MADNESS - THE LIBERTY OF NORTON FOLGATE (ALBUM)

Released: May 18, 2009

Charted:  UK: #5 

"The Liberty of Norton Folgate" is actually an album by the British band Madness, released in 2009. The album is known for its diverse musical styles and storytelling, capturing the essence of London's Norton Folgate area. It received critical acclaim for its creativity and marked a successful return for Madness. These are some of their most notable songs, although the album as a whole has been highlighted as one of the band's masterpieces. These are some of the featured songs from the album:

The title track, "The Liberty of Norton Folgate," is the centerpiece of the album and serves as a musical journey through the history and cultural evolution of London's Norton Folgate area. The song is notable for its length, running over ten minutes, and its intricate storytelling. The lyrics of the song narrate the changing landscape of Norton Folgate, a district in London, touching upon historical events, cultural shifts, and the impact of urban development. The title itself refers to the idea of "liberty" in both the historical and personal sense, exploring themes of freedom, identity, and the resilience of communities in the face of change. Musically, the track is a dynamic composition, showcasing Madness's versatility with elements of ska, pop, and rock. It weaves through different musical styles, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped the cultural tapestry of London.

"NW5" debuted live in December 2006 at Brixton Academy, was officially released as a single in 14 January 2008 on the band's label, Lucky 7 Records peaking at #24 in the UK Singles Chart. The song is an homage to the NW5 area in North London, encompassing Kentish Town and Tufnell Park, near Camden Town where Madness originated. Penned by Madness saxophonist Lee Thompson and pianist Mike Barson, the song holds a poignant significance. Thompson, reflecting on the track, revealed to the Camden Gazette that it revolves around a friend from NW5 with whom he shared experiences since the mid-'60s. Unfortunately, the friend took a darker path and faced struggles with substance abuse. The song explores themes of friendship and the transformative impact life can have on individuals.

"Sugar and Spice," released on 3 August 2009, stands as the third single from the album and holds the distinction of being Madness's first digital-only release. The single version differs slightly from the album version, featuring an alternate opening verse and variations in lyrics. The song, penned by Mike Barson, delves into the theme of his separation from his then-wife Sandra. In the video the band, excluding Chas Smash, performs the song in a traditional music hall venue. The video incorporates playful elements, such as the band playing invisible instruments, performing magic tricks, and acting out scenes from the song against a digitized background.

"Forever Young," the fourth and final single released from Madness's album, hit the music scene on 18 January 2010, reaching #199 on the UK charts. In contrast to its predecessor "Sugar and Spice," "Forever Young" enjoyed a multi-format release, being available on CD, 7-inch vinyl, and digitally. The song encapsulates the spirited essence of Madness, affectionately known to their fans as "The Nutty Boys." Frontman Suggs shared the inspiration behind the song with The Sun on May 22, 2009, explaining that he drew from the perspective of looking into his own kids' eyes. The lyrics convey a message about the reciprocal nature of learning between generations. Suggs emphasized the importance of staying young at heart, recognizing that, just as older generations impart wisdom, the youth can teach valuable lessons about maintaining a youthful mindset despite life's challenges.

"Idiot Child" carries a significant theme, as explained by frontman Suggs, who described it as a very serious song addressing the experience of being treated like an idiot – a sentiment with universal resonance. Saxophonist Lee Thompson provided additional context to the song, revealing to Q magazine in November 2012 that he wrote it based on his own experiences and those of his friend Bobby Townshend. The song delves into their shared history of engaging in criminal activities at the age of 12, involving theft and burglary. Both were eventually sent to separate reform schools between 1971 and 1973. Tragically, Townshend's life took a darker turn, leading to poverty and his eventual passing. Thompson, one of only three mourners at Townshend's funeral, reflected on the enduring impact of their shared history.

Suggs shared with Mojo magazine that "The Liberty of Norton Folgate" has a "semi-autobiographical, everyday-life-in-London theme." Notably, all seven members of Madness contributed to the writing of the album, adding a diverse range of perspectives and experiences to the storytelling. This collaborative effort likely contributed to the richness and depth of the album's thematic content.