MADNESS - LOVESTRUCK / MY GIRL 2

LOVESTRUCK

Released: July 19, 1999

Charted:  UK: #10 

"Lovestruck" stands as a song serving as the lead single from their seventh studio album, "Wonderful". This song marked the band's return to original material after a hiatus of over 10 years. The track achieved notable success, reaching number 10 on the UK Singles Chart. Remarkably, it was the first time a new Madness release had entered the top 10 since the 1983 song "The Sun and the Rain".

Beyond exploring the themes of lost and unrequited love, "Lovestruck" and its accompanying video take a comedic perspective on the emerging binge-drinking culture in the United Kingdom during the late 1990s. The song provides a lighthearted commentary on the societal shift towards excessive drinking during that period.

The line "Lovestruck, I've fallen for a lamppost" in the song was speculated by many music critics of the time to be inspired by Simon & Garfunkel's "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" from 1966, which includes the line "Hello, lamppost! Wat'cha knowing?" However, the band never officially commented on this connection. The similarity in the use of the word "lamppost" could suggest a playful nod to or influence from the earlier song.

MY GIRL 2

Released: September 30, 2012

This serves as the lead single from Madness' tenth studio album, "Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da." Acting as a sequel to their 1979 hit, "My Girl," the song delves into songwriter Mike Barson's passionate and sometimes tumultuous relationship with "my girl." The album title is drawn from a lyric in this song. Translated from French, Spanish/Italian, German/Dutch/Swedish, and Russian, "Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da" means "Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes." Notably, the album cover, featuring rejected titles crossed out, was crafted by Peter Blake, renowned for his work on the artwork for “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band”.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the singer's fascination with a girl who exudes charm, confidence, and a distinct sense of individuality. The song portrays a narrative where he is enamored by the girl's unique qualities, emphasizing their desire to be close to her. The recurring lines in the chorus, "My girl, she don't read books" and "My girl, she gives dirty looks," suggest a non-conformist attitude, challenging societal norms. The girl's reluctance to adhere to expectations adds an element of mystery and allure, making her particularly captivating to him. The lyrics capture the essence of infatuation and admiration for someone who stands out from the crowd.

Listening to the song, you can feel transported to the 60s, as its rhythm it's a kind of accelerated version of “Green Onions” by Booker T & The MG's, and captures the essence of the earliest styles of bands like The Who or The Kingsmen. The nostalgic musical vibe pays homage to the distinctive sound of that era.