The Liberty Of Norton Folgate

The Liberty of Norton Folgate marks a triumphant return for Madness, delivering their ninth studio album on 18 May 2009 after a decade-long wait since Wonderful in 1999. This album is a captivating journey through social history, creative experimentation, and the band’s undying spirit, showcasing a marked evolution in their sound.

At the heart of the album lies the ambitious 10-minute title track, a rich narrative exploring the social history of an east London area with a deep connection to St Paul’s Cathedral. The track’s complexity reflects the band’s ability to blend storytelling with musical mastery, offering a sophisticated yet accessible exploration of London’s past. A shorter version of the track had already made waves on YouTube in 2008, before the album’s full release in 2009, and the band offered a digital download of the full album to fans who pre-ordered a box set in December 2008.

Produced by the ever-reliable Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, The Liberty of Norton Folgate is a seamless collection of tracks that find the band at their most adventurous. Recorded over several years, beginning in 2006 at Toe Rag Studios, the album fuses ska, pop, and progressive elements with deft musicianship. While the recording process was sporadic, the results speak for themselves. Highlights include the infectious “Dust Devil” and “Sugar and Spice,” the latter of which was reworked for radio. Both singles, alongside others, helped propel the album’s narrative and laid the groundwork for a successful campaign, despite some singles underperforming on the charts.

The critical reception to The Liberty of Norton Folgate was overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it the best album of Madness’ 30-year career. The Financial Times gave it a perfect five-star review, praising the band for defying nostalgia and creating something fresh and exciting. BBC similarly hailed the album as a “magnificent magnum opus,” and Uncut labelled it “refreshingly, unexpectedly excellent,” remarking on the album’s well-crafted arrangements. The Word described the album as a cultural patchwork, comparing it to a Mike Leigh film or a mix of Parklife and Passport To Pimlico, cementing its place as Madness’ definitive masterpiece.

The Liberty of Norton Folgate not only demonstrates Madness’ ability to surprise and challenge expectations, but it also solidifies their place as one of the UK’s most enduring and innovative bands. A fitting addition to their already impressive legacy.