Reviews (page 4 of 8)
Good, punkish but not in an annoying way.
Great, another record that's straight dookie from a butt. Favourite Track(s): Kings of the Wild Frontier Least Favourite Track(s): Making History, The Human Beings, Jolly Roger
It was okay for a little while, but grew old quick. Another album I didn't make it through.
Started of kinda of good, some good songs at the start The further you go through the album the weirder it becomes Wierd lyrics and instrumentals
Certainly occurred.
So 80s. Fine
Album 940 of 1089 Adam & The Ants - Kings Of The Wild Frontier (1980) Rating : 3 / 5 I listened and I enjoyed it. It brought back memories of those early days when this kind of sound was starting to take over the airwaves - a big shift from the straight-up AM/FM radio music I grew up with. It was new, flashy, and full of attitude, and this album captures that era perfectly. While it doesn’t necessarily throw out any tracks that’ll stick with me forever, it’s hard to deny how fun the listening experience is. The rhythms are infectious, the energy is high, and the whole thing feels like a party that doesn’t take itself too seriously - which I think was probably the point. It’s a good time, start to finish, and sometimes that’s all you really need from an album.
A good album, I liked Jolly Roger the most.
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.
Vibes: 2/5 Instruments: 0/5 Production: 2/5 Emotional Value: 0/5 Storytelling/Lyrics: 1/5 Stand Outs: Dog Eat Dog, Killer in the Home Overall Rating: 1
The range of influences in this album is impressive.
Album Art 1/5
Absolute incoherence. Could not get into it no matter how hard it tried. Sometimes it would start to feel good and then fuck it up New wave can stay where it belongs
Really enjoyable
Decent 80's rock I suppose. Nothing that really drug me in.
i’m not in support of the 80s as a decade
Kind of bugged me. A lot of repetition and hammering of musical ideas until they break. A mishmash of genres that’s very 1980 and also weirdly out of time. I think this is supposed to be fun, so I feel like a wet blanket saying that I think this is annoying.
Was such a fan! Catch the “northern exposure” show that features him. Will not disappoint.
Fun album. Nothing remarkable but fun nonetheless.
Very 80s. One song had a bass line very similar to Quentin Tarantino movie
Some good new wave stuff on here but a lot of it is fairly forgettable. 5/10
nothing to say about this
It’s kinda stupid but has charm to it
Weird pop, but it's ok. Ryan thought it was odd.
An act that has not aged well The singles were a bit of a novelty at the time. But listening to a whole album nowadays is pure boredom
rock & roly-poly
just ruined my fucking day Fav song: Feed Me to the Lions
My mom mentioned this band and after hearing this album... I have know idea why. I was certain that they had at least one recognisable track but nothing stuck. It's not unlistenable but I feel like there are other band that does this style way better.
I always remember the drums on this. So much drums. Apparently referred to as Burundi beat. Love all the elements thrown in. There's like a t.v. cowboy twang throughout, a televised "wild frontier" character. Thematic elements abound, but never gets bogged down in a linear storyline. It's all adventure everywhere. Adam Ant as mixture of swash buckler, native face paint, cowboy kitsch, jungle drums, plus a band of scallywags chanting and marauding throughout. The description itself sounds ridiculous, but it all works and it bangs the whole damn time. The rampant pastiche and nonstop vigor culminates in a truly original, one of a kind sound and presentation that can never be recreated. Love this album!
Pretty solid. Ant Music a GOAT. Also taught me, as it's the deluxe version that Physical (You're just too) isn't a NIN original. High twos.
One of the first records I bought and I still love it
1980s new wave pop punk. Wild west, bandit pop rock. Glam and theatrical.
A lot closer to a cross between queer punk and the beach boys than I would have imagined and I was ok with that.
Annoying and repetitive
this like the most off album ever. i feel like it wanted to be weird and experimental but none of it felt intentional. i was just confused the whole time and not in a "cool but idk what's happening kind of way". more in a "please make it end" kind of way
I didn't expect to like this, but it's great!
I don't know what Glam Rock is but I do not like it. At least this album is short and there are a few songs where the bass playing is prominently featured. The lyrics are gibberish and Ant lacks any charisma.
Best left in the 80s I think
really thought i'd hate this going in to it, but something about the instrumentation works
This is down in the realms of drugged up Bowie. I can handle the music and vocals but the lyrics are a tad bit weak. I hear early Cult as well. This is yet another album in a long line of mediocre albums on this site. I don’t hate it but I’m not writing home about it. Choice cut: King of the Wild Frontier
I can’t work out why this album didn’t hit for me. It was catchy and had a good beat, maybe it was just a bit too kitschy but I found it hard to get through.
I'd heard of Adam and the Ants before but never actually heard them. Not what I was expecting but also not very exciting. Kind of standard 80s glam rock/new wave?
