Envy is the debut album by Ambitious Lovers. It was released in 1984 through E.G. Records. The album marked the first entry in what, at one point, was supposed to be a seven-album series on the seven deadly sins.
Arto Lindsay, who grew up in Brazil, incorporates on the album many elements of that country's heritage. Most of the music was written by keyboardist Peter Scherer.
Trouser Press wrote that "LindsayâÂÂs words are tantalizingly oblique, but thereâÂÂs nothing oblique about his recordâÂÂs lusty cry for recognition." Maximum Rocknroll called the album "slick and subdued," writing that Lindsey is "one of the few improv dudes who can make you laugh." MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide called it "shocking in its juxtapositions."
John Leland of Spin called it, "the most generous and appealing work Lindsay has ever done. He brings his formerly anti-pop trademarks â demented, chicken-scratch guitar, fragmented lyrics, idiosyncratic compositions, choppy rhythms â intact into a contemporary pop format."
The hook in "Let's Be Adult" is also in the song "Song 4 Mutya (Out of Control)" by Groove Armada.