Reviews (page 2 of 7)
First album I ever bought!!!!!
Great album but one I need to be in the mood for.
I really really liked this.
Excellent, one of the classic sounds of the 80s. The drum rythm is fantastic and the whole album hangs together well
This one hits right in the feels. I've never listened to this album but I had a friend who was a big fan in Jr. High. I miss her. Great vocals, great drumming. All the songs seem like they were having fun. Good times.
One of my favorite New Wave albums.
Wild stuff, love the personality on this guy
Except for the radio hit, Antmusic, I hadn't heard this one. And hadn't heard or thought of Adam Ant in decades. This was a blast to go back in time to my grade school years. Post-punk pop, in the vein of Devo, the sound aged surprisingly well.
Truely awesome punk album.
Yes ...I liked this album
Didn't know what to expect coming into this knowing only 'Prince Charming' and 'Stand and Deliver' which are both on the next album. 'Dog Eat Dog' opens fast. 'Antmusic' has the catchiest chorus on the whole record. 'Ants Invasion' has a great riff. I absolutely love Adam Ant's voice and random almost yodels and noises he makes. The guitar can get quite heavy at times which was a surprise. Always a fan of music that makes you headbang even though it's not all out rock or heavy metal. Difficult to say why I love this so much. Glam rock meets punk meets pop meets Burundi Beat (Google it). Just 40 mins of really fun, very catchy, a bit over the top and silly music. Absolutely loved it.
An undeniable new wave masterpiece. It's chock full of quirky nuggets of gold and oddball swagger. Adam Ant is like the non-inflammatory version of Morrissey. This album is just a solid good time from end to end. Landmark for the genre.
I've never heard of this group or album, but I loved it.
Great A&Ants album from the early 80s: 5 stars obviously, not a single weak song. Dirk Wears White Sox (probably the best Adam Ant album) and Friend or Foe should also have been on the list.
had a lot of fun listening to this, unexpectedly
New wave, pop punk.
I bought Kings of The Wild Frontier as soon as it came out. I was a fan then and still am. The mixture of the musical themes was fresh, original, and fascinating. There was this heroic and adventurous touch to it. Pirates, gunman, native Americans, the Wild West, and other references in lyrics, music, and appearance of the group placed them in the time after punk and before New Wave in a unique spot. Remember, at that time there was no MTV, just Top of the Pops on BBC. The double drums were a centerpiece of the music, as were the sailor choir like backing vocals. The production was astonishingly good, so no wonder that this got number one in the UK.
Loved this. It was so much better than I thought it would be. I hope I won’t regret later saying it is five stars but I think this is on a pedestal above the previous 4 I gave which was the Stevie wonder one. Highlights included antmusic, los rancheros, ants invasion and the title track. This album will be on the rotation from now on - great fun and encapsulates the sounds of the 80s very well and I’m surprised people don’t talk about this album more. This is exactly the reason why I’ve started this project is to discover gems like this
Leapfrog the dog.
Drums have never sounded better than on this record. The production on them is so good that Michael Jackson himself phoned up Adam Ant to ask how he recorded the drums. The rest of the music is really catchy and unique, nothing else really sounds quite like this record, especially in 1980
This album SLAPS
Good energy!
This music always resonates with me. I love Adam Ant on all of good band configurations. This isn’t his best album in my mind, but damn good.
4++
New wave, pop punk
Kooky, fun, unique - well paced and just right in length. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea but purely subjectively to me - this is an awesome perfect album.
First listen of this thing and I kinda shrugged, this isn’t a ‘deep album’ by any means, this album is like what junkies should be taking instead of cocaine or heroin. Obviously what I’ve said is COMPLETELY out of touch but so is this album and so is Adam ant. That’s what makes it special. It’s almost like the album was made for and by children. It’s also the only album with drums as the strongest instrument that I’m not bored by. I would never go for a song as goofy as feed me to the lions or Jolly Roger but Jolly Roger and its live version were tied as my top song of 2023 on Spotify. The albums made to make you smile like the goofy ‘Clint Eastwood’ backing vocals in los rancheros or the nonsense at the end of the human beings and the ‘murder happy characters’ in making history, they sound like they should be plastered on a cereal box or ceebeebies. I would argue the only song that’s slightly deep is ants invasion and that’s just because of its riff that, yes does sound like an invasion waiting to happen. Oh and the bridge to that song is so cool. I haven’t even mentioned the first two songs, the hits. Ant music is one of the best singles of all time and dog eat dog is brilliant too. As with most tracks it’s the drumming that puts this leagues above other similar albums. Also the first 3 songs of side 2 all kinda have the same vibe I’ve always felt. You have the title track, the MAG-NIFICENT five MAG-NIFICENT, and sex music for ant people ant music for sex people (AKA don’t be square be there). I honestly don’t really know what I’m saying with this review now 5/5
9/10 - All round great album, bit strange at points but i liked it
New wave, pop punk
loved it!
really interesting new-wave hard-rock had a lot of really great stuff in there 9/10
So catchy and filled with raw energy and rambunctious vocals p, absolutely love it! I’d give it a 9.5 out of 10!
Punky, upbeat glam pop, definitely an influence on Supergrass and Franz Ferdinand. Irresistible.
This is a really daft album. Adam Ant stitched together his sound from all the bits he found in the dressing-up box and delivered it with unabashed enthusiasm and extra drums. Occasionally it had me shaking my head at how gauche it all is, but mostly it made me smile. Four stars is probably generous but I appreciate this reminder of a time when the pop charts were open to stuff as idiosyncratic as this.
A lot better than anticipated. Akin to Bow Wow Wow, post-punky with big drums.
A damn lot to love here. I didn’t realize he had to completely rebuild the band for this, they sound great.
original, new wave punk. Mostly rhythm based. A few tunes from my youth
Surprisingly sick. Feels like these guys were sort of the sacrificial lamb for making fun of 80s stuff when I was a youth. Bad choice, turns out. You could do a lot worse than Adam & The Ants.
7.5/10 standouts - feed me to the lions, ants invasion, kings of the wild frontier SO CATCHY having much fun with this one!! a couple songs are now on my playlist
I should hate this and yet against all odds i kinda like it. Giving a 4 for surprising me
Now we are talking, have a lot of respect for this band. 80s punky new wave pop bore lots of bands but the Ants were innovative for their use of the Burundi Beat. This coupled with the high energy chants makes this an energetic art school wonder.
i liked it? 4
me encantó, que chimba de flow
Wow, a whole side of punk I never knew about. An important link from the 70’s glam of New York Dolls and Roxy Music to the 00’s festival freak-pop of Animal Collective, Tune-Yards, and MGMT.
I was familiar with the name Adam & The Ants because how can you not be with a name like that.... First listen of a full album though. Very cool. Not defined by any one genre but definitely behind their own style. That's probably the most important thing to me at this point in the project (Album 306). If the artist/album has a unique style and they deliver it subtly without trying to push it into my ears then I find myself thinking "Yes, I'm glad I'm listening to this before I die" 3.5
I really didn't like this album at first, and then all of a sudden I realized I was enjoying it. I think that I just had to reframe my expectations, and realize that this was just some good, slightly silly fun. Actually, after listening to this I think most albums could be improved by having pirate songs. Favorite track: "Kings of the Wild Frontier"
*Kings Of The Wild Frontier* is a fun, over-the-top out-there record that still manages to keep its boots planted firmly on planet Earth through the skilled, inventive playing and solid production. Adam and his crew weave pseudo-African percussion, spaghetti western guitars, pirate chants and scattered bit of rock 'n' roll history into a surprisingly cohesive whole. This record isn't all that profound lyrically (and may be just a bit confused at times) but it *is* loose and playful, and it lives up to the anarchic spirit the best rock music is supposed to have.
Fun and diverse with a beat that makes you want to move.
One from my teens! Still a classic!
this is almost certainly a three of an album and I'm being overly generous but it caught me in the right mood and I found it charming
Weird, but this was the only Adam & the Ants record I enjoyed. With a little New Romantic flair, the weird pirate costume and the tribal drumming similar to Bow Wow Wow, thes made some pretty catchy Ant Music. Listening to this record 45 years on, it really is interesting as to how many songs are still memorable and fun. Starting with Dog Eat Dog right into Ant Music is a great way to kick off the record. These still hold up. The rest of the record keeps the sound pure fun with some excellent guitar work from Marco Pironi. What makes this compelling is the varied approach taken on the songs. Adam had his own approach and unique phrasing which made this pop forward punk-pop. A gem of a second record! 4/5
Another one that takes me back. I think I had this cassette.
This is just delicious - press darlings is outstanding but the whole album has such momentum That new wave bass hits something specific in my soul
Enjoyable.
When I was a kid growing up in the UK in the 1980s, Top of the Pops was the place where you see and hear new music for the first time. An outrageous or charismatic performance was guaranteed to be the talk of the playground the text day and more than likely would send the single shooting up the charts. Adam and the Ants were one such band. Why was that guy dressed like a 18th century hussar? Why did he have a white stripe tippexed across his nose? What was the deal with having *two* drummers? They quickly got a reputation as a teeny bopper band but this album shows they had a lot more going on than impressive clothes and fancy videos. Aside from the African Burundi beat inspired tribal drumming, this album has influences from punk, rockabilly and even a bit of surf guitar from musical magpie and lead guitarist Marco Pirroni. Adam himself was a great frontman and lead vocalist with a different costume for every song. Pirate-tastic!
Raw and rough. Really nice album with lot of power.
3.5 - Good
> the Beatles Dug this
Could very much do without the redface on the album cover (and in the lyrics of the title track), but for the most part this was a solid new wave listen! I like my new wave, for the most part, with some weird or unique element, and the angularity of the songs combined with the Burundian drumming styles incorporated on some songs definitely scratched that itch for me.
