Critic's Review
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
The 16-track compilation The Complete Madness compiles all of the group's early singles -- from "The Prince" to "House of Fun" -- and adds a handful of classic album tracks and concert favorites like "In the City," "Bed and Breakfast Man," and "Madness." It's thorough and a thoroughly entertaining collection, encapsulating exactly why Madness were significant and, more importantly, how much fun their "nutty sound" was. Furthermore, The Complete Madness isn't just an introduction -- since it contains a wealth of non-LP singles like "Cardiac Arrest" and "House of Fun," it's essential for any Madness collectors. The compilation is definitive proof that Madness were one of the great singles acts of their era.
