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Absolutely

by Madness

Released: September 26, 1980

Ska, pop, 2 Tone

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

In 2009 and 2010, Madness re-released their studio albums, including "Absolutely," which featured seven bonus tracks and a second CD of a 1980 concert at Hammersmith Odeon. In a 2020 interview, band member Lee Thompson expressed that "Absolutely" is his favorite Madness album.

Inside the Recording

The album "Absolutely" is named after a commonly used expression by the band's tour manager and sound engineer, Tony Duffield.

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Essential Tracks

The Return Of The Los Palmas 7

It produced several major hits, including "Baggy Trousers," which peaked at number 3 and spent over four months on the singles chart, as well as "Embarrassment" at number 4 and the instrumental "The Return of the Los Palmas 7," which reached number 7.

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Madness - Absolutely

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Reception

"Absolutely" is the second studio album, released in 1980 by the British ska band Madness, reaching number 2 on the UK album charts. It produced several major hits, including "Baggy Trousers," which peaked at number 3 and spent over four months on the singles chart, as well as "Embarrassment" at number 4 and the instrumental "The Return of the Los Palmas 7," which reached number 7. While album reviews were generally more reserved compared to their debut, "One Step Beyond...," they remained mostly positive.

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