Few bands have left as indelible a mark on the punk and new wave scenes as The Stranglers. Emerging from the raw, rebellious spirit of the mid-1970s, this British band fused aggression, wit, and melodic innovation, carving out a unique place in rock history. With their distinct blend of snarling vocals, sharp keyboards, and driving basslines, The Stranglers quickly rose to prominence, challenging conventions and pushing musical boundaries. Over the decades, their sound has evolved, touching on everything from punk rock and gothic undertones to experimental and even pop sensibilities. But through it all, they’ve maintained a loyal following, thanks to a catalog of unforgettable tracks that continue to resonate with listeners across generations.
In this article, we dive deep into The Stranglers’ legendary discography and rank their top 10 most popular songs of all time. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer eager to explore their music, these tracks capture the essence of a band that defied the odds and became one of the most enduring and influential acts in rock history. From dark anthems to radio-friendly hits, these are the songs that define The Stranglers’ legacy—get ready to rediscover the magic!
1. Golden Brown (1981)
Released in 1981, “Golden Brown” is one of The Stranglers’ most iconic and intriguing songs, transcending the punk genre they were originally known for. Its hypnotic harpsichord melody immediately captures attention, creating an ethereal and timeless sound. The song’s cryptic lyrics have been the subject of much debate—some believe “Golden Brown” is a reference to heroin, while others argue it’s a poetic reflection on time, beauty, or even sun-kissed skin. The ambiguity is part of its allure, allowing listeners to project their interpretations onto the track. What’s undeniable, however, is how this single catapulted The Stranglers into a new sonic realm. The band moved away from their gritty punk roots to explore more melodic and experimental territory, and the risk paid off in a big way. The song climbed to number two on the UK charts and remains a defining piece of their catalog. Its layered production, which blends harpsichord with an unusual 6/8 time signature, showcases a mature, sophisticated side of The Stranglers that resonated with a broader audience. Over the years, “Golden Brown” has retained its mystical charm, becoming a timeless anthem that still enchants listeners to this day.
2. No More Heroes (1977)
Released in 1977, “No More Heroes” is a blistering anthem that captures the essence of the punk movement at its peak. The Stranglers’ snarling vocals, aggressive guitar riffs, and punchy keyboards perfectly embody the raw energy and anti-establishment attitude that defined punk rock during this era. Lyrically, the song explores themes of disillusionment with cultural and political icons, with references to historical figures like Leon Trotsky and Lenny Bruce, who had once been seen as revolutionary but were ultimately flawed or betrayed by history. The song’s relentless pace and confrontational tone reflect the band’s frustrations with societal norms and the futility of idolizing fallen heroes. “No More Heroes” quickly became a rallying cry for a generation that rejected tradition and embraced rebellion. It wasn’t just a song—it was a statement, and one that resonated deeply with audiences feeling similarly disenfranchised. The track has since become synonymous with The Stranglers and remains a fixture in their live performances, standing as one of their most enduring and politically charged songs. Decades later, “No More Heroes” continues to echo the rebellious spirit of the late ’70s punk scene.
3. Peaches (1977)
Released in 1977, “Peaches” is one of The Stranglers’ most controversial yet enduring tracks, combining a cheeky, irreverent attitude with a sleazy, infectious bassline that captures the essence of punk rebellion. From the first few notes, the song oozes a laid-back swagger, its minimalistic rhythm allowing the provocative lyrics to take center stage. At the time, “Peaches” stirred up considerable controversy due to its sexually charged lyrics, which were seen as both bold and irreverent. But rather than sink the song, the controversy only fueled its success, and it became one of the band’s defining hits. The song’s groove is undeniably catchy, with a distinct reggae influence, showcasing The Stranglers’ ability to blend genres while maintaining their edgy, punk ethos. “Peaches” is a track that epitomizes the band’s willingness to push boundaries, both musically and lyrically, and their knack for pairing playful satire with biting social commentary. Despite—or perhaps because of—its provocative nature, “Peaches” has maintained its place as one of the band’s most beloved tracks, its laid-back rhythm and sardonic tone still resonating with fans today. It’s a perfect example of punk’s capacity to challenge norms and provoke thought, all while getting people to move.
4. Always the Sun (1986)
Released in 1986, “Always the Sun” marked a significant shift in The Stranglers’ sound, moving away from their earlier, gritty punk anthems toward a more polished, introspective style. With shimmering guitars, lush keyboards, and a dreamlike quality, the song stands as one of the band’s most beautifully crafted works. While the track didn’t achieve the same commercial success as some of their earlier hits, it quickly became a fan favorite, largely due to its emotionally resonant lyrics and uplifting, yet melancholic, melody. The song’s central theme revolves around the human quest for hope and happiness in the face of adversity, a sentiment that struck a chord with many listeners. Its optimistic tone is tinged with a sense of longing, creating a poignant contrast that elevates it beyond a simple pop song. “Always the Sun” also highlights The Stranglers’ versatility as musicians, showcasing their ability to evolve and explore different sonic landscapes without losing the essence of what made them unique. Today, the song is seen as a standout track in their discography, and its timeless appeal continues to resonate with both old fans and new listeners, reminding us of the eternal search for light in dark times.