I always got the name of Adam & The Ants mixed up with Alien Ant Farm and I think I should be shot for that because this is right up my alley, high-energy pop punk.
peculiar sound for a pop album, i like it :) Favorite track: ant music other picks: dog eat dog, kings of the wild frontier
Ok
Pretty great album. I had never goven a chance to Adam Ant because of his one hit but he was surprisingly good as a musician and this album is probably pne of the best pop soft rock from the 80s Ive heard
Dog eat dog - 4 Antmusic - 3 Feed me to the lions - 3 Los rancheros - 3 Ants invasion - 4 Killer in the home - 4 Kings of the wild frontier - 4 The magnificent five - 3 Don't be square (be there) - 4 Jolly roger - 3 Making history - 3 The human beings - 3
Funky and weird. Enjoyed more than I thought I was going to
Really engaging
Cool
New wave, en sjanger jeg normalt sett digger. Andre lytt er vesentlig bedre enn første. Faktisk en del interessante spor her, og til og med noen skikkelig kule. Musikken oppleves som litt krigersk eller stammeaktig. Stilig at det brukes elementer fra musikk fra Burundi av alle steder. Faktisk villig til å gi dette fire stjerner, til tross for mye tvil ved første gjennomgang. Top 3: Kings of the Wild Frontier, Antmusic, Dog Eat Dog
Oh yeah, this is a fun one. Maybe not essential but fun!
It's weird and I love it. All hail Adam Ant!
I love New Wave and this is good New Wave.
Álbum porreiro, uma sonoridade muito fixe, um rock que me convida a estar mais atento às sonoridades que vão surgindo.
Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Good fun. Don't think about it too hard.
Büro, Heidenheim, Deutschland. Feines Album.
3.826
They found the perfect balance of swagger, campiness, and talent. A new wave album that I actually like!
Is quite an iconic album.
7/10
4l
Fun New Wave Pop Punk.
Ok I dont like new wave or punk but thay was pretty good. Lots of variation.
Yeah, this is good post punk, glam, new wave that we expect from early 80's Adam Ant. The entire album just has this tribal feeling that just works. I am a bit shocked I liked this as much as I did. 3.67 / 5 stars
En av de roligaste New Wave. Omdömet kanske lite färgat av ungdomsminnen...
👏🏼👏🏼
Had this album back in the day and, yes it is weird, but I love it.
Ok, not the best album ive heard, but defenitely varied and entertaining.
4.5 (41:33, 12 tracks, 2nd album,1980) New Wave Did I really give Adam & The Ants a 4 and the Beattle’s Abby Road a 3 – yop, what you going to do about it? Great album! SEX MUSIC FOR ANT PEOPLE! ANT MUSIC FOR SEX PEOPLE! Why did he name his band after himself? WTF fuck is The Ants but just his last name. Answer – this dude (Stuart Leslie Goddard) was whacked. His first iteration was a rock band “the Ants” so this was their post-punk New Wave version until they busted up. Frankly I’m kind of shocked he’s still alive at 71, he seemed so self-destructive. He chose the name "Adam" to evoke Michelangelo’s muscularity in the Birth of Adam, while "Ant" represents survivors. He is known for "Antmusic," post-punk, and pirate-themed imagery. He led the group Adam and the Ants to massive success with a blend of punk, Burundi drumming (two drummers, cross rhythm), and pop influences, often referred to as "Antmusic".Known for his distinct "pirate" or "dandy highwayman" look and music video aesthetic, he was a massive influence on 1980s music, fashion, and art. After the band's success, he continued as a solo artist in the mid-1980s. While Adam Ant's name refers to the biblical name and the insect, it is sometimes jokingly linked to the word "adamant." According to Merriam-Webster, adamant refers to an imaginary, impenetrably hard stone or a diamond After having his previous backing band wooed away by producer Malcolm McLaren (see review two back, fairly sure this algorithm isn’t random) to form Bow Wow Wow, Adam Ant recorded Kings of the Wild Frontier with guitarist Marco Pirroni as his new writing partner. Basically a protest album telling Malcolm to go fuck himself and creating Ant Music. Adam Ant was far more successful than Bow Wow Wow. Kings of the Wild Frontier reached No. 1 in the UK Album Chart and spawned three hit singles: "Kings of the Wild Frontier", "Dog Eat Dog", and "Antmusic" Initial UK copies of the album featured a different version of "Antmusic" that started with a fade-in, but after the song became a hit the subsequent pressings used the 7" single mix with the familiar drumstick intro. A multi-disc "Super Deluxe Edition" was released 20 May 2016. It includes a CD of a 1981 concert from Chicago. Photographer Peter Ashworth wrote, "Adam Ant got the band together in a small rehearsal room in Brixton to create a video test. The US version of the album dropped "Making History" in favour of two tracks penned by Ant prior to teaming up with Marco Pirroni, "(You're So) Physical" and "Press Darlings". The Village Voice judged the album as a response to British punk rock nihilism: "The music, needless to say, is rock and roll, a clever pop-punk amalgam boasting two drummers, lots of chanting, and numerous B-movie hooks. Especially given Adam's art-schooled vocals, I find that the hooks grate, but that may just mean that when it comes to futuristic warriors I prefer Sandinistas." Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic called it "one of the great defining albums of its time. There's simply nothing else like it, nothing else that has the same bravado, the same swagger, the same gleeful self-aggrandizement and sense of camp. This walked a brilliant line between campiness and art-house chutzpah, and it arrived at precisely the right time – at the forefront of new wave". In 1992, Nine Inch Nails released a cover version of "Physical (You're So)" on the EP Broken, remade in an industrial rock style with more aggressive guitars and vocals than the original. The abiding themes are drawn from a stew of popular, historical and contemporary sources to create an immersive tableau of pop-mythology. 1) "Dog Eat Dog" In his 2007 autobiography Stand and Deliver, Adam Ant explained that "Dog Eat Dog" was inspired by a Margaret Thatcher quote he read in a newspaper. The song applies the "dog-eat-dog" idiom—defined as a situation of fierce, cutthroat competition where people are willing to harm others to succeed—specifically to the music industry. The lyrics reflect the intense competition between bands at the time, each struggling to climb the charts and survive in a "cruel and selfish struggle". He had just lost key members to Bow Wow Wow. "Where's the warrior without his pride?" emphasize the need for resilience and maintaining one's identity while navigating the industry's harsh realities. Musically, the song’s "Burundi" drumming style was an intentional attempt to create a sound so powerful that radio DJs couldn't talk over the intro, further asserting the band's presence in a competitive market. During a notorious 1981 performance of the song on the Royal Variety Performance, bassist Kevin Mooney staged a silent protest against the band's success by putting his bass on the floor while the track played, literally demonstrating the internal "dog-eat-dog" tensions that eventually led to his firing. The title track evokes Davy Crockett, and media representations thereof, and posits the band and its followers as a new royal family. 2) "Antmusic" is a musical manifesto by Adam Ant that serves as both a literal description of his band's unique sound and a metaphorical "call to arms" for a new era of pop culture. The song was written as a challenge to the "stale" music of the late 1970s, specifically targeting disco. The lyrics "unplug the jukebox... that music's lost its taste" were an explicit instruction to move on from current trends and "try another flavor"—which was Antmusic. Technically, "Antmusic" refers to the band's signature "Burundi" style, characterized by dual drummers playing heavy, tribal cross-rhythms and glammed-up guitars. Adam Ant used it as a broad term to categorize his entire body of work. The song was intended to create a sense of community or "tribe" for fans. This is reinforced by the lyrics "Don't tread on an ant... there might come a day when he's treading on you," framing "the Ants" (the band and fans) as a resilient, unified force that shouldn't be underestimated. The track signaled the band's "rebirth" after their previous manager, Malcolm McLaren, had convinced the original members to leave and form Bow Wow Wow. The music video for "Antmusic" visually depicts this "takeover" by showing the band invading a disco, unplugging the jukebox, and converting the crowd to the "Ant cause". 3) "Feed Me To The Lions" includes a musical quotation of the theme from the film Lawrence of Arabia. The track explores themes of emotional vulnerability and the perils of fame. The lyrics repeatedly ask, "Too emotional am I?" while asserting a "spirit soaring ten miles high". It reflects Adam Ant's determination to "keep this fire in me" despite external pressures and a world where "facts are so untrue". The central metaphor—being "fed to the lions"—likely refers to the brutal nature of the music industry and the public eye. Like "Dog Eat Dog," it suggests that rising to the top makes one a target for critics and competitors. The "quotation" from the film Lawrence of Arabia, aligning with the album's broader aesthetic of using Western and epic film imagery to frame the band as "wild nobility" or tribal warriors. The rhythmic "Hey, ho, hey, ho" chanting throughout the chorus reinforces the band’s signature tribal, Burundi-style sound, turning a song about being sacrificed into a defiant, collective anthem. 4) "Los Rancheros" evoking the film Them! "Los Rancheros" is a stylistic homage to Spaghetti Westerns and a direct tribute to Clint Eastwood, framing the band's "Ant" persona within the rugged mythology of the American frontier. The lyrics explicitly chant "Rancheros (Clint) / Rancheros (Eastwood)" and reference movie titles like A Few Dollars More and Hang 'Em High. Adam Ant uses the Western metaphor of a "new breed" arriving to "welcome tomorrow instead of yesterday." This reflects his mission to replace what he saw as the stale music of the 1970s with his own "Antmusic". The track includes references to "Kiowa eyes," a nod to the Native American warrior imagery that Adam Ant adopted as part of his visual identity. Musically, guitarist Marco Pirroni designed the song to mimic the "twangy" guitar style and atmospheric tension of Spaghetti Western soundtracks composed by Ennio Morricone. Like many tracks on the Kings of the Wild Frontier album, "Los Rancheros" uses cinematic "quotations" to build a larger-than-life mythos around the band, positioning them as outlaws or "wild nobility" in the pop music landscape 5) "Ants Invasion" mentions a 'Forbidden Zone' as in the 1968 film of Planet of the Apes (a theme returned to on the following year's "Picasso Visita el Planeta de los Simios"). "A atmospheric, dark track that blends sci-fi horror metaphors with a critique of the music industry. The song explicitly evokes the 1954 giant-ant horror film Them!. It also references the "Forbidden Zone" from the 1968 film Planet of the Apes, creating a sense of being an outsider in a strange, hostile world. On a literal level, the title refers to the band's rapid rise to fame, which was often described by the media as an "Ants Invasion" or "Antmania". The song serves as a darker perspective on this takeover, framing it not as a celebration, but as something slightly ominous and unstoppable. The lyrics mention music journalist Nick Kent and address the "lifeless" nature of the industry. It challenges the idea of "punk rock individuality," with Adam Ant mockingly singing, "Are we different? No / We are exactly the same," to highlight how even rebellion can become a uniform. Despite its dark tone, the song is a "declaration of Antunity". It positions the "Ants" (the band and their loyal fans) as a "six-legged" collective force that "swarms and destroys" the old, stale pop standards of the time. The song moves away from the upbeat "Burundi" pop of "Antmusic" toward a more "ominous backdrop" of repetitive bass and reverb-heavy guitar, intended to make the listener feel the "tension" of the invasion. An early demo of the song was titled "The Omelette from Outer Space," highlighting the track's quirky, B-movie sci-fi origins before it was refined into the moody album version. 