The Happy Mondays were one of the most influential bands of the Madchester era, known for their unique blend of funk, rock, and psychedelia. With classic singles such as 'Step On' and 'Kinky Afro', they were at the forefront of the scene, inspiring a new generation of musicians. But what about their albums and singles? In this comprehensive look at Happy Mondays albums and singles, we'll explore the band's complete discography, from their earliest recordings to their most recent releases.
Happy Mondays
were one of the most influential bands to emerge from the Madchester scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their unique sound and style helped define the ‘Madchester’ music genre.This article takes an in-depth look at the albums and singles released by Happy Mondays and highlights some of their most important releases. The band was formed in Manchester, England in 1980 by Shaun Ryder, Paul Davis, Mark Day, Gary Whelan, Paul Ryder, and Mark “Bez” Berry. They debuted in 1985 with their album Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out), which was produced by legendary producer Martin Hannett. The album didn’t perform well commercially, but it established the band as a cult favorite. They followed up with their second album, Bummed, in 1988, which reached #12 on the UK Albums Chart and produced their first hit single, “Wrote for Luck”.In 1989, Happy Mondays released their third album, Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches.
The album was a massive success and reached #4 on the UK Albums Chart. It spawned two top 10 singles, “Step On” and “Kinky Afro”, and is considered to be one of the defining albums of the Madchester scene. The follow-up album, Yes Please!, was released in 1992 and featured their biggest hit single, “Stinkin’ Thinkin’”. The band went on to release three more studio albums before disbanding in 1993. Happy Mondays released a number of successful singles throughout their career.
Their biggest hit single was “Step On”, which reached #5 on the UK Singles Chart in 1990. Other notable singles include “Wrote for Luck” (#13 in 1988), “Kinky Afro” (#7 in 1990), “Bob’s Yer Uncle” (#13 in 1991), and “Stinkin’ Thinkin’” (#19 in 1992). The band also released several non-album singles over the years including “Hallelujah” (1989), “Tart Tart” (1990), and “Judge Fudge” (1993).Happy Mondays have released a number of classic albums and singles over their career. Some of their most notable releases include Bummed, Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches, Yes Please!, “Step On”, “Kinky Afro”, and “Stinkin’ Thinkin’”.
These releases have helped define the sound of Madchester music and have become staples of British indie music. The legacy of Happy Mondays is undeniable. They helped to pioneer the Madchester sound and their influence can still be heard in today's indie music scene. Their albums and singles remain some of the best examples of the genre and are sure to stand the test of time.
Highlights From the Band's Discography
Happy Mondays released their debut album Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out) in 1987. The album quickly became an indie classic, reaching number three on the British charts and helping to define the 'Madchester' sound. The group followed up with their sophomore album Bummed in 1988, which featured the hit singles 'Step On' and 'Wrote for Luck'.The band's third album Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches was released in 1990 and marked a shift in the band's sound, incorporating more electronic elements and a more polished production style.The album featured some of their most successful singles, including 'Kinky Afro', 'Loose Fit' and 'Step On'. It was also their highest charting album, peaking at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart. Happy Mondays released two further albums: Yes Please! in 1992 and Uncle Dysfunktional in 1997. Although these albums did not achieve the same level of commercial success as their earlier releases, they still included some memorable tracks such as 'Sunshine & Love' and 'Stinkin' Thinkin''.
The Legacy of Happy Mondays
Happy Mondays have had an undeniable influence on the Madchester music scene and many subsequent bands and musicians. As one of the most important bands to come out of the scene, their albums and singles are still remembered and enjoyed today. They have been credited with helping to define the sound of 'Madchester' music and are remembered as a key part of that era. The band has been influential in helping to shape the sound of subsequent generations of British indie bands, from emerging Manchester acts like Oasis and The Stone Roses to more established acts such as Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines.Their influence has extended beyond the UK, with bands from across the world citing them as an inspiration. Happy Mondays are also remembered for their unforgettable live performances, often featuring outlandish costumes, choreography and props. They were renowned for their wild stage antics, which helped to create a larger-than-life atmosphere at their shows. The legacy of Happy Mondays is still felt today, with their songs continuing to be played in clubs around the world.
They remain an important part of Madchester’s musical history and have inspired countless other artists over the years.
Important Non-Album Releases
Happy Mondays released several collections and live albums which helped to expand their reputation and reach. Their first non-album release was the EP Mad Cyril, released in 1988. The EP featured four tracks, including their hit single 24 Hour Party People. This was followed up by the 1989 album The Peel Sessions, which contained live recordings from the band's appearances on John Peel's BBC Radio 1 show. In 1991, the band released their first live album, Live, which contained nine tracks recorded during their 1989 tour.This was followed in 1995 by a compilation album, The Best Of The Happy Mondays, which contained some of their biggest hits, such as Step On, Wrote For Luck, and Kinky Afro. The band also released a number of EP's throughout the 1990s, including Hallelujah, Uncle Dysfunktional, and Stinkin' Thinkin'. These EP's helped to keep the band in the public eye, while also showcasing their more experimental side.
Happy Mondays Singles
The Happy Mondays released several singles throughout their career, with a few achieving chart success in the UK and Europe.Some of their most well-known singles include "Step On", "Kinky Afro", "Loose Fit", and "Hallelujah". "Step On" was the band's first single, released in 1989. It was an instant hit, reaching #5 on the UK Singles Chart and #4 on the Irish Singles Chart. It was later featured on the band's album 'Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches', released in 1990. The accompanying music video was directed by Mark Robinson, and featured the band performing in a bar surrounded by colorful visuals.
