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Friend or Foe

by Adam Ant

Released: October 11, 1982

New wave, pop

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

"Friend or Foe" is the debut solo album by English singer and musician Adam Ant, released in October 1982. Following the breakup of his previous band, Adam and the Ants, the album marked a new chapter in Ant's career, collaborating with guitarist and songwriter Marco Pirroni. The lead single, "Goody Two-Shoes," became a major hit, reaching No. 1 in the UK and Australia, and No. 12 in the US.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Another single, "Desperate But Not Serious," also contributed…

Another single, "Desperate But Not Serious," also contributed to the album's success, peaking at No. 33 in the UK and No. 66 in the US.

A remastered version of the album was released…

A remastered version of the album was released in 2005, including twelve additional tracks.

In late 2019, Ant performed the album live…

In late 2019, Ant performed the album live during a UK tour, although a planned US tour in 2020 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and eventually canceled.

Friend or Foe remains a significant release in…

Friend or Foe remains a significant release in Adam Ant's career, showcasing his distinctive sound and enduring appeal.

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Essential Tracks

Desperate But Not Serious

Another single, "Desperate But Not Serious," also contributed to the album's success, peaking at No. 33 in the UK and No. 66 in the US.

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Explore the Album

Adam Ant - Friend or Foe

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Reception

The album peaked at No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart and reached No. 16 on the US Billboard Album Chart, becoming Adam Ant's most successful solo release. It was certified Gold by the BPI for exceeding 100,000 sales. The title track "Friend or Foe" followed, charting at No. 9 in the UK.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

The lead single, "Goody Two-Shoes," became a major hit, reaching No. 1 in the UK and Australia, and No. 12 in the US. The title track "Friend or Foe" followed, charting at No. 9 in the UK. Another single, "Desperate But Not Serious," also contributed to the album's success, peaking at No. 33 in the UK and No. 66 in the US.

A remastered version of the album was released in 2005, including twelve additional tracks. In late 2019, Ant performed the album live during a UK tour, although a planned US tour in 2020 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and eventually canceled.

Friend or Foe remains a significant release in Adam Ant's career, showcasing his distinctive sound and enduring appeal.