When it comes to the iconic sounds of the 1960s, few bands left a mark as indelible as The Troggs. Hailing from Andover, England, this rock group burst onto the scene with a raw energy and catchy melodies that captivated audiences around the globe. Known for their powerful guitar riffs and unforgettable choruses, The Troggs became pioneers of the garage rock movement, influencing countless artists across generations. With a blend of rock, pop, and a touch of blues, their music is a timeless treasure that continues to resonate with fans old and new.
In this article, we delve into the top 10 most popular songs by The Troggs, exploring the tracks that defined their career and solidified their place in music history. From their explosive debut hit to lesser-known gems, each song tells a story steeped in the spirit of rebellion and youthful exuberance. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering their work, join us as we celebrate the musical legacy of The Troggs and revisit the tunes that shaped an era. Get ready to tap your feet and sing along as we journey through the unforgettable catalog of one of rock’s most beloved bands!
1. Wild Thing (1966)
“Wild Thing” isn’t just a song—it’s a declaration. Released in 1966, this track exploded onto the scene with a raw, primal energy that helped shape the sound of garage rock. The Troggs didn’t try to overcomplicate things; the magic of “Wild Thing” lies in its simplicity. From the unmistakable guitar riff to the raspy, almost lazy vocal delivery of Reg Presley, it was a song that said everything without trying too hard. The lyrics, while sparse, struck a chord with a generation hungry for freedom, rebellion, and raw emotion.
What made “Wild Thing” iconic was how it blurred the lines between rock and something more elemental—it felt untamed, like it was barely being held together, and that was precisely its charm. Whether blasted through car speakers or shouted out at concerts, the chorus became an instant sing-along. The song’s unpolished edge paved the way for punk and alternative music later on. Over the decades, “Wild Thing” has been covered by dozens of artists, but none quite capture the original’s swagger and grit. It’s more than a hit—it’s a moment in time, frozen in distortion and attitude.
2. With a Girl Like You (1966)
“With a Girl Like You” captures the breezy, innocent charm of 1960s pop-rock. Released shortly after “Wild Thing” in 1966, this song showcases The Troggs’ softer, more melodic side. It trades the rugged fuzz of their breakthrough hit for a sweet, singable tune that feels like a summer romance. The song centers around the simple, universal yearning of wanting to be with someone special, expressed through lyrics that are straightforward and sincere.
Reg Presley’s vocal delivery is earnest and boyish, adding a sense of vulnerability to the song. The jangly guitars and laid-back rhythm give it a warm, toe-tapping quality that invites you to hum along. One of its most memorable traits is its “ba ba ba” vocal hook, which sticks in your head long after the track ends. “With a Girl Like You” doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it sticks to a proven formula of catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics—but it does so with such charm and clarity that it’s hard not to smile while listening. It remains a shining example of the kind of accessible, emotionally resonant pop that dominated the era. It’s simple, sweet, and unmistakably Troggs.
3. I Can’t Control Myself (1966)
“I Can’t Control Myself” turned heads in 1966—not just because of its edgy, provocative lyrics, but because of how confidently The Troggs pushed the envelope. From the opening guitar strum, there’s a noticeable intensity here that sets it apart from the more innocent love songs of the time. It’s a track that simmers with barely contained energy, with Reg Presley delivering each line like he’s barely keeping himself in check. That raw urgency—both in the lyrics and in the performance—is what gives this song its lasting impact.
At a time when pop music was still playing by relatively polite rules, The Troggs came in with a track that was sexually charged and emotionally unfiltered. The central theme of overwhelming desire is made crystal clear through lyrics like “Your slacks are low and your hips are showing,” which raised more than a few eyebrows in its day. Musically, the song is driven by a pounding beat and a grinding guitar riff that mirrors the tension in the lyrics.
“I Can’t Control Myself” isn’t just about attraction—it’s about obsession, compulsion, and the inability to hold back. It’s one of the band’s most daring moments, and it still carries that punch decades later.
4. Love Is All Around (1967)
“Love Is All Around” is perhaps The Troggs’ most enduring and universally loved ballad. Released in 1967, it offered a stark contrast to their more rebellious tracks, showcasing a tender, contemplative side that struck a chord with listeners. The opening line—“I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes”—has become iconic in its own right, a gentle, poetic expression of love that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the song.
The instrumentation is restrained and graceful: soft acoustic strumming, mellow percussion, and a warm orchestral backdrop. Reg Presley’s vocals are subdued and affectionate, allowing the simplicity of the lyrics to shine through. The song’s charm lies in how unassuming it is—there’s no big climax, no vocal gymnastics, just a steady, heartfelt message about the all-encompassing nature of love.
“Love Is All Around” has found new life many times over, most famously through the cover by Wet Wet Wet in the 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral. But the original retains a purity that’s hard to match. It’s a song about love that feels sincere rather than sentimental—a timeless reminder that sometimes, the most powerful messages are the simplest.
5. Any Way That You Want Me (1968)
“Any Way That You Want Me” shows The Troggs at their most introspective and emotionally vulnerable. Released in 1968, the song moves away from their earlier, raw-edged sound and leans into a more sophisticated, soul-searching ballad style. The lyrics reveal a willingness to do anything for love—”Any way that you want me, that’s how I will be”—a line that perfectly captures the longing and surrender found in deeply emotional relationships.