6) "Killer in the Home" is a dark, atmospheric that explores the internal conflict of a "warrior" who is struggling with personal demons and the hypocrisy of society. The song describes a "Killer in the home" who is seen in the "streets" and "pictures," but ultimately resides "deep inside." This serves as a metaphor for an internalized enemy or a side of one's personality—specifically the "warrior"—that is being "torn apart" and must be fought in one's dreams. The reference to Geronimo, a famous Apache leader, continues the album's recurring theme of "wild nobility." By singing "deep inside Geronimo is tearing me apart," Adam Ant identifies with the spirit of a legendary warrior who is trapped or struggling against a confining reality. "They cut you in half with a gun / And they give you a band-aid" act as a cynical commentary on how society or the music industry deals with deep trauma or serious issues by offering hollow, inadequate solutions. The song's grim and repetitive structure intentionally quotes the bleak, war-torn atmosphere of the film Apocalypse Now. This cinematic "quotation" helps frame the song's personal psychological battle as something as intense and destructive as a physical war. Despite the "killer" presence, the song is ultimately about a refusal to just "go through the motions." The call to "free the warrior" and "take my head out of its sling" represents a defiant effort to regain one's pride and identity. In line with the album's tribal sound, the track features a haunting dual-drum rhythm and a repetitive, trance-like bassline that emphasizes the "sinister" and "ominous" feeling of an internal invasion. 7) Kings of the Wild Frontier" is the ultimate manifesto for Adam Ant’s "Antmania" era, serving as the title track and mission statement for his 1980 album. It’s a song about pride, visual identity, and artistic revolution. The song is a declaration of war against the "gray" and boring music of the late 1970s. By calling himself and his fans "Kings of the Wild Frontier," Adam was claiming the "lawless" pop charts as his own territory to conquer. The lyrics "A new royal family, a wild nobility" and "A network of swashbuckling" were meant to elevate his fans. He wanted to give them a sense of heroic identity—treating them as a tribe of warriors rather than just passive consumers. The "Wild Frontier" imagery heavily references Native American history. Adam identified with the "noble warrior" archetype (specifically the Kiowa and Apache) as a symbol of someone fighting to keep their culture alive against a crushing, conformist "empire" (the mainstream music industry). The line "I feel beneath the white, there is a golden light" refers to the iconic white stripe of makeup across his nose. It was a "mark of the tribe," signaling that beneath the surface-level pop star was a deeper, "golden" artistic spirit. Musically, the song is the purest example of Antmusic. It features the massive, thundering "Burundi" double-drumming and "Morricone-style" guitars, designed to sound like a literal tribal cavalry charge. Adam Ant designed the "Kings" look to be a mix of 18th-century hussar uniforms and Native American war paint, creating a "wild nobility" aesthetic that became one of the most recognizable images in 80s pop 8) "The Magnificent Five" is another cinematic homage, primarily serving as a tribute to the 1960 classic Western film The Magnificent Seven. At the time of the recording, Adam and the Ants consisted of five members (Adam, Marco, Kevin, Terry, and Merrick). By shifting the number from seven to five, Adam was casting his band as a legendary pack of outlaw heroes or mercenaries. Like "Los Rancheros," this track is a love letter to the "Spaghetti Western" sound. It heavily features the "twangy" Gretsch guitar style of Marco Pirroni, designed to mimic the atmospheric scores of Morricone. The lyrics "viva the new breed" and "the frontier's here" reinforce Adam’s mission to conquer the pop world. He uses the imagery of the American West as a metaphor for the music industry—a lawless place where his "tribe" was coming to take over. Phrases like "stand and deliver" (which became a massive hit later) and "pride and glory" appear here, establishing the Ant-warrior code. It’s about maintaining dignity and a unique style in a competitive environment. The song features a "quotation" of the famous theme from The Magnificent Seven, but played with the band's signature heavy, tribal drumming to make it part of the "Antmusic" canon. It contains quotes from Friedrich Nietzsche. "The Human Beings" lyrical content consists almost entirely of the chanted names of Native American tribes Blackfoot, Pawnee, Cheyenne, Crow, and the name of Goklayeh, a Bedonkohe Apache leader. 9) "Don't Be Square (Be There)" is a high-energy satire of the music industry and a critique of the fickle nature of fashion and trends. Adam Ant uses the track to highlight the absurdity of the "cool" inner circles in the London music scene: The lyrics "If you're not in the column, you're not in the news" and references to "the right club" poke fun at how obsessed people were with being seen in the gossip columns of music papers like NME or Melody Maker. While the title plays on the 1950s slang for being uncool ("be square"), Adam flips it. He suggests that the people trying the hardest to be "hip" are actually the most boring and conformist. Like much of the Kings of the Wild Frontier album, the song presents "Antmusic" as the antidote to this snobbery. He’s telling his fans that they don't need the approval of the "fashion police" to be part of his tribe. Musically, the song features a frantic, repetitive "square" beat and jagged guitars, meant to mimic the nervous, high-strung energy of someone desperately trying to stay trendy. The song mentions "The Electric Ballroom," a famous Camden venue where many of these "cool" scenes played out, grounding the song's critique in the real-world London club circuit of 1980. Don't Be Square (Be There)" refers to an earlier, unreleased Adam and the Ants song, which itself obliquely referenced the actor Dirk Bogarde. "Dirk Wears White Socks" (often stylized as Dirk Wears White Sox) is the title of Adam and the Ants' 1979 debut album. The title is a tribute to the British actor Dirk Bogarde, whom Adam Ant considered one of his primary artistic heroes. Bogarde was often seen as a polished, "proper" British actor. The "white socks" reference (and the darker songs on the album) pointed to the subversion of that clean-cut image through Bogarde's later, more challenging film roles. 10) "Jolly Roger" is a high-energy pirate-themed anthem that uses maritime imagery as a metaphor for artistic independence and the "rebel" spirit of the band. Adam Ant casts himself and the band as pirates—outlaws of the high seas who live by their own rules. This was a literal nod to their "New Romantic" fashion (ruffled shirts and hussar jackets) and a metaphorical stance against the "boring" mainstream music industry. The lyrics "No point in hiding... the flag is flying" refer to the Jolly Roger (the skull and crossbones flag). In Adam’s world, flying this flag meant being proud of your identity and refusing to surrender to critics or "square" society. "Prince of the high seas" and "A lifestyle of your own" reinforce the idea of self-invention. Adam was telling his fans that they didn't have to follow traditional career paths or social norms; they could "sail" their own way. Musically, the song is a "tribal sea shanty." It combines the band's signature Burundi drumming with a swinging, rhythmic vocal style that mimics a pirate crew hoisting sails, making the "Ant-revolution" feel like a physical, collective effort. The song includes the line "I'm a man of many parts," which Adam frequently used to describe his multifaceted career as a musician, actor, and designer. "Jolly Roger" is musically identical with the theme to Seven Guns for the MacGregors, composed by Ennio Morricone. 11) "Making History" serves as a dark, satirical commentary on the nature of violence and historical narratives. The central chorus—"And the bad guys hate the good guys / And the good guys hate the bad guys / And we call this making history"—suggests that history is often nothing more than a repetitive, reductive cycle of mutual hatred and violence. The lyrics describe "murder-happy characters" who "nip it in the bud so it can't grow," critiquing how authorities or historical figures justify brutal acts as necessary for "keeping the crime rate low" or maintaining order. The song intentionally quotes the 1968 cult horror classic Night of the Living Dead. This cinematic "quotation" frames the "making" of history as something gruesome and zombie-like, where humanity is consumed by its own senseless aggression. Despite the dark subject matter, Adam Ant has described the song as a "light-hearted metaphor," using the bouncy, "herky-jerky" rhythm of Antmusic to deliver a heavy message about morality and mortality. When Kings of the Wild Frontier was released in the United States, "Making History" was actually dropped from the tracklist in favor of the more overtly sexual track "(You're So) Physical" 12) "The Human Beings" is the somber, tribal finale to the album. It serves as a literal and respectful tribute to Native American tribes, specifically the Cheyenne. The Cheyenne people refer to themselves as Tsitsistas, which translates to "The Human Beings" or "The People." Adam used this to strip away the "savage" labels often found in Western cinema, focusing on their humanity. The lyrics specifically reference the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre, where U.S. troops attacked a peaceful village of Cheyenne and Arapaho. Adam sings about "Black Kettle," the Cheyenne chief who flew a U.S. flag and a white flag of truce during the attack. The core of the song is a rhythmic chanting of tribal names—"Blackfoot, Pawnee, Cheyenne, Crow..."—intended to honor their memory and resilience. It turns the names into a powerful, meditative mantra. While the rest of the album is celebratory and "swashbuckling," this track acknowledges the real-world cost of the frontier's expansion. It provides a serious, grounded counterpoint to the album's more "pop" warrior imagery. By ending the album with this track, Adam Ant signaled that his "Ant-tribe" was not just a fashion statement, but a philosophy rooted in the idea of the outsider fighting for dignity. To ensure the song sounded authentic to his vision, Adam utilized the Burundi drumming style at its most atmospheric, stripping away the pop melodies to create a haunting, percussive "war dance" for the fallen. 1. "Dog Eat Dog" 3:11 2. "Antmusic" 3:37 3. "Feed Me to the Lions" 3:03 4. "Los Rancheros" 3:30 5. "Ants Invasion" 3:19 6. "Killer in the Home" 4:22 7. "Kings of the Wild Frontier" 3:56 8. "The Magnificent Five" 3:07 9. "Don't Be Square (Be There)" 3:32 10. "Jolly Roger" 2:11 11. "Making History" 2:59 12. "The Human Beings" 4:32 Bonus 7 inch single No. Title Writer(s) Length 1. "Stand and Deliver" 3:06 2. "Beat My Guest" Ant 3:12 US Cassette version Side A 1. "Dog Eat Dog" 3:07 2. "Jolly Roger" 2:09 3. "Los Rancheros" 3:28 4. "Feed Me to the Lions" 2:59 5. "Press Darlings" Ant 4:12 6. "Ants Invasion" 3:20 7. "Killer in the Home" 4:19 8. "Beat My Guest" Ant 3:12 Side B 1. "Kings of the Wild Frontier" 3:53 2. "The Magnificent Five" 3:05 3. "Don't Be Square (Be There)" 3:29 4. "Antmusic" 3:36 5. "Physical (You're So)" Ant 4:26 6. "The Human Beings" 4:24 7. "Stand and Deliver" 3:06 Adam and the Ants is: Adam Ant – vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, harmonica Marco Pirroni – electric guitar Kevin Mooney – bass Merrick (Chris Hughes) – drums, production Terry Lee Miall – drums
This was a surprisingly pleasant album especially considering some of the other 80s new wave albums on this list. The first few tracks were fun and upbeat.
