The Stranglers are a British rock band that formed in 1974 in Guildford, Surrey, England. They are known for their distinctive sound, which blends elements of punk rock, new wave, and post-punk. The band’s original lineup consisted of Hugh Cornwell (vocals and guitar), Jean-Jacques Burnel (bass and vocals), Dave Greenfield (keyboards), and Jet Black (drums).
The Stranglers gained prominence during the punk rock era of the late 1970s, and their music is characterized by a mix of aggressive, punk-inflected rock and more melodic and keyboard-driven elements. Some of their well-known songs include “Golden Brown,” “No More Heroes,” “Peaches,” and “Always the Sun.” “Golden Brown” is one of their most recognizable tracks and features a distinctive harpsichord melody.
Over the years, The Stranglers have gone through various lineup changes, with Hugh Cornwell leaving the band in the early 1990s. Despite these changes, the band has continued to perform and release new music. They have maintained a dedicated fan base and are considered influential in the post-punk and new wave music scenes.
The Stranglers’ music is known for its dark and sometimes controversial themes, and they have been a part of the British rock music landscape for several decades.
1. Hanging Around
“Hanging Around” is a song by the British rock band The Stranglers. It was released in 1977 as a single and is also included on their second studio album, “No More Heroes,” which was released the same year. The song was written by the band’s guitarist and vocalist, Hugh Cornwell, and it became one of their well-known tracks.
“Hanging Around” is a punk rock and new wave song with a distinctive bassline and guitar riff, which are hallmarks of The Stranglers’ sound. The lyrics of the song convey a sense of urban frustration and dissatisfaction. The song’s catchy melody and rebellious attitude made it a fan favorite and helped establish The Stranglers as a notable band during the punk and new wave era of the late 1970s.
The Stranglers’ music often featured a mix of punk rock energy and more complex musical arrangements, and “Hanging Around” is a good example of their unique sound. The band’s ability to combine aggression with melody and sophistication contributed to their enduring popularity in the rock music scene.
2. Nice n Sleazy
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” is a song by the British punk rock band The Stranglers. It was released in 1978 as a single and later included on their album “Black and White.” The song is known for its distinctive bassline, gritty lyrics, and rebellious attitude, which were characteristic of The Stranglers’ style.
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” features a dark and edgy sound, with lyrics that touch on themes of urban decay and a somewhat seedy lifestyle. Despite its controversial subject matter, the song received significant airplay and became one of The Stranglers’ well-known tracks.
The Stranglers were an influential band in the punk and post-punk music scenes, known for their distinctive sound and confrontational lyrics. “Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” remains a staple in their discography and is often cited as one of their standout songs.
3. All Day and All of the Night
“All Day and All of the Night” is a popular song by the British rock band The Kinks. It was written by the band’s leader, Ray Davies, and released as a single in 1964. The song is known for its catchy and distinctive guitar riff and its energetic, driving rhythm.
“All Day and All of the Night” is often considered one of the iconic tracks of the British Invasion, which was a wave of British rock bands that gained popularity in the United States during the 1960s. The song features a powerful and aggressive guitar sound, reflecting the garage rock and proto-punk influences of the era.
The lyrics of the song convey themes of longing and desire, with the singer expressing a strong desire to be with someone all day and night. The song’s memorable melody and rock ‘n’ roll attitude contributed to its success, and it remains a classic in the rock music canon.
The Kinks, led by Ray Davies and his brother Dave Davies, were known for their innovative and influential contributions to the rock and pop music of the 1960s and beyond, and “All Day and All of the Night” is a testament to their enduring legacy.
4. Golden Brown
“Golden Brown” is a song by the British rock band The Stranglers. It was released as a single in 1982 and is also featured on their album “La Folie,” which was released in the same year. The song was written by the band’s keyboardist, Dave Greenfield, and their vocalist and bassist, Jean-Jacques Burnel.
“Golden Brown” is one of The Stranglers’ most well-known and iconic songs. It’s distinctive for its melodic and almost baroque sound, featuring a harpsichord-like keyboard riff that sets it apart from the band’s more traditional punk and new wave tracks. The song’s lyrics are somewhat enigmatic, with references to the sun and addiction, and they have been subject to interpretation and analysis.
The song was a commercial success for The Stranglers and is often considered one of their greatest achievements. “Golden Brown” has a timeless quality and remains a fan favorite, earning praise for its unique and sophisticated sound. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to experiment with different musical styles and evolve over the course of their career.
