Almond's next album "Fantastic Star" saw him part with WEA and sign to Mercury Records. Much of "Fantastic Star" was originally recorded in New York with Mike Thorne, but later after signing to Mercury, was reworked in London. Almond also recorded a session for the album with John Cale, David Johanson, and Chris Spedding; some made the final cut. Other songs were produced by Mike Hedges and Martyn Ware. Adding to the disjointed recording process was the fact that during recording Almond also spent several weeks attending a treatment centre in Canterbury for addiction to prescription drugs. However, on its release "Fantastic Star" gave Almond a hit single with "Adored and Explored", and also minor hits and stage favourites such as "The Idol" and "Child Star". "Fantastic Star" was Almond's last album with a major record label, and the period also marked the ending of his managerial relationship with Stevo Pearce.