Some of the music is ok but it's not a great sign when the drums are the most notable part of many tracks. Lyrics are shite and the vocalist manages to make them even worse. Title track is awful.
Tough on the ears. Did not enjoy
A sprinkle of adamant is organically OK, whole album is not
Another album that makes me question this list. Not only absolutely nothing remarkable on for me but especially on the b-side sometimes really annoying. 1,5
Not bad! 3/5
Silly fun. Nothing notable musically but for the time a genuine attempt at humour. Doesn't age well at all but for those who lived it this meant everything so who am I to mock..
Along with Nik Kershaw, Adam Ant is the music i remember liking most from the charts of my early (very early in this case) childhood. The mix of the theatrical and those distinctive drums appealed to young me. My listening was however restricted to the singles and therefore its hsrd to say if i’d have liked a full album in my youth more than i do in my late 40s. Ant music, dog eat dog, kings of the wild frontier and the human beings stand up but away from that its a bit dull. I always enjoyed his vocals on the singles but over a full album the stylised singer grates
Another day and another album where I wish there were half stars available. Beyond a handful of singles, I’ve never been much of a fan of Adam (with or without his Ants). “Antmusic” was fun, but the rest is a bit samey and hasn’t aged particularly well - it sounds very of its time. Maybe that’s the appeal of Adam and the Ants, but if it is, it doesn’t appeal to me. Anyway, I think this probably deserves a 2.5, but as that isn’t available - and I gave a worse album than this 2* yesterday - it gets a 3.
This ended up very middle of the road to me. I love Ant Music and everything else sounded pretty much like Ant Music, just not quite as catchy. I certainly wouldn't turn it off if it showed up on shuffle, but probably won't ever choose to listen to it. 3/5
A fun, rock-pop record with a lot of rhythm and energy. Good vibe album for sure and the live renditions sound like they put on a really entertaining show for an audience. Wasn't familiar with this band before today, but I like em.
Cool
more howling & drumming!!! you might not like it now but you will
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.
Some enjoyable tracks, but ultimately forgetable for me.
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.
What a lot of filler
New wave!!! Cool sound overall in the album, not a lot of replay value for me. But keep these sounds coming!
Yes. Ants. Pants. Bass lines. Why not. Where are the Ants now? When did they last lift things many times their own weight? Is there a special place in heaven for them? Have I listened to a sufficient quantity of British post-punk/new wave/new romantic albums yet? Ants. Spiders. Music. Bass lines. If anybody has anything left to say it's their sacred duty to keep stumm.
I haven’t been this annoyed and skip-happy with an album in a while. Everything about this album was irritating. Every second I listened to this is a precious second of my life I won’t get back.
I mean, how am I supposed to rank an album which has the line “ant music for sex people, sex music for ant people”?
don't like it
I really liked this … much more than I expected to 👍
No. I can’t give this one star, because it’s not unlistenable. I can’t give it more than two, though, because it’s barely listenable. I can’t give respect Adam Ant for his creativity, but I don’t want to ever hear this again.
Later
The singing isn’t good here, and it brings down some otherwise decent music.
not for me
not the most exciting of eighties
Good. Okay.
Eerste kant was veel leuker, tweede kant niet. Ik lette niet op bij de eerste kant
Oh boy, just what I needed... more 80s new-wave. This album list is starting to get on my nerves. I feel like I'm starting to run out of genuinely great albums because I keep getting stuff like this. What's this? It's kind of annoying, that's what it is. I don't hate new-wave, but when you give me an album that's just Adam Ant moaning about whatever the fuck these songs are about, you lose me. The singing is kind of obnoxious. I'm not a fan. The instrumentation is pretty repetitive. It's not bad, but it loses its luster rather quickly. The writing doesn't make much sense. Take this line on "Don't Be Square (Be There)." The line is "Ant music for sex people, sex music for ant people." I have so many questions. What's ant music? Well, that's the name of an earlier song, so we have that answer. Also, I just need to point out that this guy really likes singing about ants, I guess? Whatever. What are sex people? People who like sex, I assume. What's sex music? That one feels self-explanatory. But then what the fuck is an ant person? I don't know! I don't really like this album that much! I don't find much enjoyment out of it myself. It's not super danceable, but it's not thought-provoking either. Who is this for? Ant people, I guess. High 2/5.
All for feeding Adam & The Ants to the Lions.
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.
Subpar 80s new wave with tribal beats. This got old fast.
Not for me.
243/1089 - This is a pretty average New Wave album but I like New Wave a lot. Fun listen. Revision: This is the stupidest thing ever, I love it. I like Prince Charming a lot more because it has significantly more variety and also Ant Rap which for some reason both sucks and rocks at the same time. I swear, I'm not being ironic, I enjoy this group a lot and their swashbuckling double-drum pizazz!
