This is a timeless album ! There are several 'Greatest Hits' CDs available from 'Madness' but this, their debut CD, is the real deal. There is not a dull moment, from the very first note of the title track to the final (goofy) track 'Chipmunks are go'. Their first single 'One Step Beyond' hit the music scene like a rocket back in 1979 and is still their concert opener. 'My Girl' shows the true musical skills of the band and is followed by 'Night Boat to Cairo', which is a fantastic, fun little SKA piece. But things are still getting better: 'Believe me' and 'Land of Hope and Glory' build up to my all time favorite Madness (and even SKA) song 'The Prince'. And 'Madness' are able to keep this high level all the way to the end of the album. This is a must have CD - whether you are a SKA fan or you just enjoy great music played by a truly great band.

This album is one of my five favorites since I first bought it in 1982. These guys can really play! (Imagine real musicians with real instruments in the 80'S)Every song is great in its own way--some for pure energy, others for off-the-wall lyrics. The album is all about having a good time, burning some energy, and again: TRUE MUSICIANSHIP. The clearly British and stylish vocals don't hurt it a bit either. This is one of the best-ever ska albums along with "I Just Can't Stop It" by the English Beat.

I bought this album (maybe my Dad paid for it as I was only 9!!!) soon after its release. I saw them do One Step Beyond on Top Of The Pops and immediately began contemplating starting my serious music collection. The only other records I had at the time were Gary Glitter (wahha hahahahah hahahaha hahahahahahaha) and Elvis Costello's Oliver's Army 7" single.

This band really started it off for me as far as following bands was concerned. I later graduated to The Police then U2 and REM and havent really followed a band so closely since.

This band made me get a crew cut!!!

The sad thing is, the only album I have ever bought on CD is Absolutely which was my all time favourite. The vinyls are gathering dust somewhere. I saw them play at the Manchester Apollo sometime in the early 80's and they were amazing.

Classic memories...

What a record this is. What fun it generates. To be a young kid when this came out was to know pure, unadulterated, danceable bliss...

I danced to it in '80 when my little brother first brought it home.

I danced to it non-stop with Lynne in the summer of '87.

My daughter and I danced our hearts out to it last night.

This record is joyous. It's nutty. It's Madness.

It still amazes me when I'm digging through a music bin in a thrift store and come across this Lp. (I've even seen it on 8-TRACK)! Are you kidding me??? Who could believe this cutting edge "SKA" classic is from 1979? It still sounds somewhat contemporary, relevant, and always makes for a fun listen. The first time I became "aware" of this album is when MTV (remember when they actually played music videos?) used the cut from this brilliant album "Night Boat To Cairo" for the into to a Program. I was wowed!!! I mean, I never heard anything like it, (and still haven't). (I can hear that crazy sax riff as I write this). So I picked up a copy on cassette (remember those?), and 20 years later, I find myself still enjoying this British SKA Classic as much as I did when I first got it! Funny enough, I recently bought the Vinyl reissue and I'm spinning that, (boy as much as things change, is as much as they remain the same). This album is a good now as it ever was, a timeless classic! Pure, upbeat SKA fun, (with a touch of Madness)! Pick up a copy, for your next party, or just for yourself. You'll be humming these tunes in no time. A total "must have" for any music collection. It really is "One Step Beyond..."

Enjoy!