"7" is the third studio album by the English ska/pop band Madness. Released in October 1981, it reached number 5 in the UK album chart. All but one track was recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas in spring 1981, the exception being "Grey Day" which was recorded in London earlier in the year. Interestingly, the album was notable for the absence of a ska cover version for the first time on a Madness album.
The album develops the band's subversively quirky sound, veering from the buoyant pop of "Cardiac Arrest" to the experimental reggae leanings of "Missing You". It also includes notable tracks like "Shut Up" and "Grey Day". Upon release, the album was acclaimed for its inventiveness and diversity, affirming Madness's position as one of the leading bands of the British new wave scene.
Despite its broadly upbeat tone, lyrically the album combines merriment with moments of sharp social commentary. The songs on "7" address a range of topics, from unemployment to contentious family relationships, reflecting a consciousness of the social landscape of early 1980s Britain. Its original release was accompanied by a cementing of the band's reputation with a series of successful singles, increasing their popularity not only in the UK but also in foreign markets such as the USA, Canada, and Australia.