Meh
This won me over. I was never a big fan of the Adam & The Ants songs I knew (On this album, basically just "Antmusic") The chuggga-chugga guitars and almost tribal beats not doing much for me. A few of the songs repeat that formula to expected diminishing returns, but there are also bits of New Wave, and New Romantic sounds in there that enjoyed. And is the Pirate song a bit ridiculous? Absolutely, but did I find joy in it anyway? You bet I did.
Just too snooze tunes-wise? Lasted three songs.
There were some interesting songs but I want feeling it overall. 2 might be too harsh.
Great original punk/new wave.
This album sucks
I despise his solo hit Goody Two Shoes, and before this the only song I knew from Adam and the Ants was Antmusic. It’s better than I expected, but I still don’t love it.
Wow, Ant Music took me right back to high school dances. Maybe I oughtn’t to admit that. But I enjoyed this. The look, the music, the videos… it was just fun.
Fine. Nothing really stuck out to me.
Tough one for me to rate because I don't know if I enjoyed it, but I did find myself putting some of the tracks on again later.
Someone appreciates this. It's not me, but somebody.
Not a fan. I actually did like a lot of songs at the very beginning, and then ol' Adam came along and ruined the whole vibe Killer in the Home probably the best song, but still gets pretty grating by the end
It's Adam and the Ants how could this be bad.
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.
I didnt think I would enjoy British 80's new wave music yet here I am! Poppy fun, nothing really stood out but overall a good experience, its got some light funk and good basslines and silly wacky lyrics. Will I come back to this? nope! but it was an interesting ride.
Fun album! I guess I just like gay British pop music
In the early-mid 90s I saw Nine Inch Nails live. Adam Ant came out and did 3 songs. Most of these songs here could be covered by an industrial band easily. This is a good catch fun pop album. Great bass player. More than capable drummer. It boarders on being too long though
There’s a good sound for a single here but no need to spend an albums length of time in it
4/10
Odd mix. The guitar oriented few aren’t bad. Funny and energetic but the drum oriented ones get old quickly.
That musics lost its taste so try another flavor
Unabashedly quirky and eccentric (dare I say, "dumb") 80s new wave. It's loud and bombastic, full of annoyingly ear-wormy vocals and bombastic percussion (timpani!) Can't say I'll likely ever revisit this, but I'm glad to have been exposed to it through this list.. it's pure dumb fun, the band clearly doesn't give a fuck whether the listener likes it or not. For that I can commend them.
Couple of decent songs but generally I found it quite annoying
Maybe because I was pissed off and walking an hour but I really enjoyed this
The 80's must have been really rough in Brittain if this is what they listened to
I really like these "Punk era" albums, because they all sound the same and they're all really cool.
Not my thing but not terrible
WTF new wave pirate rock? no thanks
Can't decide if I'm more of a "ant music for sex people" person or "sex music for ant people" person but I appreciated the entomologist representation.
I don't know. It's not bad, but this seems to have been _really_ highly rated when it came out. It just doesn't really seem like anything special.
Fun, punk. Enjoyable. Not quite a classic.
2nd day in a row with a 1980 Brit release that’s a blend of New Wave, punk, etc. The only thing that made this one slightly better is the fact that the group sounds like it’s having a blast making this album. So for that it get.s a 2.5 / 5 instead of a 2.
I've heard the name, but never heard the band. Well, actually, I think I've heard them in a number of bands that came after them, if that counts. This squad had one wild, sometimes wacky, always distinctive sound. World beats and weird voices and unusual hooks. I felt similar to this as I did about Sheet Music by 10cc: it's inarguably wildly creative and the band is undoubtedly talented, but I'm not 100% sure how I feel about it. Well, I do know how I feel about "Antmusic": It may be the best new discovery I've made on this journey. That song kicks ass. Some others are definitely good, but then others I just wasn't all that sure on. It had some wild sea shanty type stuff, wacky sounds, silly deep voices, jarring intervals and rhythms, and some strange almost lo-fi new wave production. That's a heady mix. However, sounds like music that grows on you for sure, so I think it needs more spins. I'm willing to do that, but that doesn't help me give this thing a rating right now... Call it a 3.25/5, I guess, but don't quote me.
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
A solid new age album with a few enjoyable tracks. For me, the singing / approach feels a bit too arch throughout, which diminishes its appeal.
2.3 1x not loving the 80s poppy-ness, despite a couple catchy songs
Awful 1/10
Agréable surprise. Pas quelque chose que je réécouterais souvent, mais c’est une écoute plaisante. Un groupe que je ne connaissais pas.
I have loved this for 40+ years.
