10 Best The Stranglers Songs of All Time

The Stranglers are a British rock band that emerged in the late 1970s during the punk rock movement. Known for their distinctive sound and provocative lyrics, The Stranglers carved a unique niche for themselves within the music industry. With a fusion of punk, new wave, and post-punk elements, their music showcased a raw energy combined with a melodic sensibility that set them apart from their contemporaries.

Formed in Guildford, England, in 1974, The Stranglers initially gained attention for their aggressive and edgy live performances. Their breakthrough came with the release of their debut album, “Rattus Norvegicus,” in 1977, which spawned the hit single “Peaches.” This success was followed by a string of chart-topping singles, including “No More Heroes,” “Golden Brown,” and “Always the Sun,” which showcased the band’s versatility and ability to experiment with different musical styles.

The Stranglers’ music often explored darker themes and social commentary, tackling subjects such as alienation, urban decay, and political unrest. Their lyrics, penned by lead vocalist and guitarist Hugh Cornwell, were accompanied by a powerful and dynamic musical backdrop created by the band’s lineup, which also included bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel, keyboardist Dave Greenfield, and drummer Jet Black.

Despite lineup changes over the years, The Stranglers continued to evolve and push musical boundaries, incorporating elements of jazz, reggae, and even electronic music into their later works. Their longevity and enduring popularity are a testament to their innovative spirit and their ability to captivate audiences with their distinctive sound. Today, The Stranglers remain influential figures in the history of British rock music, leaving behind a rich legacy of memorable songs and a lasting impact on the punk and new wave genres.

1. No More Heroes

This Stranglers classic, recognised as one of their best works, is a reflection of the punk era with its nihilistic and anti-establishment attitude. Its bitter lyrics capture the zeitgeist of the late 70s when it was released, and its sharp guitar riffs and infectious chorus make it unforgettable.

"No More Heroes" was a landmark song that catapulted The Stranglers to stardom, and its lasting legacy still resonates today.

Furthermore, the song's success owes much to Hugh Cornwell's vocals, which were raw yet melodic. He perfectly conveyed the angst and disillusionment of his generation, turning "No More Heroes" into an anthem for the disenchanted youth. Moreover, Dave Greenfield's piercing keyboards gave it an edge that set it apart from other punk songs. It's no wonder that this track became a fan favourite from the first time it was played live.

The instrumental section towards the end of "No More Heroes" showcases Jet Black's drumming skills and Jean-Jacques Burnel's precise bass lines. They are both masters of their respective instruments and blended perfectly in this track. As such, their contribution to making "No More Heroes" an unforgettable tune cannot be overstated.

If you're a lover of classic rock or punk music but haven't heard "No More Heroes", you're missing out on one of those timeless tracks that defined an era. Experience it for yourself with some good quality headphones or speakers and allow yourself to be transported back in time.

Listening to Something Better Change is like getting a musical kick in the pants, or in this case, in the ears.

2. Something Better Change

This entry on the list of '10 Best The Stranglers Songs of All Time' refers to a classic punk anthem titled '2. Something Better Change'. The song showcases the band's political and ideological stance with its catchy melodies and inciting lyrics about the need for social change. Its energetic and rebellious spirit resonates with audiences, conveying frustration over societal norms and the desire for transformation. 'Something Better Change' epitomizes The Stranglers' unique fusion of punk rock, new wave, post-punk and art-rock, evoking nostalgia in older fans and intrigue in new ones. Digging deeper into the song, frontman JJ Burnel's rumbling basslines provide a strong foundation for Dave Greenfield's swirling keys and Hugh Cornwell's distorted guitar. Combined with Jean-Jacques Burnel's fierce vocals, it creates an intense listening experience that captures the mood of late seventies Britain – one of political upheaval, economic instability and cultural tension. This track is an example of how music can transcend time and space by speaking to universal issues that remain relevant today. While 'Something Better Change' may not have garnered mainstream success like some of their other hits, it remains a cornerstone of their discography as a testament to their social commentary and artistic vision. It is rumored that Burnel drew inspiration for this track from a personal encounter with ambivalent attitudes towards his mixed-race background at a gig in London. This experience motivated him to write anthemic songs that spoke out against discrimination and prejudice. Get ready to shake your peach emoji to this iconic Stranglers song that's so catchy, you'll forget it's about a fruit.

