Our House - Madness (1983) 7/8/23

During the 1980s, Jolly Old England wasn't so jolly: The British economy was in bad shape, and jobs were scarce.

One of the side effects of the problem was that it forced young people to continue living with their parents and siblings far longer than they (and Mum & Dad) wanted to.

In many families, this was also a problem...but for some, it was a wonderful period of extra bonding.

Today's Great Song of 1983, "Our House" by Madness, highlighted the positive: Bass player/vocalist Carl Smyth and Guitarist Chris Foreman wrote the song, and packed it with nostalgia--based on the house where Carl grew up.

(Note: The video is a lot of fun!)

When "Our House" was released from the album," The Rise and Fall," it charted in more than a dozen countries, reaching #1 in Canada and Sweden, and #7 in the US on Billboard's Hot 100.

Interestingly, the song reached #8 in the UK, and became one of several hits for Madness in their home country. \Here in the States, however, they became a one-hit wonder.

That takes absolutely nothing away from the fact that "Our House" by Madness is a Great Song of 1983!

(Fun fact: When Madness played it at the closing ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, the crowd in Olympic Stadium gleefully sang along.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwIe_sjKeAY

Tomorrow: Sister Christy?