I have no idea how to review this. The whole album is so silly that it seems like a joke. Silly costumes, silly attitude, silly lyrics... It’s almost brilliant in its silliness, and I don’t know if Adam Ant is a misunderstood genius or a scammer whoring for attention. I suspect the second option is closer to the truth... The shameless stealing of the "Burundi drums" doesn’t really speak in his favor. And I’m not talking about cultural appropriation – no, it’s just about copying someone else’s work (without compensation) and taking credit for it... That's just dishonest. And yet, I have to admit I kind of enjoyed this album. I listened to it multiple times because I couldn’t make my mind about it. I started by hating it - then loved it, then hated it again... Now I don’t really know. There are some weird moments and some interesting moments... For some reason I can't get "Ants Invasion" out of my brain. Well, at least it made me think, which is the whole point of this project for me - to get out of my comfort zone. I’ll rate it a 3* for now , but it’s entirely possible I’ll come back to it later and edit my rating. 5/10
New wave is not my thing. They kind of found an original twist with the percussions... 1982 best British album : without the historical context , it is difficult to comprehend...I can cknowledge the socio-political impact of this genre...but it does not please my ears.
Didn’t have the time to go all the way, and honestly, no motivation either. I tried to get a better grip on the impact of the “Burundi beat” on the post-punk scene, but even that wasn’t that interesting. Really not my cup of tea, it just goes all over the place with sometimes chaotic instrumentation that doesn’t click with me. A few good vibes here and there, but not enough to make me want to dig deeper, even though there were some promising punk roots
it did sort of sound like what you'd expect stereotypical dnd playing kids in the 80s to be listening to. It was fun, and I can definitely see the legacy it created.
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!
At the start: "This is so damn fun, I dig the drums." By the end: "Ah, so this is where Godsmack drew inspiration from. It's less fun." As a whole, it's a miss, but it has a couple hits.
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!
Don’t be square has the funk and I liked the unexpected inclusion of a pirate song, otherwise I didn’t love this
My favorite Bowie character
Interesting. Not too wimbly, not too wimbly at all.
I’m not much of a new wave fan, but this one wasn’t terrible. There’s definitely more personality here than I expected, and I could hear some UK punk energy bleeding through the sound. That edge kept it from feeling too polished or overly quirky like a lot of new wave tends to. “Antmusic” was easily one of the highlights, catchy and fun without being annoying. “Don’t Be Square” had a solid groove too, showing that Adam and the Ants could pull off something playful while still keeping a bite to it. Overall, it is not really my style, but I can see why people connected with it at the time. The tribal drumming and punk influence give it a unique character, even if it is not an album I’d reach for again. Favorite song: Antmusic
🗯 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
point5.
Con este disco me terminé de dar cuenta de que el parlante que tenemos en el living sirve para escuchar podcasts y nada más. No es de mi gusto personal, pero hicieron hartas cosas entretenidas que me hicieron sonreir.
Catchy! Some meh tracks, but decent overall.
Kul!
Trevligt!
There are better albums of this genre from this era. Just listen to those.
When I purchased this record in 1980, I came home and played it on my stereo in my room at my parent's house. My mother said to me "I don't always like your music but I agree it's music. This! This is not music." Such was the polarization this album created. Either you loved or you hated it. I loved it, and still do. Mom? Not so much. It is a different record. There are jangly new wave songs, punk songs, and experimental discordant songs. It is unlike the music of the period and just like it.
Surprise banger. You hear punk, but also new wave. No songs jump out, but a good experience
Yeah look. Great 80s tunes but not my bag. Still think the song Antmusic is an absolute banger though👌
Cool new wave rock that sometimes reminded me of The Clash and sometimes Bowie. It’s fun stuff but I didn’t connect to it emotionally. Some goofy and zany choices here. Like, how about that pirate song?
Some interesting New Wave-ish rock. I thought it sounded cool but not really my cup of tea. Not sure if it's truly an album you HAVE to hear in your lifetime. 2/5, the album art is interesting. I've definitely seen it around somewhere as it looked immediately familiar to me but I can't really place it. Unfortunately I think the album cover is more memorable than the music will be.
Teetering on the brink between post-punk darkness and new wave silliness. Adam & the Ants ability to play different styles with conviction ("Ants Invasion"; "Los Rancheros"; "Jolly Rodger") is impressive. Plus the B-movie references in the song titles/lyrics were not lost on me. This is so close to a 4-star, but I just don't see myself revisiting it often.
This is the 80's that I don't miss not even a bit of it :-( It could be something back in the day but it certainly didn't aged well. Total waste of my time
Seriøst uhyggeligt album. Især ants invasion. Lyttede ikke mere
Are they pirates or or cowboys? Glam metal or alternative or indie? What's going on here? Pick a theme . . . and make it half as long next time. Other than that, uniquely entertaining.
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.
No.
