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Method to the Maadness is the fourth studio album by British rapper Kano, released on 30 August 2010 by Bigger Picture Music. The album has contributions from several artists including Wiley, Boys Noize, Hot Chip, Chase & Status and Damon Albarn.
| Method to the Maadness | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 30 August 2010 | |||
| Recorded | 2010 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 46:42 | |||
| Label | Bigger Picture Music | |||
| Producer |
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| Kano chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Method to the Maadness | ||||
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Background edit
During an interview with the blog Social Writers, Kano said that "It was really important to me that it really made sense as an album. I didn't want it to be single driven. I really wanted it to have substance in the tracks, really wanted it to the track [sic] to mean something to me, I really wanted to experiment and make the album very exciting". He also described his progression on Method to the Maadness, as an MC from his first album Home Sweet Home: "I didn’t really know what I was doing on that album (Home Sweet Home). It's about progression with every album, learning from the last and just getting a little bit more educated and more experienced as a performer and as a recording artist, as a writer and a producer and co-producer. So, I feel I've definitely progressed".[4]
Singles edit
Three singles have been released from the album: "Get Wild", featuring Aidonia and Wiley, "Upside", featuring Michelle Breeze from Why Why Peaches, and "Spaceship", featuring production from Chase & Status and additional vocals from Takura Tendayi.[5]
Critical reception edit
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Clash | 7/10[6] |
| The Guardian |   [7] |
| The Telegraph | [8] |
Will Dean of The Guardian wrote that Method to the Maadnes is "a record that deserves at least a modicum of Rascalesque success."[7] Matt Oliver of Clash concluded that "While room for improvement remains, less culpable decisions are made compared to the pleased-to conform London Town. Kano’s well back on track to reclaiming grime’s all-rounder crown."[6] In a review for BBC Music, Sam Hesketh stated: "Kano hasn't reached the peaks of his debut album here, but when it works, Maadness works very well indeed. He's a talented rapper, and his lyrics are on point for the vast majority of the record; but let's hope he works exclusively to his strengths next time instead of trying to be experimental for the sake of it."[9] Anna Trench of The Telegraph wrote: "Grime star Kano’s third album is a mixed bag. Half the tracks feature guests, and although on the whole these work well, one wonders how dependant he is on his collaborators. You can still hear his roots in the raw opener 2 Left: Topic of Discussion. As a lyricist he’s impressive, particularly on "Spaceship" and "All + All Together": perceptive, current and sometimes sad, but with just the right amount of swagger and wit."[8]
Chart performance edit
The album entered the UK Album Chart at number 45 despite a strong marketing push.[citation needed]
Track listing edit
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "2 Left: Topic of Discussion" |
| Boys Noize | 4:51 |
| 2. | "Get Wild" (featuring Wiley and Aidonia) |
| Boys Noize | 3:52 |
| 3. | "iPod Generation" | Robinson | Kano | 0:55 |
| 4. | "Maad" |
|
| 3:24 |
| 5. | "Spaceship" |
| Chase & Status | 4:31 |
| 6. | "Upside" (featuring Michelle Breeze) |
| Craigie Dodds | 3:04 |
| 7. | "All + All Together" (featuring Hot Chip) |
| Hot Chip | 3:40 |
| 8. | "Lady Killer" (featuring Ghetts) |
| Hot Chip | 2:31 |
| 9. | "Bassment" (featuring Damon Albarn) |
| A13 | 2:44 |
| 10. | "Crazy" |
| Boys Noize | 3:38 |
| 11. | "Slaves" |
| Craigie Dodds | 4:50 |
| 12. | "Jenga" (featuring Vybz Kartel) |
| Boys Noize | 3:59 |
| 13. | "Dark Days" |
| Craigie Dodds | 4:48 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14. | "Til I Found You" |
| Johan Hugo | 3:38 |
References edit
- ^ "Method to the Maadness by Kano". Amazon. Archived from the original on 9 July 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
- ^ "Kano remembers his manors on his epic album release: Made in the manor". Dine on Grime. 29 April 2017. Archived from the original on 9 July 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
- ^ "Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. Archived from the original on 3 May 2015. Retrieved 29 May 2011.
- ^ Elisha, Casey (20 August 2010). "SOCIAL WRITERS MEET.......Kano |Social Writers" Archived 19 December 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Social Writers. Blogger.
- ^ "Kano: Method to the Maadness". FACT Magazine. 8 September 2010. Archived from the original on 9 July 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
- ^ a b Matt Oliver (8 August 2010). "Kano - Method To The Madness". Clash Magazine. Archived from the original on 9 July 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
- ^ a b Will Dean (26 August 2010). "Kano: Method to the Maadness". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
- ^ a b Anna Trench (1 September 2010). "Kano: Method to the Maadness, CD review". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
- ^ Sam Hesketh (30 August 2010). "Review of Kano - Method to the Maadness". BBC Music. Archived from the original on 9 July 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2020.