The musical arrangement is lush but restrained, allowing Reg Presley’s gentle vocal performance to take center stage. Unlike their earlier songs that played up passion and rebellion, this one dives deep into devotion and emotional submission. The subtle guitar work and slow rhythm section give the track a meditative pace, inviting the listener to really sit with the words and their meaning.
This song marked a stylistic maturity for The Troggs, proof that they were more than just loud guitars and provocative lyrics. It’s a quieter, more introspective moment that’s no less powerful for its subtlety. While it might not have been as commercially explosive as “Wild Thing,” it holds a special place in the band’s catalog for its honesty and emotional resonance.
6. Give It to Me (1967)
“Give It to Me” is a bold, upbeat track that perfectly captures The Troggs’ raw rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Released in 1967, the song hits hard with an aggressive rhythm and driving beat, setting the tone from the very first note. The guitar work is punchy and hypnotic, while the vocals exude a sense of urgency and tension that adds to the overall intensity. Lyrically, the song is straightforward—direct and unfiltered—which only adds to its charm. It’s all about desire, longing, and a need that can’t be denied. The stripped-down production highlights the band’s ability to do more with less, letting the rhythm section and the vocal delivery shine through. This kind of simplicity, executed with precision and attitude, is exactly what made garage rock so compelling. “Give It to Me” isn’t just a song—it’s a sonic demand, packed with emotional grit and youthful recklessness. It’s a standout moment in The Troggs’ catalog, showcasing their knack for writing energetic, no-frills rock music that speaks to the impulsive and passionate side of love.
7. Hi Hi Hazel (1967)
“Hi Hi Hazel” offers a light-hearted and fun departure from The Troggs’ more raucous tunes, blending charming innocence with catchy hooks. Released in 1967, this song has a cheerful, almost doo-wop-like rhythm that’s easy to tap your foot to. The lyrics revolve around a playful romantic pursuit, with the name “Hazel” becoming a symbol of youthful infatuation. The band’s vocal harmonies are bright and engaging, lending a nostalgic feel that resonates even today. There’s a whimsical, almost storybook-like quality to the track that makes it stand out among the band’s more rebellious or hard-edged songs. While not as hard-hitting as “Wild Thing” or “I Can’t Control Myself,” this song demonstrates The Troggs’ versatility—they could rock out, but they also knew how to have fun and connect with their audience through simplicity and charm. It’s an easy favorite for fans who enjoy a lighter, more innocent side of 60s pop rock. The joy in “Hi Hi Hazel” is contagious, making it a delightful addition to any retro playlist.
8. The Last Time (1966)
“The Last Time” dives deep into emotional territory, offering a poignant and reflective moment in The Troggs’ discography. Released in 1966, the song explores themes of heartbreak, regret, and final goodbyes, with a maturity that contrasts with some of their more playful singles. The instrumentation is deliberately subdued, allowing Reg Presley’s expressive vocals to carry the emotional weight of the song. There’s a raw vulnerability in the way he sings about lost love—his voice trembles with both longing and resolve. The simple yet evocative guitar and drum arrangements add to the melancholic mood, creating a soundscape that feels intimate and honest. Unlike the band’s usual burst of energy, “The Last Time” opts for restraint, showing that The Troggs could dig deeper and tell heartfelt stories when they wanted to. It’s a reminder that underneath their rock ‘n’ roll exterior was a sensitivity that resonated with listeners. This song may not have topped the charts like some of their hits, but its emotional resonance has earned it a special place among fans of 60s ballads and introspective rock.
9. A Girl Like You (1966)
“A Girl Like You” is a bright and infectious rock tune that showcases The Troggs at their most confident and romantic. Released in 1966, the song is filled with upbeat energy, propelled by a rhythmic groove that’s both danceable and instantly recognizable. From the opening chords, it hooks you with its straightforward charm. The lyrics are centered around admiration and wonder—falling for someone so special, so unique, that she seems almost too good to be true. Reg Presley’s vocals are filled with passion, striking the perfect balance between admiration and yearning. There’s a youthful innocence in the way the song captures that heady rush of falling in love for the first time. Musically, the track is tight and polished, with jangling guitars and a driving beat that keep the momentum going from start to finish. “A Girl Like You” captures the essence of what made The Troggs so appealing: simple lyrics, catchy melodies, and an ability to connect directly with their audience. It’s an enduring pop-rock classic that still feels fresh decades later.
10. Night of the Long Grass (1967)
“Night of the Long Grass” stands as one of The Troggs’ most atmospheric and mysterious tracks. Released in 1967, this song marks a departure from their typical garage-rock sound, venturing into more experimental territory. The title itself evokes curiosity, and the music delivers on that intrigue with moody, haunting guitar lines and a slow, almost hypnotic rhythm. The lyrics are abstract and dreamlike, painting a surreal picture that feels like it belongs more to a psychedelic dreamscape than a dancefloor. Reg Presley’s vocals are subdued yet intense, giving the song an eerie edge that lingers long after it ends. It’s a haunting tale of longing and perhaps betrayal, wrapped in a cloak of ambiguity and tension. The arrangement builds slowly, drawing the listener into its dark and mesmerizing world. “Night of the Long Grass” is a testament to The Troggs’ willingness to experiment with their sound and stretch the boundaries of what garage rock could be. It’s a hidden gem that rewards attentive listening and reveals a more introspective and daring side of the band.
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.