Interesante, no soy muy fan de la escena británica pero si hay un par de canciones que valieron la pena
Going into this album, I was already a fan of some of Adam Ant’s solo work—especially “Goody Two Shoes” and “Strip.” Those tracks are catchy and fun, so I was curious to check out Kings of the Wild Frontier. Overall, the album’s pretty solid. It has a very theatrical feel. There’s something captivating about the whole thing.
A little weird, but not as bad as I was thinking.
In the first half, I appreciated that pop music used to be wild like this rather than so cookie cutter. But this just kept going further and further off the rails. I couldn't wait for this one to be done with 3 more songs left to listen to.
This is a good album to play at a bbq because of its jangly rock energy. I had some skips but overall it's ok.
Was okay, music was too jarring! Vocals was too much for me
Was unfamiliar with this artist, but enjoyed this for sure. The correct blend of 1980s new wave and pop.
Fun!
Особенно не расслушал, хотя слушать пробовал и до того.
One of my favorite new wave albums. 5 stars.
At least they play instruments
“Mom, I want the new David Bowie album.” “We have David Bowie at home.”
5/10 - pretty decent, not hardcore punk, some good rock songs
feels very repetitive.
One of my all time fav 80s bands. Say what ya like, this is definitive 80s alt. Adam and the Ants are fantastic and its a hill I will die on!
Monotonous
2/3
Although I enjoyed this well enough, the fact that neither of their big hits, Stand and Deliver nor Prince Charming are on this album makes me worry that the editors have made another bad call and included Adam and the Ants on this list twice. Overall nice, good to hear more from this band that's not the overplayed big hits.
I found Kings of the Wild Frontier chaotic, energetic, inventive, repetitive, and generally annoying. The percussion and mood carry half the appeal. The other half is my begrudging respect for their ambitious concept. Not my thing, but undeniably interesting.
Decent.
on first listen, not as bad as expected. on second listen, pure noise
this album makes me feel like a little ant sick of being stepped on by evil humans and after decades of tyranny my colony and I are preparing for the rise against humans. 2.5 (rating a 3 for the nostalgia of antmusic)
This shit sucks. Especially coming off of Dark Side of the Moon. I know comparison is the their of joy but so is this album…
What It Sounds Like: • Tribal drums pounding like your ancestors demanding eyeliner • Pirate rock filtered through a punk hangover and a Vivienne Westwood mood board • A costume party hosted by someone who’s read too much Nietzsche and not enough safety instructions Adam Ant isn’t singing, he’s commanding you to dance, fight, and maybe start a minor cultural revolution. Every song sounds like it should be shouted across a desert while wearing feathers and a shredded Union Jack. ⸻ ⚔️ Rating: 4.5/5 🎭 Short Review: Campy, feral, theatrical, and absolutely not for passive listening. This is post-punk jungle glam—and yes, that’s a real genre now. 🧨 Favorite Track: “Dog Eat Dog” – feels like a street riot choreographed by Bowie and scored by war drums.
Great
Like a manic version of The Cars
madness. fucking madness
love or hate adam but the ants have a very distinctive sound for sure
A positive: this is certainly an original sound. A negative: unfortunately, it's a sound I don't like at all.
Having two Adam & The Ants albums on the list would be insane and this is quite a bit weaker than Prince Charming.
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
I thought this guy was just an MTV era poser. That may be true, but this album was not half bad - but certainly not astounding.
Not the most exciting stuff tbh
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.
Uhhh
Adam Ant had an album? Or two? I only ever knew of his hit song. Cute but that was enough.
The Good: I guess we are going on a safari! The Bad: That our guides seem to be ants… The Ugly: Finding out that the ends are freaking red ants… because of all the face painting… what? I recall Adam and his ants being on MTV, and me wondering exactly what it was I was supposed to like about them. So, when his face popped up this morning, I got a little exited, because I figured that I would not understand all about Adam and his ants… I guess that I am no fan of Adam and his ants… The album, thankfully, only lasted so long, so there was no need to hurt myself. There’s really nothing to mention about this album aside from the fact that I did not like it and started getting annoyed with the stupid chants here and there. 2* because it isn’t total shit, but be warned that you probably will want to punch something if you listen to this album twice in a row...
2.0
Not that bad.
Ehh it was ok. Sounded like early, worse Cure in places. Most tracks blended together and I kept wanting more. I felt like it was building to something that never came--title of your sex tape--this was epitomized by the song "The Magnificent Five," which started strong then petered out. Top Tracks: "Don't Be Square (Be There)," "Dog Eat Dog"
The only thing British I'm listening to today is The Open sorry.