Not to be taken too seriously. Western themed glam rock. Not something I’m likely to revisit. That said mostly enjoyed it, a bit of nostalgia and some bizarre mash ups. Feels authentic. Bit tinny in places. A 3.6. Don’t be square be there!
The first ever new release album I can remember listening too. Still think it holds up fairly well, pretty unique look/sound.
Maybe not the specific album I would have chosen, but I'm happy to see Mr. Ant included on this list. Sadly underrated. Nicked a half-star for cultural appropriation.
Surprisingly fun and enjoyable!
Day712 - kings of the wild frontier and dog eat dog are good but i think it needs more songs with ant puns how about, ant flow or trump is the ant-ichrist.
Never heard of them before this, but will DEFINITELY be listening again.
I have not listened to much Adam Ant, but I was intrigued. I was worried it would sound like a lot of other 80's post punk crap, with the same sound and vibe. But it stood out as being high quality, and I really enjoyed it.
Was pretty skeptical about this one but it was surprisingly fun!
Ant music always makes me bouncier than I was before.
Not bad, a bit quirky and somewhat interesting. Overall not super compelling though.
Fun weird new wave! I enjoyed this quite a bit. I could pick out the rockabilly songs they were referencing sometimes and it seemed fun to dance to. All in all, a great record.
One of the reasons I hated the 80's but this list is changing that so here goes... I must admit that this was better than I expected, apart from the singles the rest was good, well written music especially the one about the Native American
Heh - so silly. Ridiculous flamboyant costumes, some kind of sunblock across the face but some absolutely brilliant tunes as well.
I never would have expected Adam and the Ants to be on this list in a million years. That being said, I forgot how much I liked them, both in the early 80s and again during a ~phase~ I went through in the 90s. Good stuff here.
Great drum sound.
I liked this. It kind of reminds me of the band The Addicts, except a littl more pop.
Not sure why I enjoy this as much as I do but I like it. Its different. I don’t know if Id recommend it to anyone but maybe.
I didn't expect to like this, but it's great!
Danceable British pop rock that makes effective use of the Burundi beat, something I hadn't noticed was in a lot of music until listening to this album and hearing the source of its popularity. The themes of disorganization and a disregard for civil order are consistent throughout (frontier, pirates, native Americans), and the Burundi beat underlies it all, giving it an unwashed and tribal feel. I would listen to this again, or at least other similar artists, and I can keep Antmusic in my back pocket for the next time I meet an Australian.
94/1001 :: Adam & The Ants - King of the Wild Frontier Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes This was a pretty interesting album. Had a very 80s feel to it but also felt like someone took Bowie, The Cars and Bily Idol and smashed them together. I assumed this album was made while indulging in mind altering substances but it turns out Adam Ant avoided illicit drugs and alcohol throughout his career. He did though suffer from bipolar disorder which would help explain some of the randomness. Not sure I’ll go back to this soon but I think if I saw this for a good price in the used bin I’d buy.
I really liked this … much more than I expected to 👍
this album has a really interesting vibe goin for it, imagine new wave rock mixed with a large tribal sound to it. half the time you'll wonder if this is a hootenanny or a sacrifice to the gods. what if elvis presley did some drugs and wore a headdress and loincloth when he performed? this album is probably the answer to that question. it's bonkers, it's all over the place. you don't know if you wanna mosh, march, or zaouli. very cool, just wish more tracks gave me that feeling to move.
Great original punk/new wave.
Fan of Ant’s hits from the beginning. Never dove deep but I should’ve way back when. Almost reminds me if the Pistols had more of a sense of humor.
Fun album! I guess I just like gay British pop music
That musics lost its taste so try another flavor
Maybe because I was pissed off and walking an hour but I really enjoyed this
I really like these "Punk era" albums, because they all sound the same and they're all really cool.
consciously slowed down and got a lot of rest today and almost forgot to even write ab this oops HJFHFSJKFS. its awsom and fun! the writeup of it in my copy of the book is amusingly slightly pissy in its framing of this record as a rejection of punk music's Aesthetic Conservatism and Anti Pop Sentiments and that feels like a strange thing to ascribe to any single record FHJSHJF but it does speak to its reckless, buoyant, jittery, and even Campy strengths...a lot of garishness that feels borderline glam...some theatrics, some great tunes, some creeping anxiety. a bit inherently hard to pin down but undeniably a super fun listen
Agréable surprise. Pas quelque chose que je réécouterais souvent, mais c’est une écoute plaisante. Un groupe que je ne connaissais pas.
An interesting album. Every song felt different (in a good way) and the vibes were pretty good. I loved the drummer, kept my foot tapping throughout the album. This was an unexpected find. I feel weird to say I liked this album, but I definitely did!
This was super fun! There is a lot of variety going on between songs. The vocals and weird sounds articulating the beat often reminded me of Here Come the Warm Jets. A little bit of worldbeat, a little bit of surf rock, a whole lot of not quite New Romantic but not quite post-punk but also not quite mainstream rock. I will be revisiting this!
🗯 From annoying the shit outta me to reluctant props. Growing up and especially as a DJ in party bars and clubs for 20 years, I couldn’t care less about Adam & The Ants if I tried, and always avoided playing them. There were always better campy videos and pantomime posturing that needed airtime, theirs just grated. But revisiting this? I’ve got to admit: ‘Dog Eat Dog’ slaps, and ‘Antmusic’ is undeniable when it comes to hooks. I still feel like it’s all very transparent, but there is something clever happening here — a novelty sheen masking some real chops in arrangement and vision. It’s glam remnants dressed up in new wave threads, stitched together with post-punk grit and a bit of straight rock’n’roll strut. Not much sounds like it, and it turns out Adam knew what he was doing after all: marrying kitsch commercialism with a strange kind of credibility. In 2025, I hear it differently. Verdict: Better than I ever thought I’d say For fans of: Bow Wow Wow, Roxy Music, Siouxsie & the Banshees
Surprise banger. You hear punk, but also new wave. No songs jump out, but a good experience
Pretty good
Pretty good! Aged well.
What a great listen, irresistible singles and strong supporting album tracks. One of the great examples of self-invention in pop, Ant willing himself to be a megastar on the basis of surf guitar, chanting, double drum power and pop hooks. Those that burn twice as bright burn half as long, and Adam you have burned so very very bright. As Smash Hits might have said three years later.
Fun!
Great
Wow this album is something. It’s silly and stupid. It’s not trying to be taken too seriously while still being a cavalcade of creative ideas. There’s so many tracks that are just kinda fun and silly which fits the “of it’s time” 80s sound. It’s just kinda got that 80s stink to it but this is a very stinky old aged cheese that’s all soft and mushy. But it’s so good no one else at the party got even a bite cause I was the only person interested in it.
Fun, high 3, not much else to say
This was surprisingly good. I remember when it came out and I really didn't like it then but I guess I was a kid and didn't understand
I only knew Dog Eat Dog and Antmusic from this album. I listened on streaming services and the sound quality didn't seem that good, I guess you don't go to Adam Ant for nuance but for catchy choruses and stomping, but would be nice to hear a bit more distinction in the contribution of the individual musicians.
enormt my kind of shit er jeg bange for
This is super fun, awesome early 80s new wave, great drumming, great front man. It might get boosted for nostalgia factor as there was a time 13-year-old me aspired to be Mrs. Ant based on thirst trap MTV videos; however, I can declare now that this whole record is quality. High four stars
Very surprised by how much I like this. Original, good rhythms and groove and a solid collection. Continually surprised throughout the album by the quality and how much i liked it. Probably close to a 4* but maybe just misses out and gets a very solid 3.5.
I’ve listened to this album a good six times now; a couple of the songs a dozen times over. And honestly, I still couldn’t tell you whether I like it or not. Obviously, “Ant Music” is a bona fide bop. “Feed Me To the Lions” is a worthy earworm (and, if I’m reading it correctly, a wounded ‘fuck you’ to creepy old Malcom McLaren). But then for every serviceable bit of new wave (“Dog Eat Dog”, “The Human Beings”, the title track) there’s an odd, slightly annoying shanty or something that you can’t wait to be done (“Jolly Roger”, “Los Rancheros” … though I do have to admit to begrudgingly enjoying the latter on its fifth go around; the melody sounds enough like the hymn “Lamb of God” to give me a laugh). This album feels like an essential bridge between the art punk of the late 70s and the hyper stylised, aesthetically pruned pop of the 80s – validation of the idea that the DIY approach offered a viable route to creative product for artists beyond punk. But it’s not posterity that wins me over in the end; it’s the cover. Gazing again at its “from the feed” array, it dawns on me. I’ve struggled to arrive at an opinion simply because you cannot understand Adam and the Ants without reckoning with Adam’s made-up face. The “look” is at least half of it – if you can’t manage your way through that, you’re only ever listening to the record with one earphone in. Adam and the Ants – an ultimately daft range of personas projected onto an assembly of talented musicians – must have looked a lot like permission to push it. And not in the snotty way that punk had – instead in a way that allowed a person to be heart on the sleeve sincere one second, Jolly Roger brandishing the next. Without the visual panto, this is a confusing collection of songs. But factor the performance in (as the cover does – it’s from a taping of them rehearsing for a TV spot) and it’s a collection of songs designed to confuse. And those are two very different things.
