Music Review: Adam Ant "Desperate But Not Serious"
Adam Ant
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Desperate But Not Serious
Album: Friend Or Foe
Year: 1982
Adam Ant questions the press’ fickleness in the pointed “Desperate But Not Serious.”
Approving saxophones open the single, setting a commending tone. In the first verse, he says a double standard exists between the press and celebrity. First, journalists are encouraged to pry into his life, making a game of how many times he cringes. It then leads to the quote to mean something else entirely. However, for him to call out the press is considered unprofessional. The press would turn on him and ignore him, causing him to become irrelevant.
In the chorus, he says the contentious relationship is strictly casual and white-hot. It could end at any time without warning. Sometimes, he loves the reviews he’s getting. Other days, he wants to chew out the reporter.
In the second verse, he says the non-threatening teen heartthrob image gets nicked at until the cracks start to show. However, the press salivates at any mention of hedonism and sensation in his life.
The chorus is sung again.
The saxophone since has changed its tone. It’s now adverse
In the third verse, he says he’s being told to tone himself down and he really shouldn’t be talking about his sexual habits. However, the reporters thank him once the tape recorder is off for giving them great quotes and attention to their story. Then, the press is willing to follow whatever he says.
The chorus is sung four times to close the single.
The press,even though reporters won’t admit it,play a decisive role in making stars. They start with a little info, starting some buzz. Then, if the person is accepted, they are the next big thing. It’s a rushed process, leaving a shoddy foundation that could be broken at the slightest hint of antagonism on the celebrity’s part.
Ant’s sneering, explicit vocals scrutinize the press. He sees firsthand how the press is in bed with the publicists and it disgusts him to be involved in the drama.
The frivolous arrangement helps to tell the story. The saxophones are praising the minute a celebrity hits. Then, they are petulant when met with criticism.
The thoughtful “Desperate But Not Serious” is a smart analysis of publicity.
Album: Friend Or Foe
Year: 1982
Adam Ant questions the press’ fickleness in the pointed “Desperate But Not Serious.”
Approving saxophones open the single, setting a commending tone. In the first verse, he says a double standard exists between the press and celebrity. First, journalists are encouraged to pry into his life, making a game of how many times he cringes. It then leads to the quote to mean something else entirely. However, for him to call out the press is considered unprofessional. The press would turn on him and ignore him, causing him to become irrelevant.
“If I ask you difficult questions/If I make improper suggestions/Would you find that a risk to your health/Would you put me up on the bookshelf/With the books and the plants?”
In the chorus, he says the contentious relationship is strictly casual and white-hot. It could end at any time without warning. Sometimes, he loves the reviews he’s getting. Other days, he wants to chew out the reporter.
“Desperate but not serious/Your kisses drive me delirious.”
In the second verse, he says the non-threatening teen heartthrob image gets nicked at until the cracks start to show. However, the press salivates at any mention of hedonism and sensation in his life.
“If I were kind and adoring/How would that be? Very boring/Mister Pressman with your penknife/Always asking about my sex life/And who with and how many times?”
The chorus is sung again.
The saxophone since has changed its tone. It’s now adverse
In the third verse, he says he’s being told to tone himself down and he really shouldn’t be talking about his sexual habits. However, the reporters thank him once the tape recorder is off for giving them great quotes and attention to their story. Then, the press is willing to follow whatever he says.
“All the advice seems so unkind/"If you don't stop, you will go blind!”/They tell you it's none of their business/
And console you with a big kiss/On the lips and on the back of your neck(Oh heck!)”
The chorus is sung four times to close the single.
The press,even though reporters won’t admit it,play a decisive role in making stars. They start with a little info, starting some buzz. Then, if the person is accepted, they are the next big thing. It’s a rushed process, leaving a shoddy foundation that could be broken at the slightest hint of antagonism on the celebrity’s part.
Ant’s sneering, explicit vocals scrutinize the press. He sees firsthand how the press is in bed with the publicists and it disgusts him to be involved in the drama.
The frivolous arrangement helps to tell the story. The saxophones are praising the minute a celebrity hits. Then, they are petulant when met with criticism.
The thoughtful “Desperate But Not Serious” is a smart analysis of publicity.