10 Greatest Songs About Other Musicians

While Madness are best known for their comedic tracks and brand of Cockney sentimentalism, on their day they could stand among the British ska scene as an act with real chops. Indeed they proved this on their very first single, a tribute to Jamaican reggae icon Prince Buster, whose track “Madness” gave the group their name.

Lyrically the tune is almost an origin story for the Camden collective. They acknowledge from the off that their music is by no means Jamaican roots reggae, but state their case as a band providing quality up tempo music in the vein of their hero, worthy of filling any dance floor.

Released on the estimable 2 Tone label, “The Prince” set out Madness’ stall as major players in the burgeoning British scene. And while they’d eventually lose interest in the form quicker than their contemporaries in The Specials or The Selekta, they prove their bona fides in this catchy introduction, equal parts hero worship and sales pitch.