I love the drums in this so much. I also know quite a few of the songs on it which was nice. Overall: 4/5
"AAAAAH HA HEEEEEEY HAAAAAH". That battle cry, colliding with your ears, 2 seconds after a gentle guitar strum that would to a completely new listener might have momentarily made them think they were listening to a completely different record. The tone is set early and very well for the album, and that yell is one particular reason why "Prince Charming" is an iconic song. I was excited to listen to the rest of this album as my first of the 1001 albums to listen to. This spirit of propulsion, fun, ingenuity and delicious rebelliousness continues throughout the record, rolling through "Goody Two Shoes", "Stand & Deliver", "Antmusic" and more.
This album sounds like a mess and a joke. I mean, even in the presence of the likes of The Residents and Frank Zappa, I don't know if I've ever come across another album on this list that sounds this much like a shitpost. And quite honestly, for that reason, it's amazing. Straight to the point: it's a fun as hell record. They sound like they were having a blast putting it together, and damn if it doesn't come through. Like, I can't recall the last album I've ever heard to take a break for a whole pirate song. Jus', out of nowhere, "We're pirates now; raise the Jolly Roger." That's incredible. And, really, it's an album where I otherwise don't feel like I have too much to say. Just listen to it — it speaks for itself, doesn't it? Especially those drums; they're maybe one of the best parts, goodness. Also, the riff in "Ant Invasion" sounds so similar to a riff I've heard elsewhere... I tried to look up if they quoted another song, but all I got was comments about Beanie Babies or something. But anyway, if I'm gonna highlight any track besides "Jolly Roger", it's that one. Oh, and the title track, just for the lyric "I feel beneath the white, there's a redskin suffering from centuries of taming." Goodness. How does an album this ridiculous have a line that politically brazen? Just another thing that makes it amazing, honestly. So... Yeah. That's a big recommendation from me. Just a real fun bit of off-kilter 80's New Wave. Like, believe me, I can absolutely hear how someone could hate this album... But they're no fun, let me tell you what.
It was good, fun 80s pop rock
So this album is a great reason why I try to give albums 2 or 3 listens before forming a solid opinion. The first time I listened to it about 3 months ago, I didn’t like it at all. The overall feel and energy of the music was too abrasive and obnoxious, leaving a bad taste in my mouth and making it hard to want to come back to it. I played it again this morning and was able to absorb elements that I really enjoyed, although other parts still rubbed me the wrong way. After completing it, I played it once more, and the more I hear it, the more the obnoxiousness gets toned down, allowing me to focus on the elements I do like. The main element that initially rubbed me the wrong way was the Burundi Beat! Long story short, it’s a tribal beat that originated from the Burundi people in East Africa. Somehow, it got the attention of Western music in the late 70s and early 80s, and Adam Ant decided to incorporate it into this album. Overall, I don’t think I’ll ever fully appreciate it, but it’s obvious that this beat played a significant role in the album’s success. Personally, I think it overshadows the rest of the music and serves as more of a distraction.
Always a good listen. Cutting edge 1981.
It's pretty fun Will I listen to again: 62%
If I could tell you why I like this album better than say, white album, I couldn't tell you. Something about it was just really fun. Like the lyrics are terrible and the music is just alright, but I could feel that the band really was just having fun with it. Which made me have more fun with it. It's like watching a terrible movie with freinds, It's so nonsensical and trashy that you kinda love it.
Loud, catchy and fun
Not convinced of the songwriting, but pretty cool sound nonetheless. 3.5/5
Another fun album and its own kind of outlier. Kind of pop but not standard pop sound. Kind of punk but not standard punk sound. Odd lyrics. Odder sounds.
Never been into new wave, but this album was a good listen. The more I hear the more I like in this genre; but this album also was just a cool vibe. I like the nine inch nails covered one song I was familiar with
Never heard of these dudes and while the cover art is beyond cursed, I really dug this album.
Brought a smile on my face with a couple songs, which is more than most of the albums have done so I guess 4 is deserved. The music is quite good, something a bit different but still quite similar to stuff I've heard before. No real bangers on the album though. Favorite song would be Jolly Roger.
I get the sense that around the 1980 mark, “new wave” was an incredibly crowded genre, both from bands who put themselves under that umbrella and those who were put there by others. As such, I imagine it was very hard for a new wave band to differentiate themselves from the crowd at about this time, at the height of its popularity. Adam & the Ants, though, surely didn’t suffer this problem, at least not by the time of this album’s release. They have a rather unique sound, which I would say is characterized by the drums, which are both rhythmic and melodic and take a much more central role than is typical for drums in western music. Ant’s voice also stands out for its strength, but perhaps moreso for its energetic and idiosyncratic delivery. They also have a very unique image and mythos that runs as a thread throughout the album. It’s all a bit strange and very interesting. Fortunately the music is good enough that the schtick works. I particularly liked “Los Rancheros”, the title track, and “Phsyical”. Fun stuff.
Classic early 80s pop. Confession time - the first album I bought with my own money. Some of the cultural appropriation hasn't stood the test of time, but as a bridge between Adam's Gonzo Punk roots and intelligent pop, this is a fabulous album. And it's hard not to like any band with two drummers.
Expecting Adam & The Ants' Kings of the Wild Frontier (1980) to be a campy '80s New Romantic relic akin to Culture Club, the massive tribal drumming—the famed Burundi Beat—and the punk-infused swagger surprisingly reveal a rawer, more exhilarating sound that feels like a cooler, more stylish version of Oasis's stadium rock bravado. While the album is undeniably catchy and revolutionary for its time, the lyrics often lean toward simple sloganeering and theatrical camp, ultimately proving to be the shallowest part of a record whose primary success lies in its bombastic, infectious rhythms and bold, unforgettable aesthetic.
Essential (and more importantly FUN) new wave music by the great Adam Ants & his ants. Play loud. Dance naked. Ant people are GO!
Love when people push punk into new weird directions. The drums are a particular highlight on this album
Pretty good new wave
Great accessible 80s punk
This is such an awesome album but I’m sure it’s mostly about nostalgia. Adam and the ants was one of my first pop idols. We must have looked pretty stupid. 8 years olds with white stripes across our noses, feathers in our hair and one of my friends even owned the Adam ant French style military jacket. Like it or loath it, it was a unique style/type of music combination, New Romantic/pop/tribal Definitely belongs in this list. Awesome!
This was really fun, and ridiculous and pretty silly! New to me except Antmusic - I really enjoyed it ant music for sex people :: sex music for ant people
Punk rebellion meets dance floor seduction in this flamboyant ride through the wild new wave frontier.
I was surprised by this one. Catchy stuff, would listen to again!
I seriously do not understand. But I really enjoyed it. It was weird, but...in a fun way?
I came into this not knowing a ton about Adam & The Ants, but I came away at least somewhat of a fan. Really an enjoyable album. Like the sound design a lot.
When the ground falls out from underneath, it would be easier to give up and let outside forces win. That wasn't, fortunately, how Adam Ant operated. With references to topics both in-house and out of the ordinary, the new iteration of the Ants barnstormed through the walls that had closed around it and became the not just the kings of the wild frontier but the kings of the burgeoning new wave counterculture. A boisterous blast of early 80s excellence. Favorites: Dog Eat Dog, Antmusic, Feed Me to the Lions, Ants Invasion, Killers in the Home, Kings of the Wild Frontier, The Magnificent Five, Don't Be Square (Be There), The Human Beings.
Kings of the Wild Frontier is the second studio album from Adam & the Ants. This was a rebuilt "& the Ants;" after the band's first album, everyone but Adam Ant departed to become Bow Wow Wow. This album was far more successful than the band's first effort, both commercially and critically, and became one of the first successful post-punk new wave groups. They made version of glam rock, with catchy melodies and two drummers, making their work rhythmically focused. The album includes some of the band's early hits, including the title track and "Ant Music," the band's self-referential anthem. Their songs feature Adam Ant's confident vocals, with extensive support from background vocals, adding to their glam-rock, campy sound.
This was incredible, so strange but very fun
That's a great punkish, new-waveish album!
Upbeat and fun. I liked listening to this.
I don't know any Adam & The Ants songs, but I do know Adam Ant's "Goody Two Shoes," which I think is pretty fun. Reading up on this band, I'm amazed that Adam & The Ants eventually led to Bow Wow Wow and Culture Club, via Malcolm McLaren. I don't know much about McLaren, other than the fact that he unsuccessfully ran for mayor of London. Regardless, I wouldn't say that I have high hopes for this album, and I'm blaming Haircut 100 for that. Here's hoping I'm wrong! I'm happy to report that I enjoyed this album quite a bit. Before I started this project, I would have said that New Wave was one of my favorite genres, but I've come to realize that I'm pretty picky about the genre. However, Kings Of The Wild Frontier was really unique, making it a really fun experience. "Dog Eat Dog" grabbed my attention right from the start. The percussion immediately reminded me of Bow Wow Wow's "I Want Candy," which I've now learned is something called Burundi Beat. Is there anything more English than stealing something from Africa and pretending it's yours? Possible cultural theft aside, the Burundi Beat was easily my favorite element of this album. I was shocked that it never wore thin on me, but I think that's because there was plenty of variation in sound throughout the album, and the guitar playing worked really well with this unique style. Also, I think it made the weird vocals a bit less 'exotic' than they would have been had this album relied more on guitars for its musical sound. Speaking of the vocals, I really enjoyed the backing vocals on this album, especially on "Feed Me to the Lions." I dove into a bit more of Adam Ant's solo discography after listening to this album, and I think he sings pretty well, but this album doesn't really showcase his lead vocal talents, which is a shame. This album sounded a bit chaotic at several points, but I felt like that chaos was converted into some great energy, and it worked really well on this album. "Dog Eat Dog," "Antmusic," and "Los Rancheros" were my favorite songs on the album, but there weren't really many tracks that I didn't care for. Overall, this was a really fun and unique album, and it's really made me want to check out more of Adam Ant's solo work.
A few good tunes. I bet they’re fun to watch live.
I was shocked this album was from 1980 instead of 1990. Sounded so much like early grunge from a British band. Not surprised at all that Nine Inch Nails covered a song from this album. I enjoyed it a lot.
