"Strip" by Adam Ant

Song#:  1776
Date:  02/04/1984
Debut:  92
Peak:  42
Weeks:  13
Genre:  New Wave



Pop Bits:  Although Adam and his band the Ants struck gold in the UK with two hit albums and seven Top 10's, including two #1's, he was virtually ignored in the US until he released his first solo album Friend or Foe. That album featured the #12 single "Goody Two Shoes" and it helped gain Ant a US audience. His next solo disc, Strip, got off to a solid start in the UK when the single "Puss 'n Boots" hit #5. For the US, this title-track seemed a better fit and was issued instead. The video got some spins at MTV, but the single just couldn't get inside the Pop Top 40. Without a hit, the album ended up at a disappointing #65. Following one more album that sank away quickly, Ant left music for a while to try his hand at acting. He would return to the studio in 1990 for the LP Manners & Physique. It would supply him with his second biggest US hit with "Room at the Top," which peaked at #17.

ReduxReview:  For me, Ant was kind of a slimy character to begin with and this song didn't really do much to dissuade me from that opinion. The video was kind of pompous and obnoxious as well, so I didn't really pay much attention to this song. Hearing it now after all these years, I don't find it too bad of a pop ditty. The chorus is memorable, but I still don't care much for Ant's horny bad boy lyrics and delivery. It's an interesting relic from the time, but I can do without it.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  This song featured two guest artists. Phil Collins performed on drums and also co-produced the tune. He did the same for two other tracks on the album as well. The female voice heard in the song was supplied by ABBA's Anni-Frid Lyngstad.

_________________________________________________________________________________