Complete List Of Adam & The Ants Albums And Songs

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Adam & The Ants transformed British post-punk into a vivid collision of tribal rhythms, pirate imagery, theatrical pop, and unforgettable hooks before Adam Ant carried that sense of spectacle into a successful solo career. This complete album guide follows the music from Dirk Wears White Sox through Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter.

Feature Photo: Harmony Gerber / Shutterstock.com

Adam Ant was born Stuart Leslie Goddard on November 3, 1954, in London, England. He rose to fame as the lead singer of Adam & The Ants, a band formed in 1977 that became a significant part of the British post-punk and new wave movements. The group developed a distinctive style that combined punk’s raw energy with theatrical flair and visual influences drawn from historical and tribal imagery.

Adam & The Ants released three studio albums: Dirk Wears White Sox in 1979, Kings of the Wild Frontier in 1980, and Prince Charming in 1981. Kings of the Wild Frontier reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart, while singles including “Antmusic,” “Stand and Deliver,” and “Prince Charming” established the group as one of the defining British acts of the early 1980s. Guitarist Marco Pirroni became Adam Ant’s most important long-term musical collaborator.

After disbanding Adam & The Ants in early 1982, Adam Ant released six solo studio albums between 1982 and 2013. His solo debut, Friend or Foe, reached number 5 on the UK Albums Chart, while “Goody Two Shoes” topped the UK Singles Chart and reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later albums explored theatrical pop, rock, dance music, and a return to a rawer independent sound. The career-spanning compilation The Singles followed in 2025, bringing together recordings from Adam & The Ants and his solo career.

Adam Ant’s influence extends beyond music. His flamboyant clothing, distinctive makeup, and command of visual presentation helped define the style of the early 1980s. Despite periods away from the music industry, his combination of post-punk invention, pop instinct, and theatrical identity continues to attract longtime followers and new audiences.

Adam & The Ants Studio Albums

Dirk Wears White Sox

Released: 1979

Dirk Wears White Sox was the debut studio album by Adam & The Ants, released in 1979 by Do It Records. This album marked the beginning of Adam Ant’s career, showcasing the post-punk sound that defined the early phase of the band. The album was recorded at Sound Development Studios in London between August and September 1979. Produced by Adam Ant and Chris Hughes, Dirk Wears White Sox features dark, surreal themes and angular guitar work that set it apart from mainstream music at the time. The album’s sound was heavily influenced by the emerging post-punk and new wave movements, characterized by its raw production and cryptic lyrics.

CD Track Listings

“Cartrouble (Parts 1 & 2)” – 6:48
“Digital Tenderness” – 3:02
“Nine Plan Failed” – 5:51
“Day I Met God” – 2:58
“Tabletalk” – 5:32
“Cleopatra” – 3:15
“Catholic Day” – 3:06
“Never Trust a Man (With Egg on His Face)” – 3:13
“Animals and Men” – 3:21
“Family of Noise” – 2:34
“The Idea” – 3:26

Kings of the Wild Frontier

Released: 1980

Kings of the Wild Frontier was released in 1980 and was the breakthrough album for Adam & The Ants, catapulting the band into mainstream success. The album was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales and Roundhouse Studios in London between January and July 1980. Produced by Chris Hughes and Marco Pirroni, Kings of the Wild Frontier featured a distinct blend of tribal drumming and new wave sounds that helped define the early 1980s music scene. This album saw the band’s signature “antmusic” style emerge, featuring pirate-inspired visuals and catchy, rhythmic hooks.

The album reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart, where it spent 12 weeks at the top. In the United States, it peaked at number 44 on the Billboard 200.

CD Track Listings

“Dog Eat Dog” – 3:07
“Antmusic” – 3:36
“Feed Me to the Lions” – 3:00
“Los Rancheros” – 3:30
“Ants Invasion” – 3:20
“Killer in the Home” – 4:21
“Kings of the Wild Frontier” – 3:56
“The Magnificent Five” – 3:12
“Don’t Be Square (Be There)” – 3:31
“Jolly Roger” – 2:11
“Making History” – 2:58
“The Human Beings” – 4:32

Prince Charming

Released: 1981

Prince Charming was released in 1981 as Adam & The Ants’ third studio album. Recorded at Air Studios and Abbey Road Studios in London, the album showcased a more polished sound, blending pop with new wave elements. Produced by Chris Hughes, Prince Charming continued the band’s commercial success with chart-topping singles and a refined image. The album hit number two on the UK Albums Chart and featured two iconic singles: “Stand and Deliver” and “Prince Charming,” both of which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.

CD Track Listings

“Scorpios” – 2:46
“Picasso Visita el Planeta de los Simios” – 3:28
“Prince Charming” – 3:18
“Five Guns West” – 5:00
“That Voodoo!” – 4:21
“Stand and Deliver” – 3:33
“Mile High Club” – 2:43
“Ant Rap” – 3:27
“Mowhok” – 3:23
“S.E.X.” – 5:18

Adam Ant Solo Studio Albums

Friend or Foe

Released: 1982

Friend or Foe was Adam Ant’s first solo album after disbanding Adam & The Ants. Released in 1982 on CBS Records, the album signaled a shift toward a more mainstream pop sound while retaining some of the signature flair of his earlier work. The album was produced by Adam Ant and Marco Pirroni, who also contributed significantly to the songwriting. It was recorded at The Soundworks Studios in New York City between January and June 1982. The album achieved significant success, peaking at number five on the UK Albums Chart and reaching number sixteen on the Billboard 200 in the United States. The hit single “Goody Two Shoes” was particularly successful, reaching number 1 on the UK Singles Chart.

