Final album with Cornwell and his departure

The Stranglers’ final album with Cornwell, 10 , was released in 1990. This was recorded with the intention of building on their “cult” status in America. Following the success of their cover of The Kinks ‘ ” All Day and All of the Night “, a UK No. 7 hit in 1988, the Stranglers released another cover of a 1960s track, ” 96 Tears ” as their first single from 10 ; it reached No. 17 in the UK. The follow-up single “Sweet Smell of Success” only reached No. 65. “Man of the Earth”, which the band had high hopes for, was due to be the third single from the album, but Epic Records decided against it. In August 1990, Hugh Cornwell left Stranglers to pursue a solo career, following the band’s failure to secure a tour in the US. In his autobiography, Cornwell stated that he felt that the Stranglers were a spent force creatively and cited various examples of his increasingly acrimonious relationship with his fellow band-members, particularly Burnel. Feelings were mutual; when Cornwell phoned Jet Black to say he was leaving the band, the drummer’s response was blunt “OK, fine”.