This album was ridiculous and I kind of loved it. I liked the mono-style shuffle of the side-openers, and Jolly Roger was so dumb it made me like it. I would choose to listen to this again
## In-Depth Review of *Kings Of The Wild Frontier* by Adam & The Ants Released on November 7, 1980, *Kings Of The Wild Frontier* marked a significant turning point for Adam & The Ants, transitioning from their punk roots to a vibrant, eclectic sound that would dominate the UK charts. This album is not just a collection of songs but a bold statement that encapsulates the cultural zeitgeist of the early 1980s. Below, we delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and its lasting influence. ### Lyrics The lyrics of *Kings Of The Wild Frontier* reflect Adam Ant's unique blend of humor, surrealism, and social commentary. Many tracks are characterized by their catchy slogans and vivid imagery, often drawing on themes of rebellion and identity. - **"Antmusic"** serves as a manifesto for the band and its followers. With lines that emphasize the importance of music in shaping identity and culture, it highlights the joy and urgency of youth rebellion: *“So sad when you're young to be told you're having fun.”* - **"Dog Eat Dog"** presents a gritty view of competition in the music industry, inspired by a quote from Margaret Thatcher about ruthless competition. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and survival amidst cutthroat dynamics in show business. - **"Ants Invasion"** juxtaposes playful imagery with darker undertones, using metaphors that evoke both menace and camaraderie. Its refrain embodies a sense of collective identity among fans while exploring themes of societal alienation. The lyrics throughout the album are marked by clever wordplay and an almost theatrical flair, showcasing Adam's ability to weave narratives that resonate with listeners while maintaining an air of absurdity. ### Music Musically, *Kings Of The Wild Frontier* is groundbreaking. It combines elements of punk rock with tribal rhythms and glam influences, creating a sound that is both infectious and innovative. - **Instrumentation**: The album features a distinctive two-drummer setup that incorporates Burundi rhythms, giving it a unique percussive backbone. This tribal beat is most evident in tracks like **"Kings Of The Wild Frontier,"** which opens with powerful drumming that sets the tone for the entire album. - **Guitar Work**: Marco Pirroni's guitar work is integral to the album's sound. His style blends rockabilly influences with spaghetti western motifs, creating memorable riffs that complement Adam's flamboyant vocal delivery. Songs like **"Killer In The Home"** showcase this blend effectively with haunting melodies intertwined with driving rhythms. - **Production**: Produced by Chris Hughes (also the band's drummer), the album features polished yet dynamic production that captures the raw energy of live performance while enhancing its pop sensibilities. Hughes' approach allows for layered vocal harmonies and intricate arrangements without losing the visceral punch characteristic of punk. ### Themes Thematically, *Kings Of The Wild Frontier* explores concepts of identity, rebellion, and cultural commentary: - **Rebellion Against Norms**: The album embodies a spirit of defiance against societal expectations. Ant positions himself as a leader for disaffected youth—a “wild nobility” challenging the status quo through music and fashion. - **Cultural Commentary**: Many songs reflect on contemporary issues such as competition in the arts (as seen in "Dog Eat Dog") and societal alienation ("Ants Invasion"). This commentary is often delivered with a tongue-in-cheek attitude that invites listeners to engage critically with the material. - **Surrealism and Absurdity**: Adam Ant's lyrical style often incorporates surreal elements reminiscent of English absurdists like Monty Python. This can be seen in his playful yet pointed critiques of pop culture and fame. ### Influence The influence of *Kings Of The Wild Frontier* extends far beyond its initial release: - **Cultural Impact**: The album played a pivotal role in ushering in the New Romantic movement while retaining its punk roots. It paved the way for future acts who would blend theatricality with pop sensibilities. - **Legacy in Pop Culture**: Elements from the album can be traced through various cultural phenomena—from fashion trends inspired by Adam's flamboyant style to musical echoes in later genres like goth rock. Bands such as Bauhaus and Southern Death Cult drew from Ant's tribal beats and aesthetic. - **Modern Resonance**: Contemporary artists continue to cite Adam & The Ants as an influence, particularly in their blending of genres and theatrical presentation. The band’s ethos can be seen reflected in modern pop culture figures who embrace flamboyance while addressing serious themes through art. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Innovative Sound**: The unique combination of tribal rhythms and punk energy creates an engaging listening experience that was ahead of its time. - **Memorable Hooks**: Each track features catchy melodies and choruses that invite sing-alongs, ensuring lasting appeal. - **Cultural Relevance**: The themes explored remain relevant today, resonating with new generations facing similar societal challenges. #### Cons - **Lyrical Ambiguity**: While many appreciate Adam's lyrical style, some may find it overly abstract or nonsensical at times, potentially alienating listeners seeking straightforward narratives. - **Uneven Track Quality**: While most songs are strong, tracks like "Jolly Roger" have been criticized as weaker entries that detract from the overall impact of the album. - **Production Choices**: Some listeners might find the production overly polished compared to rawer punk sounds, which could detract from its authenticity for purists. ### Conclusion In summary, *Kings Of The Wild Frontier* stands as a landmark album not only for Adam & The Ants but for British pop music as a whole. Its innovative fusion of genres, engaging lyrics, and vibrant themes have cemented its place in music history. Despite some criticisms regarding specific tracks or lyrical complexity, its cultural significance remains undeniable. This album not only defined an era but also set a precedent for future artists seeking to blend theatricality with musical innovation.
Ant music at its finest!
Surprisingly good. Lots of interesting musical ideas here. Still also pretty cheesy. Fave Tracks: Antmusic, Los Rancheros 3.6/5
Bring on more English punk rock!
9/10. The attitude is perfect. It's wild, and all over the place, but in a good way. The production is dope. This is such a fun album!!! :)
Killer in the Home is the riff to Link Wray’s Rumble but a fun album nonetheless. Cool album otherwise.
Using music as their banner, AntA put together a jaunty little second album. I remember Ant Music and Ants Invasion being played on a radio throughout the early 80s. Strong start with Dog Eat Dog (best song), all songs good. Had to laugh with some of the lyrics in Don’t Be Square. Ie: Death wears white socks. You might not like it now but you will! (3.7*s)
I've been aware of Adam & The Ants forever but can't say I've ever heard a song prior to this. After listening to this album I feel I've been missing out. Kings Of The Wild Frontier was a surprisingly good listen. I was surprised this was from 1980 as it felt like it could have been released 5 years ago. It had a handful of fun britpop songs and really leaned into the band themes at times. I appreciate how well this held up. I'm evidently a fan of Antmusic and have added a few of these songs to my Spotify list. 3.55 stars
Thought this was very good. I think I might warm to it more over more listens too. 3.75/5
Wonderfully weird
Han zum Album d Wohnig putzt... Putze esch gar ned geil gsii, aber s Album hed Spass gmacht. Spötistens wo de song los rancheros cho esch, esch ziit gsii, mer en "chopfbedeckig" ufsetzte und zum sound alle Dreck usesuge und usewüsche. Nach grosem Chrapf und vell vergossenem Schweis esch d Wohnig weder suber und ech chan gnüsslech use ga und Gschicht schribschribe. Werd sicher mal s Album na imne neue Setting lose, ergendwelchi Vorschläg was passend wär?
I always enjoyed this. Fun and irreverent. Precursor to new wave to come.
Awesome album. I’m getting a lot of new wave from this generator and im not complaining im fortunately a huge fan of this sound. I’m a little shocked to find this album to have mixed reviews, I was jamming the whole time
This is that off the wall new wave stuff I love and is an album you definitely SHOULD listen to. Surprisingly catchy.
This is very exciting. The tribal drumming. The glamrock riffs and stomping. The punkrock energy and chanting. The yodelling! Actual songwriting gets a bit lost in the mix; not sure if I'd be able to tell the songs apart without the sloganeering. But who cares.
Good energy. That was fun
Adam Amt was ubiquitous on Top of the Pops growing up, so very strange to return to it now. Then it was just pop music, with no context. In a way it sounds completely new - I can hear all the different influences at work, and how they come together. Really enjoyed and surprised by a couple listens through.
I like
I knew right away that I was going to dig this. Like the music overall, LOVE the drums.
A little hit or miss here, but I do love some classic New Wave. When this is on it is INCREDIBLE. Unfortunately there are some pretty lackluster moments as well. Drumming is very standout throughout though. Big points there.
I have listened to this album a lot over the past week, as I've really struggled to decide between a 3 and a 4. Adam and the Ants are labelled new wave but I don't think that does them justice. I really hear a lot of punk and post punk in their musical stylings, which likely isn't surprising given what they started as. I think what makes them new wave is the off-kilter sounds they introduce from time to time and Adam Ant's voice - his high pitched signing (at times) doesn't quite fit punk or post-punk. But really listen to their guitar chords, bass playing, and drum beats. It's lower and more punk pounding as opposed to more uppity or poppy sounding that some new wave can be. And I really enjoyed that - something novel about the Sex Pistols or Joy Division paired with Boy George on vocals. There were a lot of songs I really enjoyed too - Dog Eat Dog (campy), Antmusic (a bit poppy but different, Feed Me to the Lions (post punky), Ants Invasion (grungy), the title track (most well-rounded), The Magnificent Five (a mix of everything), Jolly Roger (campy and fun). And then the two songs from the US release - Press Darlings (great fun and glammy) and Physical (Joy Divisiony). I'm going with a 4. There's a lot more depth here than you might think on first listen.
My second album here and I’m already on a marmite one! To be honest this album slaps, I love it, you should love it, everyone should love it. My highlights include: Dog Eat Dog, Antmusic, The Magnificent Five
I liked it so much, I even played the bonus tracks. I usually don't. The bonus tracks are even better. He's not a very good singer, but it suits the music well. Favorite song on the original album: Kings of the wild frontier
I'm not terribly familiar with Adam & the Ants besides Adam Ant's comeback single back in the 90s. I'm enjoying this in a way I didn't expect. Ant Invasion is the first track that really grabbed my attention. I guess taking a screen cap off your video and using it as your album art would have been pretty high-tech back in 1980. It's quaint here in 2024.