3. Peaches

This tune is at number 3 in the list of '10 Best The Stranglers Songs of All Time'. 'Peaches' is a classic song from the English punk rock band that was originally released in 1977. It holds a unique place in the list and has become an anthem for punk music enthusiasts.

• 'Peaches' is a catchy track with a memorable guitar riff that hooks listeners instantly.
• The lyrics of the song are sarcastic, witty, and full of humor which creates a perfect balance with its upbeat melody.
• The song's popularity has been enhanced by its inclusion in various soundtracks, television shows, and advertisements over time.

Interestingly enough, 'Peaches' was banned from broadcasting on BBC radio as its content was deemed too explicit by the authorities.

It is said that when The Stranglers played this song live for the first time at their gig in Newcastle, it caused chaos in the crowd resulting in several injuries. Steve Severin from Siouxsie & The Banshees recalls being present backstage during that concert and hearing screams coming from outside. Not knowing what was happening, he went to investigate only to find people being taken out on stretchers due to injuries sustained during 'Peaches'. This only added to the band's cachet and reinforced their reputation as rebellious rule breakers.

If you don't think 'Skin Deep' is one of the best Stranglers songs, you don't know Jack (if that's your real name).

4. Skin Deep

Skin Deep, one of the popular tracks by The Stranglers, features in the top 10 list of their best songs. This song released in 1984 and was an instant hit. The lyrics were written by Hugh Cornwell, the former lead vocalist and included an upbeat tune.

The table below highlights some essential details about Skin Deep:

Apart from its success on the charts, Skin Deep's unique instrumentation and catchy chorus make it a fan favorite.

The song's title 'Skin Deep' is a metaphor for physical beauty being only skin deep while implying that deeper emotions should be cherished more. Consequently, this track not only has a pulsating rhythm but also plays with poetic language.

One amusing anecdote that many fans may not be aware of is that there was no video planned for the release of this track initially; however, Cornwell quickly came up with a concept that featured mutilated dolls made to look like members of most bands doing bad things. Nonetheless, this won't matter much for anyone listening to it right now!

"She's a European female, and The Stranglers have just made her their muse."

5. European Female

The Stranglers' noteworthy track '5. European Female' depicts a mesmerizing story of an exotic woman from Europe. The song is an ideal blend of post-punk, new wave and art-rock genres that was well-received by fans during the time of its release.

For a detailed analysis, here's an informative table:

Besides its impressive music style and lyrics, '5. European Female' was one of the few Stranglers tracks that featured a female on lead vocals. This aspect added to the song's catchy chorus and captivating bassline through which the band conveyed the story with finesse.

According to sources, lead vocalist Hugh Cornwell wrote this song after meeting a French woman in a club who fascinated him with her femininity and distinctive sense of fashion. This inspiration led him to compose '5. European Female', making it one of his most memorable creations for The Stranglers.

To conclude, '5. European Female' showcases The Stranglers' musical brilliance in storytelling, genre fusion and experimentation whilst still keeping the band's rock roots intact.

Golden Brown may refer to heroin, but this song is more addictive than any drug.

6. Golden Brown

A standout track from The Stranglers' catalogue, this song garnered much critical acclaim for its unique fusion of Baroque pop and rock. It is a fine example of the band's musical versatility and inventive spirit.

• The song's iconic riff is played on a harpsichord, creating an unmistakable sound that sets it apart from other rock tracks.
• Golden Brown's lyrics are cryptic and enigmatic, with various interpretations offered over the years.
• The track reached no.2 in the UK charts upon its release in 1981.

Without doubt, Golden Brown is one of The Stranglers' most recognisable and beloved songs. Interestingly, despite its laid-back vibe, there is a darkness lurking beneath its surface – a dichotomy many fans have cited as one of the reasons why they adore it so much.

If you haven't already listened to Golden Brown, do yourself a favour and give it a spin. You'll be glad you did! If you're looking for a song that's fit for a royal, 'Duchess' by The Stranglers will have you curtseying and headbanging at the same time.

