With
Strip,
Adam Ant's musical career began to hit the skids. He was still popular enough in the U.K. to squeeze out one more Top Ten hit with "Puss 'n Boots," but the album stopped at number 20 after three straight Top Five hits. In the U.S., where
Ant had peaked with his solo debut, Friend or Foe, the year before, this one got only to a disastrous number 65. And no wonder -- the mixture of driving, danceable rock with humor that had made
Kings of the Wild Frontier, Prince Charming, and even some of Friend or Foe enjoyable had given way to a lighter pop approach and outright camp, especially on the title track, a minor singles chart entry produced by
Phil Collins. Somehow,
Ant had lost his appeal, and fast. [This version of the album includes bonus material.] ~ William Ruhlmann