"Kings of the Wild Frontier" is the second studio album by English new wave band Adam & the Ants. The band underwent a major lineup change from their debut album as Malcolm McLaren wooed the backing band of lead singer Adam Ant to form Bow Wow Wow. Ant recorded this album with new partner and lead guitarist Marco Pirrani. Two drummers (Terry Lee Miall and Chris Hughes) and bassist Kevin Mooney were also added to complete the band. The album did very well commercially reaching #1 in the UK and #44 in the US. The unique two drummer beat (Burundi) opens "Dog Eat Dog." Guitar riffs and piano round things off. Ant's vocals are echoing and rapping. There's background chanting, yelling and whistling. It's a song about competition inspired by a Margaret Thatcher quote. That drum beat (with the sticks percussion more prominent) drive "Antmusic." Hey, this song still gets fairly heavy rotation on the XM New Wave station. You first hear Pirroni's post-punk guitar riffs here. A very catchy chorus. "Unplug that jukebox and little to our music." There's a singing and chanting start to the self-titled and first single "Kings of the Wild Frontier." The Burundi drum beat, guitar feedback and three-chord guitar riffs. Supposedly inspired by Davy Crockett, Ant compares his band to Native Americans. "Don't Be Square (Be There)" continues a hypnotic, repetitive drumbeat. A turned-up melodic bass and guitar slashes. Pirroni goes up and down the scales. This guitar really reminded me of P.I.L. Don't be square and get into ant music. This was my first dive, of any sort, into the music of Adam Ant. I was really surprised and impressed with Pirroni's guitar. It's edgy, dark and definitely post-punk. The two drummers really drive the music and gives it a unique sound. Ant's lyrics are varied with some dark, some playful and some comparing his band to historical groups (Native American tribes, pirates). I don't know about his other albums (a brief look at reviews gave their next album high marks ) but this one is very good and worth your time listening to it.
This album is fun. it started really well with Dog eat dog and antmusic. The lyrics are nuts. I have no idea what this album is about but will listen to it again. Favourite song: Antmusic Least favourite: Los Rancheros Album artwork: Great cover.
It's got a bit of attitude to it, this. I like how this embraces the weird, and how it doesn't really sound like anything else. Some nice grooves and a lot of fun. 3.5 rounded up.
Nice to finally break out of my classic rock hole. This was some good 80's pop-punk style stuff that I hadn't heard before. I should check out more from him/them.
Catchy tunes with the right amount of weirdness.
Cool vibes and surprising rendition of Physical.
Didn't appreciate this band at the height of their fame and didn't think i would like this album but having listened to all 2 hours and 39 mins of it have to say I did. Its musical theatre and quite funny. Glad i listened
Camp, glee, punk, welcome to the 80s with your hosts Adam & the Ants
За обложку хочется минус влепить, ну чё вы делаете, муравьи. Но музыка неплохая. Не понимаю, почему так много текста про муравьёв? Ну типа это в названии группы есть, я понимаю, но я не помню у корн песен про кукурузу например, или у группы эпидемия песен про эпидемию. Ну типа это странно, не? но в целом слушалось приятно
Infectious.
I wasn't very familiar with Adam Ant. I liked the punky aesthetic of Kings Of The Wild Frontier, as well as the musical quotes from early rock singles like Rumble. I'll definitely be diving deeper into the Adam Ant catalog.
I have heard more songs from that album through various playlist that I really didn't know Was Adam and the Ants. I really liked what I heard. The sound of the drums were a lot of fun.
idk didnt listen
Solid 4/5. Weird combination of Thin Lizzy and Anthrax vibes with the vocalists voice sounding a lot like their lead singer also. Apart from first song being a bit weird and unique, the next 3 songs are a really good introduction to the album and the rest are really good for the most part.
I've always liked "ant music". The drumming is reminiscent of John Kongos and Burundi Black from the early 1970s, but it was a different sound for the early 1980s. In addition to their hits "Antmusic" and "Kings of the Wild Frontier", there's also "Ants Invasion".
This is such an odd album, because on one hand it’s full of goofy shit like the gun shot effects on Los Rancheros, and the line, ‘Ant music for Sex people, Sex music for Ant people’ and then you get the genuinely fascinating effect of having two drummers playing the same groove at the same time, and the fantastically evil riff to Ants Invasion, which I’m sure has been used by the occult Folk-Metal band Green Lung since (check those guys out, their stuff is fantastic) I think I kinda love it. It’s genuinely pretty stupid, but it’s a stupid that’s pretty big dumb fun
So I certainly wasn’t expecting it, but I actually liked this.
Distinguished auditor of a dirty, filthy, grimey, dust-infested ungodly vinyl copy of this adamantation. Undeterminable whether tribal punk, culturally appropriated misappropriation, or cromulently mirthsome goth spectacle.
Like New Wave/rock. I'm digging it.
i would love to know what he thinks an ant is
Fun! Loved the Burundi Beats. Also loved the number of risks on this album. It might lead to clunkers like Jolly Roger but also leads to epic songs like Ant Invasion. Ultimately not something I'm going to come back to frequently and it's marred by some very London-esque synth and melody choices, but a great album all in all.
Really fun album!
Pretty good album, Antman song is a classic. It gets tiring after 20 minutes, but I'll give it a 4for a fresh look at pop in 80s.
Quality Adam and the Ants. All the songs are good and the album is very cohesive: no song feels like filler. We enjoyed this.
Back to the 80th - New Wave Punkrock, Nice!
Another New Romantic band that rejects the label yet couldn't be more New Romantic. With the eccentric pirate-themed fashion, less synths than their New Wave contemporaries, and more stress on punk energy, the influences from the 70s glam rock era are quite clear, especially with the rockabilly beats ("Dock Eat Dog") and surf guitar style ("Los Rancheros" and "Killer in the Home") that occasionally pops in. The vocals are loud, wild, and exaggerated yet somewhat muddled under the arena chorus-heavy instrumental (especially the fuzzy guitar), similar to contemporaries Duran Duran and ABC. I also like the gothic influences with the dark beats and eery guitar in tracks like "Ants Invasion" and "Kings of the Wild Frontier." Lots of creative ideas and personality here. A lot of it works really well. Some of it, not so much. The last 3 tracks in particular felt weak and incomplete. Other deep cuts had enough novelty to charm me, but it loses it on repeated listens. In other words, it's not an album I'd replay repeatedly, but I'd definitely revisit every few months.
This is why this list has value. I had never listened to this album, but it is really good.
I wasn't allowed to like this when I was 15 as it wasn't nearly cool enough and too poppy. And the girls loved him! I had to stick to slightly punky, rockier stuff. What was I thinking!? This is a fantastic album. All sorts of influences and extremely well crafted songs. 'Antmusic', 'Kings of the Wold frontier' stand out. Marco Pirroni's twangy guitar and double drums from the others are a great treat. Brilliant album.
Kings of the Wild Frontier by Adam Ant is a thrilling blend of rockabilly guitars, tribal double drums, and the edginess of punk mixed with the glamour of the New Romantics. Rediscovering these songs after years brought back the energy of my first love, creating a nostalgic and captivating experience. The album's unique rhythm and rebellious charm make it a timeless masterpiece that seamlessly fuses punk's fiestiness with the sophistication of the New Romantics era. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 5 STAND OUT TRACK - Antmusic
Weird music. My mum loves him so it gotta be a high score
Interesting vocal mixes. Some fun bouncy rock tracks, very British in the tone and lyrics. Jolly Rodger lil pirate vibe, boding heavy guitar tone. This band would be fun live. Never heard of them.
nice
Pop-punk. Curioso. Un 4, venga.
ANTMUSIC! I’m a sucker for this cheesy 80s synth pop. Love the harmonies in the first track
Funky poppy post-punk! Very danceable. Different sound from their first album but good nonetheless
Vraiment du bon new wave, je suis vraiment resté surpris. Probablement une ou deux pièces dont j'aurais pu me passer, mais le reste de l'album c'était bangers après bangers. Ça ne sonne pas particulièrement unique ou originale, mais l'exécution est tellement solide et les chansons sont tellement entraînantes que ça compense. 8/10
Some real winners, some real losers
I think I got this on cassette from Columbia 12 for a penny. "You might not like it now but you will" Stone cold killer. Dirk wears white socks.
Really great album to be honest. It was especially interesting as I have never heard of AATA before so this was an entirely new experience. There are some songs I will certainly go back to. Not sure if I find the album to be excellent but it is really good. Favorite songs: The Human Beings Los Rancheros Don't be Square
Fun - never listened to them before.
Adam & The Ants both stood and delivered with this album. Not sure the remastered version with 4000 versions of everything on it lasting 2.5 hours is worth it but all the same - cracking kitchen prep album! 3.8
Was a lot better than I was expecting. Was fun and will listen again.
This was 80% great, 20% naff. Spot on 4/5 album
I liked this. I only knew a couple of the singles and didn't really take him seriously after he was arrested for running around with a toy gun ages ago. Turns out he has quite serious mental health issues and is really open about it so my opinion has gone right up. Musically I now think every band should have 2 drummers. The drums sounded insane. The songs were good apart from the one where he went full pirate.
Wild stuff. First few songs caught me. But this one maintains a pulsating energy throughout
Not only was he a huge influencer of fashion and culture, but the music was original and unlike anything done before or since.
FUN album
This was more fun than I expected, genuinely different to everything else of its time
Like I said in the review of my previous album, I was concerned when Kings Of The Wild Frontier had a global rating that was less than a 3. But my oh my, This album is great. It was super catchy and it really did feel like a lot of love was put into it. If there is one thing I have learned today, don't trust the global ratings at all. Best Song: Press Darlings Worst Song: Los Rancheros
Fun! 4/5
I'm really digging this - hearing so many other influences across all the tracks.
Only knew a couple of Adam Ant songs previously. Just listened to the original 12 song release, and it was better than expected. Pretty original sounding stuff, good variety of songs. Nothing super amazing here, but just barely squeaks in at 4/5. I'd listen again.
Dude loves ants. Cool listen, though.