CD Track Listings

“Friend or Foe” – 3:24
“Something Girls” – 4:00
“Place in the Country” – 2:52
“Desperate But Not Serious” – 4:14
“Here Comes the Grump” – 3:33
“Hello, I Love You” – 2:39
“Goody Two Shoes” – 3:30
“Crackpot History and the Right to Lie” – 2:45
“Made of Money” – 3:30
“Cajun Twisters” – 2:58
“Try This for Sighs” – 3:19
“Man Called Marco” – 3:27

Strip

Released: 1983

Strip was Adam Ant’s second solo album, released in 1983 on CBS Records. The album embraced a more theatrical and experimental style, with a strong emphasis on sexual themes. The album was recorded at Polar Studios in Stockholm and Air Studios in London, and it was produced by Phil Collins and Adam Ant. The album featured guest appearances by artists such as Phil Collins on drums. While the album did not reach the same heights as Friend or Foe, it still charted successfully, reaching number 20 on the UK Albums Chart and number 65 on the Billboard 200 in the United States. The lead single “Puss ‘n Boots” reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart.

CD Track Listings

“Strip” – 3:53
“Baby, Let Me Scream at You” – 4:00
“Libertine” – 4:55
“Spanish Games” – 2:57
“Vanity” – 4:06
“Puss ‘n Boots” – 4:02
“Playboy” – 3:55
“Montreal” – 4:04
“Navel to Neck” – 3:54
“Amazon” – 3:45

Vive Le Rock

Released: 1985

Vive Le Rock was released in 1985 and marked a shift toward a rockabilly-inspired sound. The album was recorded at Good Earth Studios in London and produced by Tony Visconti, best known for his work with David Bowie. Although the album did not achieve the same commercial success as its predecessors, it reached number 42 on the UK Albums Chart and number 131 on the Billboard 200 in the United States. Despite this, Vive Le Rock contained some notable tracks, including the single “Apollo 9,” which reached number 13 on the UK Singles Chart.

CD Track Listings

“Vive Le Rock” – 3:39
“Miss Thing” – 2:50
“Razor Keen” – 2:41
“Rip Down” – 3:22
“Scorpio Rising” – 3:17
“Apollo 9” – 3:25
“Hell’s Eight Acres” – 4:18
“No Zap” – 3:11
“Goose Step Mama” – 3:26
“Mohair Lockeroom Pin-Up Boys” – 3:10

Manners & Physique

Released: 1990

Manners & Physique was Adam Ant’s fourth solo studio album, released in 1990 on MCA Records. The album saw Adam Ant experimenting with a more commercial dance-pop sound, influenced by the collaboration with producer André Cymone, a former member of Prince’s band. The album was recorded at O’Henry Sound Studios in Burbank, California. Although the album did not perform as well as his earlier releases, it still charted, peaking at number 19 on the UK Albums Chart and reaching number 57 on the Billboard 200. The single “Room at the Top” achieved moderate success, reaching number 13 on the UK Singles Chart and number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.

CD Track Listings

“Room at the Top” – 4:45
“Rough Stuff” – 4:39
“If You Keep On” – 4:17
“Manners & Physique” – 3:27
“Can’t Set Rules About Love” – 4:42
“USSA” – 4:59
“Bright Lights Black Leather” – 4:29
“Piccadilly” – 3:13
“Young, Dumb and Full of It” – 5:02
“Anger Inc.” – 4:36

Wonderful

Released: 1995

Wonderful was Adam Ant’s fifth solo album, released in 1995 on EMI Records. The album represented a return to a more guitar-driven, rock-oriented sound after the experimentation of his previous works. The album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and was produced by David Tickle. Wonderful was a critical and commercial success, particularly in the UK, where it peaked at number 24 on the UK Albums Chart. In the United States, the album reached number 143 on the Billboard 200. The lead single “Wonderful” was particularly successful, reaching number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 32 on the UK Singles Chart.

CD Track Listings

“Wonderful” – 4:21
“Kick!” – 4:12
“Vampires” – 4:05
“Angel” – 3:53
“Won’t Take That Talk” – 4:30
“Gotta Be a Sin” – 3:37
“Image of Yourself” – 4:35
“Alien” – 4:35
“Beauty” – 3:51
“Yin & Yang” – 4:15

Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter

Adam Ant is The BlueBlack Hussar Marrying The Gunner's Daughter

Released: 2013

Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter was released in 2013 as Adam Ant’s first album in eighteen years. The album was self-released on Blueblack Hussar Records, reflecting his return to a more independent approach to his music. It was recorded at multiple locations across London and produced by Adam Ant, with support from various musicians, including Boz Boorer. The album revisited many of the musical and thematic elements from his earlier work, blending rock, punk, and pop with a raw, unpolished sound. Despite its independent release, the album reached number 25 on the UK Albums Chart.