5. Strange Little Girl (1982)
Released in 1982, “Strange Little Girl” is a hauntingly beautiful track that showcases a more introspective and sensitive side of The Stranglers. Originally written in 1974 before the band signed with United Artists, the song was resurrected for their greatest hits compilation, offering fans a glimpse into the band’s earlier, more experimental songwriting. The track’s dreamy, melancholic melody contrasts with the darker themes of isolation, change, and vulnerability that are woven into the lyrics. “Strange Little Girl” stands out not only for its atmospheric production but also for the way it captures the delicate balance between innocence and complexity, both musically and thematically. The song’s introspective tone marked a departure from the raw aggression of their punk roots, showcasing their ability to craft emotionally resonant music that could stand alongside their harder-edged material. Despite not being as commercially successful as some of their other hits, “Strange Little Girl” has become a fan favorite, thanks in part to its haunting melody and evocative lyrics. The song serves as a testament to The Stranglers’ versatility and willingness to explore different musical avenues, proving that they were far more than just a punk band—they were artists capable of depth and nuance.
6. Something Better Change (1977)
Released in 1977, “Something Better Change” is a potent call to action and one of The Stranglers’ most enduring punk anthems. The track, which comes from their second album *No More Heroes*, is built around a driving bassline and a frantic tempo that mirror the urgency of the lyrics. The message is clear—things need to change, both socially and politically—and the band delivered that message with raw, unfiltered energy. At a time when the late 1970s were marked by political unrest and social upheaval, “Something Better Change” captured the frustrations and disillusionment of a generation that was tired of the status quo. The song’s aggressive sound and rebellious spirit resonated deeply with punk audiences, making it an anthem of the movement. Its relentless rhythm and defiant tone encapsulated the feeling of being on the edge of something revolutionary. The Stranglers, through tracks like this, positioned themselves not just as musicians but as voices of a generation pushing for societal change. “Something Better Change” remains a powerful statement within their catalog, and its raw, high-energy delivery continues to captivate audiences, making it a staple in their live performances to this day.
7. Duchess (1979)
Released in 1979, “Duchess” stands out in The Stranglers’ discography for its upbeat, almost pop-like sound, which contrasts sharply with some of the darker, more abrasive material the band was known for. Featured on their *The Raven* album, the track is driven by a buoyant melody and a prominent keyboard riff that gives it an infectious, breezy feel. Despite its lighter musical tone, “Duchess” offers biting social commentary, focusing on the fall from grace of an aristocratic figure, a theme that aligns with The Stranglers’ often subversive approach to songwriting. The song’s catchy chorus and vibrant energy helped it become a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the UK charts. While some fans of their earlier, grittier material may have found the pop-leaning sound a departure, “Duchess” demonstrated the band’s ability to craft songs that could appeal to a broader audience without sacrificing their trademark wit and edge. Its success solidified the band’s position as one capable of evolving their sound while maintaining their unique voice. Even today, “Duchess” remains a fan favorite, often praised for its irresistible melody and the clever juxtaposition of upbeat music with more cynical lyrical themes.
8. Grip (1977)
“Grip,” released in 1977 as part of The Stranglers’ debut album *Rattus Norvegicus*, is a fast-paced, high-energy track that showcases the raw power and intensity of the band’s early sound. From the opening guitar riff to the snarling vocals, “Grip” captures the essence of the punk rock rebellion that was sweeping through the UK at the time. The song’s lyrics reflect the frustration and disillusionment felt by many during the late ’70s, tapping into the anger and dissatisfaction that fueled much of the punk movement. Musically, the track is relentless, with a pulsating beat and sharp guitar work that drive the song forward at breakneck speed. “Grip” was one of the songs that helped establish The Stranglers as a force to be reckoned with in the burgeoning punk scene, earning them a reputation for their
aggressive sound and no-holds-barred approach to both music and performance. The song remains a fan favorite and a powerful reminder of the raw energy that characterized the early days of punk. Decades later, “Grip” still resonates with audiences, its rebellious spirit and driving energy as impactful as ever.
9. Skin Deep (1984)
Released in 1984, “Skin Deep” marked a significant shift in The Stranglers’ sound, signaling their move toward a more polished, synth-driven style. The track opens with a haunting melody that immediately sets a darker, more introspective tone than their earlier work. Lyrically, “Skin Deep” explores the theme of superficiality in human relationships, delving into how people often hide their true selves behind facades. The chorus, with its simple but memorable hook, is instantly catchy, making the song a radio-friendly hit that reached the top 20 in the UK. Despite its slicker production, “Skin Deep” retains the emotional depth and lyrical complexity that fans had come to expect from The Stranglers. The song’s success proved that the band could evolve musically while still producing compelling, meaningful work. It remains one of their most commercially successful singles, and its exploration of the shallowness of human interactions continues to resonate with listeners today. “Skin Deep” is a testament to The Stranglers’ ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape of the 1980s while maintaining their core identity, blending introspection with catchy melodies in a way that appealed to both old fans and new listeners alike.
10. Walk On By (1978)
In 1978, The Stranglers took a bold step by covering Dionne Warwick’s classic “Walk On By”, transforming the smooth, soulful ballad into an epic, nearly seven-minute-long journey that showcased the band’s ability to reinvent even the most familiar of songs. Far from a straightforward cover, The Stranglers’ version of “Walk On By” is drenched in tension and atmosphere, with psychedelic keyboards and a blistering guitar solo that give the track a darker, edgier feel. As the song slowly builds, it takes the listener on an emotional rollercoaster, culminating in a cathartic release that feels both powerful and haunting. The band’s decision to rework such a well-known song was a bold one, but it paid off handsomely, with their version being hailed as one of the greatest cover songs in rock history. “Walk On By” not only demonstrated The Stranglers’ versatility as musicians but also their willingness to take risks and push musical boundaries. The track stands as a testament to their creativity and vision, proving that even a song as iconic as “Walk On By” could be completely transformed while retaining its emotional core. Today, it remains one of The Stranglers’ most beloved and critically acclaimed tracks.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