--Dog Eat Dog...I guess this is technically a song --Antmusic...It's fine. I might put this on an animal themed playlist --Feed Me to the Lions...not a fan --Los Rancheros...this one is more fun. It sounds more professional (?) than earlier tracks... --Ants Invasion...ok I like this one. Good bass groove. The guitar and vocals fit in nicely with it. I would like more of this from the Ants --Killer in the Home...after delivering their tightest track they give us this. Aimless --Kings of the Wild Frontier...this is the lead single? why? this reached no. 2 in the UK? how? --The Magnificent Five...not bad. not good --Don't Be Square...I was excited for about 20 seconds, then the next 3 minutes happened. "You might not like it now but you will." I guess we'll see, Adam --Jolly Roger...a sea shanty? sure --Making History...are the drum parts on each track the same? Vocals not good --The Human Beings...this offers me nothing. Plodding and annoying
I feel like this was good but not particularly memorable, although I also feel somehow that’s my fault
Huh. I'm not entirely sure why, but I enjoyed this much more than most new wave stuff. Probably because it's got a healthy dose of weird mixed in. 3.2
I can appreciate that when it came out it was new and fresh but now it’s a bit dull.
Surprised to discover that it is quite good. I think the drumming does it for me particularly
Álbum divertido. QoA Vesper
Reading the Wikipedia entry this album was a big hit in the UK, which must be why it is on the list. Being from the US I have no nostalgia about this album, and therefore have no sadness in saying it isn’t very good.
First listen
6/10 This was fine, with almost nothing that was outstanding. Prototypical new wave sound, well produced and theatrically delivered. Best: Antmusic
Not my jam, it was ok.
I like that it’s a concept album, but just not really something I’d care to hear again
enormt my kind of shit er jeg bange for
Synes det startede rigtig fedt, men pladen bliver mere og mere til den slags new wave der ikke rigtig virker for mig. (Generelt er jeg enig med min ven Matt i at new wave er overrepræsenteret på listen.)
What is this? An album for ants?
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
Weird album, kinda liked it. Some catchy songs on there, but nothing that really caught my attention.
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.
Kind of fun I guess. Adam & the Ants definitely bring the party, but it feels sort of one-note when zooming out a bit. No particularly killer tracks and some silly lyrics. The double drummers is something you don't see often in a band, though.
Ant Music saved it
I like “Antmusic” but the rest…not as much
Wacky stuff, not very good but entrancing at times. Just about mid because it stands out 3/5
I liked this album with its big driving rhythms and weirdo lyrics. It reminded me of Bowie and the Clash.
I’m not sure how this made the top 1,001 but I would not put it in the top 10,001. Where is the zero star rating?
meh it was fine
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
decent 80s pop album. Wasn't amazing. 2.5 rounding up
It was good, kinda strange but good
Rockabilly meets New Wave and a whole lot of fun. Having only really been aware of the band's major singles, this was eye opening as to how many more they could have had. Favorites are Ants Music, Ants Invasion, Kings Of The Wild Frontier, Don't Be Sqaure (Be There), and Press Darlings.
Couldn't get past the first three songs. Cheeky and self-indulgent without talent or skill.
“Ant music” is a banger. The rest has a consistent campy, edgy tone. 3.1 stars rounded down.
Amazing drums and percussion, raw guitar and bass, mixed with tribal style vocals Soma y great tracks here. Loved this in the 80# and still love it now.
More 80’s punk. I only recognized one song, but this album is pretty good.
Vocally, he kind of reminds me of Dave Vanian from the Damned every once in a while. Musically, is there such a thing as too many drums? I think there is. Also, too many vocals. Between the vocals and the constant thumping drums, by the seventh song, I think I’ve had enough, but I’m going to plow through and finish this mess. I owe it to you, fellow listeners, to finish this record. It just kind of feels like style over substance, which is unsurprising, given the connections to Malcolm McLaren, the UK’s #1 purveyor of style over substance in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I fucking hate “Jolly Roger”. This record is corny. The 80’s were abysmal. I was born at the start of the decade and I remember them. Most overrated decade I’ve lived through and I really don’t understand why people are so obsessed with 80’s culture - at least when it comes to popular music.
So weird that it defies any evaluation metric I could apply to it, but not so weird that it is completely unenjoyable and more art than music.
I honestly don't know what to feel about this album
a bunch of ants
Felt like they were trying to do too much here. Another “not for me” late 70s/early 80s album.
That holds up better than I expected.
"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.
I like and always have liked Adam & the Ants. I think they are an energetic and fun band to listen to. I don't get any sense of date from their style or music and had no thoughts on it. Yet, if they are "timeless" that could also be their Achilles heel... See, often when I think of timeless bands I think I place them in a higher standard bracket. They are most often at the head table or close to it. Adam & The Ants are a fun band, standing the test of time because they are easy to listen to and maybe a bit predictable even. I think this band would get like a three and a half if that were a rating here, so they ARE quite good and like I said, fun. I think they have a bit of competition which tightens the ratings a bit.
Forever and ever amen
Meh
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.
Energetic and enjoyable New Wave. 4.5 bumped up to 5.
