Friend or Foe

Adam & The Ants

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: 1982
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000025TB
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #99,428 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Spawned from Blitz, punk rock's better dressed off-shoot, Adam Ant was often accused of favoring style over substance by his harshest critics. Others credit him with putting some parody as well as some poof into what had become the lifeless punk scene. Either way, Friend or Foe, his first solo effort without the Ants did give him the biggest hit of his career, the giddy "Goody Two Shoes." With its not-so-coy "Don't drink/Don't smoke/What do you do?" chorus, the song galloped along thanks to a fine acoustic riff and a swinging bordello trumpet solo. The follow up single, "Desperate but Not Serious" was a bit more brooding, as brooding as Ant could get, but still managed to pack a punch. Along with Kings of the Wild Frontier and Prince Charming, this is Ant at his best. While Friend doesn't have the same tribal urgency that propelled the Ants along, it has a healthy dose of new wave know-how that only Adam himself could stand and deliver. --Steve Gdula

Product Description

2008 jewel case pressing of the digitally remastered and expanded edition of Adam's hit album, originally released in 1982, including 12 bonus tracks. Friend Or Foe was Adam's first 'solo' album after ditching his Ants, although he retained the services of guitarist and songwriting partner Marco Pirroni. Features the hit singles 'Goody Two Shoes', 'Friend Or Foe' and 'Desperate But Not Serious'. Sony/BMG. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A little justice for Adam Ant., March 17, 2000

By	Jason Stein (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Most people today don't remember Adam Ant. Those of us who do seem only to remember "Goody Two Shoes." He was/is more than that. In fact, all of Adams' cds have something memorable about them. I chose Friend or Foe to review because I think it's arguably his best cd. It has the hit "Goody Two Shoes" on it but it also contains non-hits such as "Friend or Foe", "Desperate But Not Serious", "Crack Pot History and the Right to Lie", "Cajun Twisters" and "Place in the Country." 12 solid tracks all together. Prince Charming is also very good, and so is most of his early work. 1995's Wonderful is a fine example of what Adam Ant can do. But, start with Friend or Foe. It's relentlessly frenetic. Definitely upbeat, with an emphasis on BEAT. The music on this disc isn't like anything you'll hear on the radio these days. A must have for any rock collector.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars what a big bore you pop stars are!, March 12, 2005

By	JOHN KASHNER (Cookeville, TN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What can I say. A classic! Adam, in my book, was and always will be to me, the quintessential entertainer. He came along and gave the music scene much needed style and flair. His musical style and witty lyrics from Dirk Wears White Socks on through Vive Le Rock, was, for me, inspirational and inspiring. I was 16 when Friend or Foe came out and it quite literally changed my life. It made me take a look at myself and gave me the attitude of "take it up or leave it". The standout tracks for me are: Friend or Foe, Something Girls, Place in the Country, Goody Two Shoes, Crackpot History..., Made of Money, Try this for sighs. Fresh music, clever lyrics. Adam was my generations Elvis. "People lie people hurt, like to read their Sunday dirt. So every Jeckyll needs a Hyde to blame the business on" Great line! Most of his albums have just recently been remastered. Dirk, kings and Prince Charming are available now and Friend or Foe, Strip and Vive Le Rock are being released April 4, 2005. I recommend getting these as there are loads of extras on them. "Antmusic for Sexpeople! Sexmusic for Antpeople! You might not like it now but you will" I could go on and on but i'll stop now. Enjoy!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars He can never disappoint me!!!, July 27, 2005

By	D. Bortnik "Morbid Killer Doll" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It is my opinion that this is his best album. My favorite song of his has always been Desperate But Not Serious. Adam is the KING!!!! Do yourself a favor, BUY IT! Thank you Adam for being one of the greatest entertainers of all time. WE LOVE YOU!!!