I liked a lot of the songs, will revisit
Adam and the Ants are a band I’ve been aware of for a long time, ever since I heard the Horrible Histories parody of “Stand and Deliver” (which was always my favourite song when I was younger), my mum showed me the original and I was sold. Never really listened to anything by them other than that song though. AL: this album just radiated charm. While not all of the tracks were necessarily hits or standouts, all of them had their own individual feel and charm, the album is also pretty short and concise which helps add to that feeling. No tracks particularly stood out as bad and I’d say the baseline is probably a B-grade for how good all these songs were, many pushing into A territory, nothing particularly excelled though, which was my only problem. FT: “Dog Eat Dog”, “Ant Music”, “Kings of the wild Frontier”, “Don’t be Square”, “Jolly Roger” 4/5
mASSA tipo um punkzao pop
I made more fun of these guys than they deserve. Pretty good.
I love this and I'm not ashamed. Although I do realise much of it is objectively not good. Enjoying the befuddled reactions in the reviews, I guess Adam didn't crack America. I can't have been musically conscious at 2 or 3 years old but Adam Ant was basically my earliest musical memory, the songs off this album went off like a grenade into my little ears. Particularly the title track and Dog Eat Dog. The Burundi drums, the deep voice chants, the big fuck-off riffs those vocal yodels, what was this??? The absolute pop explosion of Stand and Deliver (not a million miles from Jolly Roger, tbf), Prince Charming and Pablo Picasso at the planet of the apes is jumbled up in my young memories of this yet they're all off the next album. So, being a kid I fully bought into the marketing (I think McLaren was involved at this point - before nicking half the band like a kid in a I Want Candy shop. See me after class for more tortured puns), the (essentially cartoon) cowboys and indians schtick. Were they cowboys? Were they indians? Isn't this probably problematic in 2023? What happened to the punky band from Dirk Wears White Sox? I was only possibly asking the first two questions in my toddler mind. It's a shame much of it ages poorly. I stand by the tracks I love (honourable mention to Magnificent Five, also Don't be square, surely a left over from the Dirk period, he even chants the name), and I will readily credit this for opening my fragile young mind and preparing it to enjoy oh so many wonderful post punk masterpieces over the ensuing 40 years and hopefully many more. The title track is a masterpiece and one of the best songs of the 80s, I don't care. Marilyn Manson obviously thought so, the thieving dickhead. Down below those dandy clothes you're just a shade too white.
Perfect weird shit
I thought Adam and the Ants were more cheesy 80s. This was actually pretty wild and cool.
Fantastic album. Loved it back in the early 80’s when released. Still love it today.
4. Total surprise
punk rock, let’s gooooo. with some catchy riffs and some new wave proclivities, these folks got it bass rattling along. i can fucks with this, definitely.
I did not expect to like this but I did!
Refreshing new wave album. Satisfying rhythmic and instrumental choices. The album drags a little with some repetitive motifs, but isn’t so long where it’s insufferable
My brother introduced me first to a lot of the bands and artists on this list: this one came by way of my sister, back in its original era. I always felt like Adam & the Ants occupied their own unique niche in British 80s pop and new wave. Though the themes of indigenous peoples' plight (such as they are, it's all pretty vague) don't really land these days, the music is at the top of the game, very much holds up for me.
So much better than expected, only Adam and the ants song I know is price charming and it's not my thing. Thought this would be art-rock that was weird for the sake of it but it was weird in the way I like! Reminded me of gang of four and other off-kilter indieish bands sometimes. The pirate song didn't do it for me but otherwise good stuff.
Great album!
Post Punk at its finest.
This album is all over the freaking place and I loved that about it. So many absurd songs. Sounded like something King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard could have come up with 4/5
Rating: 8/10 Best songs: Dog eat dog, Antmusic, Feed me to the lions, King of the wild frontier, Don’t be square, The human beings
I'm reading all these negative reviews here and am thinking I've been listening to an entire different album than the majority here. It's an upbeat album that makes perfect use of these double burundi drums. Adam Ant when he was still good.
Fun early 80’s sound. Last I heard he was still touring.
Had only heard a few of their songs before, but really enjoyed this!
Gloriously 80s. Nice range of tunes. Brilliant to listen to on a rainy Tuesday
you can really tell bestie was influenced by bowie more than you can tell i went to art school by my dyed hair. really great album even if it did feel a lil like i was listening to bowie 2: electric boogaloo - especially on feed me to the lions. very groovy + boogie 🕺🕺🕺
Очень хороший рок 80х с кучей интересных заимствований из различных жанров и панковской натурой. Вокал здесь ранжируется от детского и беззаботного до буквально абсурдного, пафосного и дерзкого. На этом альбоме всё отлично справились со своей работой и вывели просто хороший и весёлый альбом. (8)
What a surprise. After all the other new wave inclusions, I expected the generic but got something quite original. A mix of the Clash and Talking Heads, packed with duel guitar work and cool songwriting. Maybe lacking a big big hit, but definitely a cool listen.
Not knowing much about Adam and the Ants beyond the later rockstar image of Adam himself, I was surprised with how layered, creative, and altogether competent this album is. A welcome mixture of post-punk a la Magazine, new wave, and pop rock.
Adam and the Ants announce themselves in style. With the Heavy drum attack of Dog Eat Dog. Wow! I know that Dirk Wears White Socks is the debut album but this is my introduction to the Buccaneers of ant music. The recurring themes of pirates, ants and American Indian tribes is a little bit sophomoic at times but damn its fun. And that double drum attack gives the music a power that was unique at the time, at least as far as I know. It's not a GREAT or a Classic album but its really good and still makes me smile 40 years later. 4 stars
Rockabilly pirate post-punk music. I like it a lot!
I still have this one on vinyl (sadly, I don't have my entire collection any more). I didn't know anyone else who listened to it at the time and thought I had stumbled on some rare gem. I guess the album was more popular than all that. On this listen, I had a moment or two of PC concern about appropriation — the notion of "redskin" being a slur has settled into my core — but really, I was just enjoying the drum beats and yelps and campy swagger of Adam and his Ants. I can't think of other artists that quite sounds like this, the band has staked its ground and created something it can claim as its own. Thankfully, it's fun to listen to and entertaining from start to finish. I remember always wanting to get to "Ants Invasion," that was the standout track for me, and I totally enjoyed it on this listen. What the hell any of it is actually about is irrelevant, this sets a mood and sticks to it, and that's what it was all about then and now.
1981 Rural midwestern kid with access to only one top 40 radio station - then our town got cable, MTV and also an introduction to Adam and the Ants. My friends and I loved the attitude, camp and revolutionary beats and fashion. Fun stuff for all the boys and girls. Nostalgia aside, this album holds up pretty well. A lot of great 90 second songs that stretch to 3+ minutes. ‘Dog Eat Dog’ is the highlight for me and has been a song I’ve gone back to regularly over the years. ‘Ants Invasion’ is another standout I had not listened to for decades - great lyrics, and I’m glad to hear it again. This is a strong 3.5, and rounding up for the Antpeople.
There’s interesting drumming on some of the songs, and a couple tracks on here feel like a direct antecedent to something like Vampire Weekend. Goofball music for sure
What lovely Burundi Beat glory we have here! I thought of Bow Wow Wow as I heard this (insofar as similarity) and was surprised to read that Malcolm McClaren had pinched Ant’s original backing band for BWW prior to this record. Amazing stuff then, this record. I wanted to give it a 3.5 but I cannot, but then I listened to the additions to the US version of this and realised that it needed the full 4 star rating. I love me some New Wave!
"Stand and Deliver" and "Prince Charming" were decade-defining hits in the UK, so it's pretty weird the album they were on isn't the one on this list, eh? Not having heard any Adam and the Ants apart from those singles, I wasn't sure what to expect, but this was quite a fun listen! A little punky edge to the poppy new wave, plenty of variety, yeah, I can get behind this. Gonna check out the "Prince Charming" album off the back of this too! Fave track - "Feed Me to the Lions", perhaps? "Jolly Roger" was fun too. Also liked "The Omlette From Outer Space" if we're including bonus tracks...
Pop-punk. Curioso. Un 4, venga.
They created a very distinctive sound - twin drummers. The range of material is a bit limited but it shook things up a bit. The singles are great but the other tracks aren't quite so good.
Nice and wild and fun
Cultural appropriation aside, this was peak Adam & The Ants. They descended into a pantomime act after this album.
I generally like the approach to percussion throughout the record, as well as all the chanting. It's charm wears off a bit by the end, particularly on "Jolly Roger," but I'll forgive that one since he developed a fairly unique sort of hybrid sound. At times reminds me of Brian Eno's early solo albums. Also, I loved the era when shooting album cover photos off of TV screens was en vogue. Particularly when they paired it with a bright red font.
That was a surprisingly rocky and fun album, which takes itself just the right amount of seriously - not as glam and hammed up as the live act seemed to be. Enjoyed that.
Really enjoyed this one - definitely a cool new discovery. Dog eat dog is the fav but has a great new wave feel but not so out there that it wouldn't be attractive to a wider audience. Preferred A side to B side.
This was the first album I bought, on cassette, aged 10. Loved it at the time and it’s still a classic. Favourites then and now are Ant Invasion, Killer In The Home and The Human Beings
Some dated parts, but I'm a sucker for new wave. Quite good for the most part
Surprisingly varied. Some corking tracks on here, with few (if any) that were a chore. The twee nonsense of Adam Ant's theatrics distract from a very talented musician.
A standout album of the 80s for me
yeah quite cool
Weird, loud, and at times nonsensical, this album was actually a fun, interesting, wild listen! A good album filled with wonderful glam rock that reminds me of David Bowie. I want to listen to more, however, unfortunately it's just missing that little something special to push it up to five stars.
Quite weird.
Unexpectedly gleeful! Always took Adam Ant to be a punk-Shakey Stevens, bit of a joke band. But he's not - this is some seriously good pop-punk. Not surprised was the Brit Award Best Album.
oh dit is een leuke, geeft me een beetje frankie goes to hollywood vibes en die vond ik ook zeer leuk. ik zou dit nog wel eens luisteren.
Expected the usual 80s synth that seems to dominate anything from the 80s in this list but was pleasantly surprised. Almost verging in talking heads early Post Punk. Lots of kind of fat riffs in there too. Doesn't sound like anyone's taking them too seriously either which I love.
Welch großartige Pop Collage und vielseitige eklektische Sause. Grandios gealtert auch was den Sound betrifft. Of Montreal verblassen vor Neid und geben sicher nicht mehr als 4.2
Super fun new wave album. If you haven’t heard Adam and the Ants you definitely should