I’m at a 3.5 that I’ll bump down to a 3. I do wish I could leave it at a 3.5 though, because this is a pretty enjoyable album, for the most part. Whenever it’s not *that* enjoyable though… boy, it’s just kinda dry. That dryness looms over a bit too much of the album for me to give it a bump up to a 4 – there’s just too many tracks that have sections that didn’t really grab me like that. In those drier moments, something just looms in the soundscape for a bit too long, whether it’s a sort of mediocre guitar solo, a vocal performance that doesn’t have the right level of conviction, or just a drum pattern that doesn’t really have the right kick to it. Even when none of those are present, sometimes the tracks just didn’t really click for me, despite their best efforts, due to a general lack of presence from the band themselves. Take “The Human Beings” as an example – fun concept, good looping vocals, but when the instrumentation isn’t there to evolve the track and give it a sense of progression, it makes the track fall a bit short. Same goes for “The Magnificent Five”; totally fine track, but the soundscape hits a high point at the intro, and just sort of stabilizes afterward. Even on the best tracks on this album, there’s moments that feel a little weird, like “Antmusic” using its chorus as a bit of a crutch, “Ants Invasion” having some noisy guitar at the end, or “Jolly Roger” abruptly ending without any fun pirate-y guitar solo stuff. Whenever it’s not dry, I like it, but I especially like it when these guys sort of bite Talking Heads a bit, which is making me realize that… maybe I just really want to listen to some Talking Heads, you know? Ultimately, this feels like a weird in-between of post-punk & new wave, leaning a little more towards post-punk’s vocals / structure while trying to integrate new wave soundscapes, but it’s not doing the most effective blend job, at least to my ears. I hear all the potential in the world though, and there are some great tracks here. Had these guys not broken up within a few years, I think they would’ve been able to ride the wave of a new wave a bit longer. As far as this album goes, it’s just not quite there for me. It could totally go up to a 4 someday if some of this clicks a little better, but for now, I’ll stay at a 3.5 bumped down to a 3.
After Adam's first Ants went off with Malcolm McLaren to form Bow Wow Wow, Adam recruited a new group and dominated the charts with exciting fancy dress pop music with two drummers to really make things lively. So I found the singles completely irresistible, but most of the rest of the album seemed a bit lacklustre by comparison.
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.
I found this a bit of let down to be honest. Adam and the Ants, although I don't know anything other than Prince Charming, had always held a bit of interest for me. However, this was very run of the mill. Nice, not bad, perfectly decent, but just not exciting.
1/5. Absolute drivvle Could not latch on to any of the songs. Nothing grabbed me whatsoever except for a dirty guitar sound in one of the later songs.
It’s fine. Not great, not bad. Just… fine.
Shocking turn of events here. A rock album I don't love? I wanted to enjoy this more than I did. I enjoyed the campy first disc but the live tracks were so godawful😭4 for the first and 2 for the live show. I'm sorry adam and also your ants. Genuinely what are you doing.
Thought I would hate it…didn’t
It feels like this is quite an old album but it's from that time when that kind of music was quite generic, I think. Nothing too exciting but it's alright leaving it in the background. Overall, a bit meh but it was alright.
5/5 - surprisingly fun Album
3 stars
Jesus this hasn't aged well. What were they thinking. To my eternal shame I remember sitting in the back of my mums car arguing with one of teenage 18 year old shop employees and using the phrase "ant music will never die". Some catchy beats at times. A lot of filler and as fake as the costumes in covent gardens. 2 stars for the nostalgia.
Lots of nostalgia but it hasn’t stood the test of time too well
More irritating than eccentric
Always a good listen. Cutting edge 1981.
Rockier than I thought, but still new wave-y. Reminds me of Bowie at some points. Okay but nothing spectacular.
Catchy overall. Especially drums and guitar. Can be a bit repetitive at times.
Really thought I would love this because I remembered a few songs from the 80’s that I liked. Unfortunately they weren’t on here and nothing really stood out.
Cover ok 1. No. 2. No. 3. No. 4. No. 5. No. 6. No. 7. Almost but No. 8. No. 9. No. 10. Meh. 11. No. 12. No. OVERALL: Fantastic album! Not! Every song is about nothing. It's campy for the sake of campy. Weird and different for the sake of weird and different. If it's about the music then make it instrumental. If it's about the lyrics then make them "about something." Even better, do both. Maybe I just need to be in the mood. This just isn't my cup of tea.
Lustiga texter, bra musik
Ahhhh I said I didn't want to listen to any more bad British music from the 80s ahhhhhh stop stop stop ahhhhh. Sex Music for Ant People? Any Music for Sex People?
Not for me. Not at all. New wave is rubbish isn't it?
Got more boring as the album went on, don’t know how it is top 1000.
very british stuff
Very very 80s, all just sounds the same. Idk, it’s not my thing and god he sounds annoying!! Though, still listenable.
