Madness — The Liberty Of Norton Folgate

Madness' first album of original material in 10 years keeps closer to the eclectic British music hall style of later efforts than the ska songs they first impacted with as part of the 2 Tone scene in the late '70s.

All Madness' members contributed to the songwriting process, which explains the record's varied styles, but their hometown of London, England plays a role throughout the 15-track disc — especially on "We Are London" and the 10-minute title and closing track.

Horns are prominent on the rhythmic single "Dust Devil," as well as the darker reggae-influenced tracks "Forever Young" and "Bingo." There's a bit of a ska element along with piano in the pop song "On The Town," which includes striking vocals from Rhoda Dakar — an old crony from her days with The Bodysnatchers and The Special AKA.

The Liberty Of Norton Folgate may not feature anything as overtly catchy as Madness' biggest North American hit, "Our House," but that song was released nearly 27 years ago. This is 2009, and Madness seem comfortable with where they are. Welcome back.

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