Adam and the Ants were a British rock band that formed in 1977, led by frontman Adam Ant. The band’s music blended elements of punk rock, glam rock, and new wave, and their unique sound and theatrical style made them a sensation in the early 1980s. Adam Ant’s distinctive look, which combined elements of pirate and Native American dress, also made him a fashion icon of the era.
The band’s breakout album, “Kings of the Wild Frontier” (1980), featured hits like “Antmusic” and “Dog Eat Dog,” and helped popularize the “tribal” sound that became a hallmark of their music. The band’s follow-up album, “Prince Charming” (1981), also achieved commercial success, and the band continued to tour and record throughout the 1980s.
Despite their relatively short lifespan, Adam and the Ants left a lasting impact on the world of music and fashion. Their innovative sound and style continue to inspire generations of musicians and artists, and their music remains a beloved part of the new wave canon. With their eclectic sound and bold fashion sense, Adam and the Ants helped define the cultural zeitgeist of the 1980s, and remain an enduring icon of the era.
Adam Ant went on to pursue a successful solo career after the band’s dissolution, and has continued to tour and record to this day. The legacy of Adam and the Ants lives on, as their music and style continue to inspire and captivate fans around the world.
1. Zerox
“Zerox” by Adam and the Ants is a high-energy punk rock track that showcases the band’s ability to create catchy and aggressive music. The song features a driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and Adam Ant’s snarling vocals. The lyrics speak of a desire to break free from conformity and be an individual, with lines like “I want to be a singer like Bowie, I want to be a star like Marc, I’ll be a tarzan on a 6-string, you can be my Jane, my plain.” The track’s fast tempo and aggressive sound make it the perfect song for letting loose and rebelling against the norm. “Zerox” is a perfect example of Adam and the Ants’ ability to create energetic and rebellious music that ignites the spirit.
2. Car Trouble
“Car Trouble” is a fast-paced and upbeat song by the English new wave band, Adam and the Ants. The song features a lively and energetic instrumental arrangement, with a driving drumbeat and catchy guitar riffs. Adam Ant’s vocals are playful and confident, delivering a series of flirtatious and witty lines that are characteristic of his music. The lyrics describe a wild ride in a fast car, with the singer reveling in the excitement and danger of the experience. “Car Trouble” is a fun and memorable song that showcases Adam and the Ants’ ability to create catchy and upbeat new wave music, making it a standout track from their discography and a fan favorite.
3. Friends
“Friends” is a catchy and upbeat track from Adam and the Ants’ 1981 album, “Prince Charming”. The song features a tribal drumbeat, horn section and an anthemic chorus, with Adam Ant’s distinctive vocals leading the charge. The lyrics celebrate the bond between friends, conveying the joy and strength of these relationships in a fun and uplifting way. “Friends” is a testament to Adam and the Ants’ ability to blend different genres and create catchy, accessible pop songs without sacrificing their punk and new wave influences. The song remains a beloved favorite among fans of the band’s work.
4. Kick
“Kick” by Adam and the Ants is a raucous and energetic rock track that showcases the band’s ability to create powerful and catchy music. The song features a driving beat, distorted guitars, and Adam Ant’s wild vocals. The lyrics speak of a desire to break free from constraints and live life to the fullest, with lines like “I’ll give you my life, my soul, my everything, just to be a rock and roll king.” The track’s frenzied tempo and explosive chorus make it the perfect song for letting loose and unleashing one’s wild side. “Kick” is a perfect example of Adam and the Ants’ ability to create infectious and high-octane music that ignites the senses.
5. Ant Rap
“Ant Rap” is a quirky and infectious song by the English new wave band, Adam and the Ants. The track features a playful and lively instrumental arrangement, with a catchy synth hook and funky bassline. Adam Ant’s vocals are fast-paced and rhythmic, delivering a series of clever and humorous lines that poke fun at pop culture and societal norms. The lyrics are filled with cultural references and puns, making the song a fun and irreverent listen. “Ant Rap” is a standout track from Adam and the Ants’ discography, showcasing their ability to create catchy and offbeat new wave music that is both entertaining and unique.
6. Dog Eat Dog
“Dog Eat Dog” by Adam and the Ants is a gritty and hard-hitting punk rock track that showcases the band’s edgier side. The song features a pounding beat, aggressive guitar riffs, and Adam Ant’s snarling vocals. The lyrics speak of a ruthless and cutthroat society, with lines like “Dog eat dog, you’re the one I want,” painting a picture of a world where only the strongest survive. The track’s raw energy and intense sound make it the perfect song for unleashing one’s primal instincts and fighting back against injustice. “Dog Eat Dog” is a perfect example of Adam and the Ants’ ability to create powerful and provocative music that challenges the status quo.
7. Ant Music
“Ant Music” is an energetic and anthemic track by the English new wave band, Adam and the Ants. The song features a driving and memorable instrumental arrangement, with a catchy guitar riff and pounding drumbeat. Adam Ant’s vocals are charismatic and confident, delivering a series of catchy and memorable lines that are characteristic of his music. The lyrics celebrate the power of music and individuality, with the chorus inviting the listener to join in and embrace their uniqueness. “Ant Music” is a classic of the new wave genre and a standout track from Adam and the Ants’ discography, showcasing their ability to create catchy and memorable music that resonates with fans even today.
8. Stand and Deliver
“Stand and Deliver” by Adam and the Ants is a flamboyant and catchy new wave track that became one of the band’s most popular and iconic songs. The song features a driving beat, infectious guitar riffs, and Adam Ant’s theatrical vocals. The lyrics speak of a romanticized outlaw, with lines like “Your money or your life, the choice is yours, and don’t be so reckless, don’t be a fool.” The track’s catchy melody and anthemic chorus make it the perfect song for singing along and letting loose. “Stand and Deliver” is a perfect example of Adam and the Ants’ ability to create catchy, theatrical, and larger-than-life music that continues to inspire and entertain audiences.
9. Kings of the Wild Frontier
“Kings of the Wild Frontier” is the title track and lead single from Adam and the Ants’ 1980 album of the same name. The song features tribal drums, piercing guitar riffs and Adam Ant’s commanding vocals, with lyrics that celebrate the band’s unique sound and style. The song’s use of Burundi drumming and Native American-inspired imagery helped establish the band’s signature “tribal” sound, which became a hallmark of their music. “Kings of the Wild Frontier” remains a fan favorite and an iconic example of Adam and the Ants’ innovative and influential sound.
10. Prince Charming
“Prince Charming” is a popular and memorable track by the English new wave band, Adam and the Ants. The song features a lively and upbeat instrumental arrangement, with a catchy guitar riff and driving drumbeat. Adam Ant’s vocals are playful and charismatic, delivering a series of cheeky and flirtatious lines that are characteristic of his music. The lyrics celebrate individuality and nonconformity, with the singer refusing to conform to societal norms and expectations. “Prince Charming” is a fun and infectious song that has become a beloved classic of the new wave genre and a fan favorite from Adam and the Ants’ discography.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