Chorus - the album. Every instrument is drenched in effects, as a glam hangover throws up all over the new wave. Quite like how much it leans on rhythm! That said, if this is what the Kings of the "wild" frontier sound like I can only imagine what the tame frontier is like... Decent fun, but trying too hard sometimes. Favourite tracks: Ant Invasion, Don't Be Square, Press Darlings (a bonus track, and the best of the lot!)
This one is sort of annoying in an XTC way.
It's pretty fun Will I listen to again: 62%
My experience with english post-punk and new wave with this list has beeing miserable, to say the least. But this record is so exaggerated in every aspect, that it differs a lot from other albums of the same genre. It truly feels unique even if it shares similiaritys with works under the genre umbrella. Still, I don't love it and I'm not planning returning to it.
An album filled with fun 3 minute pop but lacking a couple of killers
Dog Eat Dog Antmusic Kings of the Wild Frontier
C'est un vrai test d'endurance mental, j'ai jeté l'éponge à la 9e toune, complètement vidé.
Pretty good for kind of weird 80s stuff. The drums are great.
Very 80s, very conceptual. Less melodic than I like. Pop Music was a (known) highlight
J - 3/5 Best Track - "Kings Of The Wild Frontier" F - DNL
I grew up seeing Adam Ant on the TV more as a spectacle than a musician so I never really heard his music, other than 'stand and deliver'. I just generally have a hard time with 80's pop music.
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
Really really good.
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.
Um clássico do Musica-Pinto New-Wave. É interessante ouvir, isso é fato. Em nenhum momento esse disco é entediante, prende bem sua atenção com suas melodias viscosas e os vocais esquizotipos. Mas acaba ficando tempo demais, e eventualmente se torna cansativo e você acaba desejando que estivesse ouvindo algo mais... sofisticado, menos sujo ou esfumaçado. 3.5/5
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
It's all over the place. And a pirate song? 😂 I was confused on my first listen, but there are some catchy songs.
While I recognize that Adam (and the) Ant(s) were a very groundbreaking, creative, and experimental act in the world of weirdo dance-punk, their fundamental flaw is being annoying as fuck. That said, I did enjoy this LP a bit more than expected.
Hmm the low group chorus shouts are a bit much. But otherwise it’s whateva
Content vs form. Though - "content" has taken on a different tone in our era of tiktokkery. Maybe form was wrongly (by me at least) looked down on. Anyway the form's pretty cool, lot of antmusic call outs, first peoples call outs, and it's not like his yelping and the guitar players music are not pretty innovative and influential. Just when you think it's over/with XTC on top...
Not a fan of this band despite the instrumentals being good
Weird as fuck. In a good way, I guess? I didn't dislike what I was hearing, but I was a bit confused
I didn't connect with it, nor the singer, lyrics, music,..
Was excited about this because I loved the song Ant Music before hearing this album. Turns out, Ant Music is the best song here. 2 Stars
On influence alone, the songs aren't his best though, his sound matured after this one
Итс окэй. Лучшая пенся - Dog Eat Dog.
Never heard of these dudes and while the cover art is beyond cursed, I really dug this album.
A confusingly long career built on an excruciating gimmick, wholly and entirely carried by having good musicians behind him. It’s distressing how many of these albums contain excellent music absolutely ruined by their choice of lyricist and/or singer.
Walmart David Bowie, kinda gave me a headache
Only ever heard the (excellent) Adam Ant singles, not the full albums. More post-punk and abrasive than I'd anticipated (Ants Invasion seems to rip off Black Sabbath?!), doesn't always work but at the time I'd have loved this for it's charisma and zest - definitely got a vibe of it's own
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.
Gear: Fostex TH610 Artwork: 🫅🏻✝️😱 Production: 🙄🤔🤷 Music: 🦁🎭🌵 Rating: 🐜🐜/5
it's cultural appropriation, sure, but i cannot pin point any one culture that Adam and his Ants draw from out of the grabbag of supposed cultural sounds. (American Indians? Mexicans? the people of Burundi? pirates?) what matters is that he takes this glut of pop/other people's cultures and makes it into a fairly compelling if messy painting. i do feel a bit bored by the tracks that aren't filled with loud thundering drums, but it would get a bit frustrating if that's ALL the drumming that was on the album. it's perfectly fine, even if i don't buy into Adam's whole thing -- whatever that thing is.
this is pretty campy and fun but some of the songs go on too long and some of them just suck
Blind album amd artist. This album immediately caught my attention and then just dragged so hard at the end. Strong start for me, and a slow finish. TIL NIN covered Physical from a B Side of the album for Broken EP. NIN did it better.
New wave/post punk I have always been a fan of. I think there's a feeling of nostalgia in its particular sound, gives it a bit of timelessness.
Not for me