Activism and Environmentalism
Some of Madden's frequent and recurring themes in his music include the quest for spiritual fulfillment, inequity between the wealthy and shrinking middle class, a plea for ethics and accountability of politicians and business leaders for the welfare of the global community as a whole, and calls against the damage being done to the environment. With the U.S. and global economic collapse in 2008, from the 2006 album, Gone, Madden presciently writes in the song What in the World: "I see the human cost / Lives ruined, jobs lost." In the title track Gone, Madden is tough on politicians and writes: "Mother Earth's a mess from pollution and war."
Madden also expresses anger towards the harm caused by guns and violence in community. From the album Chillin’ In Hades, in Here And Now, which debuted on MTV's Real World Boston episode #20, Madden sings about the 1992 Los Angeles riots in the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict.
Another recurring theme of Madden's is poverty and materialism. In Here And Now from the album Chillin’ In Hades, Madden sings "hungry people need jobs and shelter." In Reconcile, which debuted on MTV's Real World Boston (Episode #14),. In 2004, Madden was among the minority of musicians who challenged President George W. Bush. Madden spoke out in opposition to the Bush administration's invasion of Iraq in print and on the album Samsara’s Grip in Om Tat Sat, Consequence Of War, and World Just Is.
Vocally, Madden's voice has been described as a "deep breathy voice serenades listeners," full of range, melodic, and "reminiscent of Jeff Buckley."
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