"Kinky Afro" was the band's third single, released in 1990. It was the band's highest charting single, reaching #8 on the UK Singles Chart. The accompanying music video was directed by Richard Heslop, and featured the band performing in a nightclub surrounded by strobe lights and smoke effects. "Loose Fit" was another single released in 1990, reaching #15 on the UK Singles Chart.
The accompanying music video was directed by Peter Care, and featured the band performing in a street surrounded by graffiti art. "Hallelujah" was the final single from 'Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches', released in 1991. It reached #30 on the UK Singles Chart. The accompanying music video was directed by Richard Heslop, and featured the band performing in a warehouse surrounded by surreal visuals.
A Brief History of Happy Mondays
Happy Mondays formed in Manchester in 1980, after the dissolution of former band the Beachtoys.The original lineup consisted of Shaun Ryder on vocals, Paul Ryder on bass, Mark Day on guitar, Paul Davis on keyboard, Gary Whelan on drums, and Mark “Bez” Berry on percussion. The band soon earned a reputation for their energetic live performances and unique mix of funk, soul, and psychedelia. In 1984, Happy Mondays released their first album, “Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out).” It was an instant success in the UK and helped to launch their career. The album featured the singles “Wrote for Luck,” “Hallelujah” and “Kinky Afro,” all of which became hits. The album also contained the iconic track “Step On,” which has since become a Madchester anthem. The band’s follow-up album, “Bummed,” was released in 1988. It featured the singles “Kuff Dam” and “Lazyitis.” The album was even more successful than their debut and helped propel the band to international fame.
The band followed up with the release of their third album, “Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches” in 1990. The album contained the hit singles “Kinky Afro,” “Step On,” and “Loose Fit.”The band went on to release two more albums before disbanding in 1993. Although they never achieved the same level of success as with their earlier albums, they remain an influential force in Madchester music.
Happy Mondays Studio Albums
Happy Mondays have released seven studio albums throughout their career, beginning with their debut Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out) in 1985. They followed up with Bummed in 1988, which contained their first UK top ten single, “Step On”. In 1990, they released their third album, Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches, which contained the hit single “Kinky Afro”. This was followed by Yes Please! in 1992, Uncle Dysfunktional in 1997, and The Greatest Hits in 2001. Their final studio album, Unkle Dysfunktional Presents: The Pills, Thrills and Bellyaches Collection, was released in 2010. Each of these releases have spawned a number of singles, some of which have become hits for the band.Additionally, each album has been met with critical acclaim from both fans and critics alike. Among the singles released by Happy Mondays, “Step On” is arguably the most popular and well-known. Released in 1989, it peaked at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and was praised for its upbeat energy and catchy hooks. Other notable singles from the band include “Kinky Afro”, “Wrote for Luck”, “Hallelujah”, and “Judge Fudge”. Although not as successful as “Step On”, these singles still remain fan favorites. Overall, Happy Mondays have released a total of seven studio albums that have helped define the sound of Madchester music.
Each of these releases contains a number of memorable singles that are still popular today. It is clear that Happy Mondays are one of the most influential bands to come out of the Madchester scene.
Highlights From the Band's Discography
Happy Mondays' discography is filled with some of the most iconic and influential Madchester music ever created. Some of their most successful releases include their second album, Bummed, which was released in 1988 and reached number one in the UK Albums Chart. It is considered by many to be the band's best work, and it spawned several classic singles, including Step On and Hallelujah.The band also achieved success with their 1990 album Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches, which reached number three on the UK Albums Chart and spawned the hit single Kinky Afro. The band had further success with their 1992 album Yes Please!, which reached number four on the UK Albums Chart and spawned the single Stinkin' Thinkin'. Other notable releases include the single Wrote for Luck, released in 1988, and the single Loose Fit, released in 1990.
Highlights From the Band's Discography
Happy Mondays had an impressive discography, with many albums and singles that have become staples of the Madchester sound. Here are some of the highlights:Albums:The band's debut album, Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out), released in 1987, was a critical success and earned the band a cult following.This was followed by Bummed (1988), which is widely regarded as one of the most important albums of the Madchester scene. The band's third album, Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches (1990) was a major commercial success and received positive reviews from critics.
Singles:
Happy Mondays had a number of hit singles, including 'Step On', 'Kinky Afro' and 'Wrote for Luck'. 'Step On' was a Top 5 hit in the UK in 1991 and remains one of the band's best-known songs. 'Kinky Afro' was also a Top 10 hit in the UK and is considered one of the most iconic Madchester songs ever recorded.Live Albums:
The band also released two live albums.Live (1989) was recorded during their tour in support of Bummed. The second live album, Hallelujah, was recorded during their 1994 tour and featured a number of previously unreleased tracks. The Happy Mondays have left a lasting legacy on the Madchester music scene. With their unique and influential sound, the band released a number of successful albums and singles that are still revered today. From their debut album Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out) to their later singles such as Step On and Kinky Afro, the Happy Mondays have created a library of music that captures the spirit of the 'Madchester' era.
This article has taken an in-depth look at the albums and singles released by the band, and has highlighted some of their best and most memorable songs. Now it's up to you to explore the Happy Mondays' discography for yourself and experience the music that helped define a generation.
