グレイ・デイ

The single “Grey Day” was released in Japan in 1981, coinciding with the global release of the track as part of the 7 album promotion. The song, a melancholic reflection on urban life, was composed by Mike Barson and exemplifies the band’s ability to juxtapose somber, introspective lyrics with their upbeat ska-inspired sound.

The Japanese release of “Grey Day” was distributed by Stiff Records and featured distinct elements compared to releases in other countries. Like many Japanese singles of the era, it included a picture sleeve that typically incorporated localized artwork, often accompanied by Japanese text and supplementary information tailored to the domestic market. The track listing remained consistent with the UK release, with “Memories” serving as the B-side, a popular pairing for the single in other regions. Japanese pressings from this period are renowned for their exceptional production quality, making them highly sought after by collectors. The combination of exclusive cover art and pristine vinyl enhances the appeal of this edition of “Grey Day” for Madness enthusiasts.