wed 10 Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
Fri 12 Leeds First Direct Arena
Sat 13 Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
Sun 14 Brighton Centre
Tue 16 Bournemouth International Centre
Thu 18 Cardiff Utilita Arena
Fri 19 Birmingham Utilita Arena
Sat 20 London The O2

For tickets click here. Out on 21 November via West Village Music Management, pre-order Hit Parade here

Featured image provided

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