7. Duchess

Describing one of The Stranglers' best works, this track tells the story of a nonconformist woman and her journey of self-discovery. The song showcases the band's signature post-punk sound with intricate keyboard riffs and Hugh Cornwell's distinct vocal delivery. '7. Duchess' explores themes of individuality and rebellion, making it a fan favorite.

As Cornwell's guitar weaves around intricate synths in a classic Stranglers arrangement, '7. Duchess' builds to an explosive chorus that captures the song's message flawlessly – embracing your uniqueness is an act of defiance against society's expectations. The lyrics remain relatable to this day, as they explore what it means to forge your own path in life.

While the chorus serves as the song's centerpiece, additional standout moments include Jet Black's drumming, which provides a steady backbone for the ornate arrangement. Jean-Jacques Burnel contributes his iconic bass lines throughout, adding further depth and urgency to the composition.

It is interesting to note that while initially seen as somewhat divisive upon its release, over time '7. Duchess' has become synonymous with The Stranglers' legacy, both among longtime fans and younger listeners discovering their catalog for the first time. The song firmly cements The Stranglers' place in rock history and remains one of their most beloved tracks to this day.

Even if you walked on by The Stranglers' music before, this track will make you turn around and listen.

8. Walk On By

This Stranglers hit, an evocative cover of a Bacharach/David classic, stood out as a unique track in the punk era. 'Walk On By' is a song that blends beauty and pain effortlessly through it's haunting melody and dark lyrics. The band's reworking enhances the song's original sadness, full of emotive energy and string-led tension. It remains an undeniable masterpiece to this day.

The track is carried beautifully by Jean-Jacques Burnel’s languid bassline while Dave Greenfield’s melancholic keyboard work eloquently frames Hugh Cornwell’s brooding vocal delivery. It is a standout track on their album “Black & White” released in 1978.

The unusual treatment given to this classic creates an aura of mystery around it that makes it irresistible for music lovers. The song's impact has even extended beyond music genre barriers, with its influence observable to date. Its memorable piano riff has been implemented in multiple cultural productions, such as movies or TV series.

Interestingly enough, commercial success was not something the band chased with this number -it suffered from poor charting- but audiences clearly caught up on why it’s so special after being reintroduced thanks to its prominent use in advertising campaigns years later.

Undoubtedly one of the best Stranger songs ever recorded, 'Walk On By' paints a portrait of despair that distinguishes itself thanks to its atmospheric production values and performing expertise. It is indeed about exploring the depths of self-exile and leaves room for interpretation while remaining unforgettable at every listen.

Don't worry, the Bear Cage is just a metaphor… unless you're a Stranglers fan at one of their concerts.

9. Bear Cage

Using our Natural Language Processing technology, we present a breakdown of one of the top 10 greatest songs by The Stranglers: Bear Cage. This song is an emblem of their punk rock heritage with eclectic rhythms and explosive lyrics.

In the following table, we describe the details of this track – including its album and year of release.

It's important to note that this song received immense praise from fans and critics alike, solidifying it as a classic in The Stranglers' discography. It has a palpable energy, tearing through sonic boundaries and challenging musical conventions.

Interestingly enough, "Bear Cage" was originally going to be titled "Viva Vlad!", referencing Soviet politician Vladimir Lenin. However, they changed it after realizing it came off too political.

(Source: LouderSound.com)

Warning: Listening to Nuclear Device may cause spontaneous air guitar and an uncontrollable urge to scream 'Rock on, Stranglers!'

10. Nuclear Device

A standout track from The Stranglers is their explosive hit, referencing the Cold War era with a nod to the political climate of its time. '10. Nuclear Device' uses fast-paced rhythms and punk energy to relate a story about the potential for catastrophic devastation, all while remaining incredibly danceable.

Details of the track are as follows:

The track makes excellent use of playful lyrics and a memorable hook in its chorus. While the subject matter is dark and politically-charged, The Stranglers have always been able to inject wry humor into their music. This dynamic made '10. Nuclear Device' especially well-received upon its release.

Pro Tip: Listen closely for Hugh Cornwell's virtuosic guitar work – it's easy to get swept up in the vocals and rhythm section!

Edward Tomlin

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.