5. Peaches
“Peaches” is a well-known song by the British rock band The Stranglers. It was released in 1977 as a single and is also included on their album “Rattus Norvegicus,” which was released the same year. The song was written by the band’s keyboardist, Dave Greenfield, and their vocalist and bassist, Jean-Jacques Burnel.
“Peaches” is one of The Stranglers’ most iconic songs and is often regarded as a classic in the punk and new wave genres. The song is characterized by its catchy bassline, driving rhythm, and slightly provocative lyrics, which are typical of the band’s style. The lyrics contain themes of sexual desire and lust.
The song’s energetic and memorable melody made it a fan favorite and a significant part of the punk rock and new wave music scenes of the late 1970s. “Peaches” remains one of The Stranglers’ most recognizable tracks and has been a staple of their live performances for many years. It has also been covered and referenced by various artists, solidifying its place in the punk rock canon.
6. No More Heroes
“No More Heroes” is a song by the British punk rock band The Stranglers. It was released as a single in 1977 and is also the title track of their second studio album, “No More Heroes,” released in the same year. The song was written by the band’s guitarist and vocalist, Hugh Cornwell.
“No More Heroes” is one of The Stranglers’ most well-known songs and is often regarded as a punk rock classic. The song’s lyrics contain themes of rebellion, anti-establishment sentiments, and a desire for a different kind of hero. The track features the band’s signature blend of punk rock energy, catchy melodies, and distinctive bass and guitar work.
The Stranglers, known for their dark and edgy sound, were a prominent part of the punk and post-punk music scenes in the late 1970s. “No More Heroes” is a prime example of their style and helped solidify their place in the punk rock pantheon. It remains a popular and enduring song in the punk rock genre.
7. Always the Sun
“Always the Sun” is a song by the British rock band The Stranglers. It was released in 1986 as a single and is also included on their album “Dreamtime,” which was released the same year. The song was written by the band’s keyboardist, Dave Greenfield, and their vocalist and bassist, Jean-Jacques Burnel.
“Always the Sun” marked a departure from The Stranglers’ earlier punk and post-punk sound, as it featured a more melodic and radio-friendly style. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of hope, optimism, and the cyclical nature of life. It has a more polished and accessible sound compared to some of their earlier, edgier tracks.
The song was a commercial success for the band and is one of their most recognized and enduring songs. “Always the Sun” was a hit on the charts and received significant radio airplay, helping to broaden The Stranglers’ appeal beyond their punk rock roots.
The Stranglers’ ability to adapt their sound and explore different musical styles contributed to their longevity as a band, and “Always the Sun” is an example of their versatility and evolution as musicians.
8. Skin Deep
“Skin Deep” is a song by the British rock band The Stranglers. It was released in 1984 as a single and later included on their album “Aural Sculpture.” The song was one of their chart-topping hits and remains one of their well-known tracks.
“Skin Deep” is characterized by its catchy melody, distinctive bassline, and thoughtful lyrics. The song’s lyrics explore themes of love, relationships, and the complexity of human emotions. It is often praised for its combination of pop sensibilities with The Stranglers’ signature sound.
The song’s success helped solidify The Stranglers’ status as influential figures in the British rock scene of the 1980s. “Skin Deep” remains a staple in their discography and is often cited as one of their standout songs.
9. Duchess
“Duchess” is a song by the British rock band The Stranglers. It was released as a single in 1979 and is also included on their album “The Raven,” which was released the same year. The song was written by the band’s keyboardist, Dave Greenfield, and their vocalist and bassist, Jean-Jacques Burnel.
“Duchess” is one of The Stranglers’ well-known songs and showcases their distinctive blend of punk rock and new wave elements. The song features a catchy melody, with a prominent keyboard riff and driving rhythm. The lyrics of “Duchess” touch on themes of romance, desire, and a sense of longing.
The song’s radio-friendly sound and memorable chorus contributed to its popularity, and it became one of The Stranglers’ successful singles. “Duchess” is often cited as an example of the band’s ability to create melodic and accessible music while retaining their edgy and alternative edge.
The Stranglers’ diverse musical output and their willingness to experiment with different styles and sounds have made them a notable and enduring presence in the rock music landscape, and “Duchess” is a reflection of their versatility.
10. 5 Minutes
“5 Minutes” is a song by the British punk rock band The Stranglers. It was released in 1978 as a single and is also featured on their album “The Raven,” which was released the same year. The song was written by the band’s vocalist and bassist, Jean-Jacques Burnel.
“5 Minutes” is a fast-paced and aggressive punk rock song that features the Stranglers’ trademark combination of raw energy and dark, edgy lyrics. The lyrics express themes of frustration, urgency, and a sense of impending doom.
The Stranglers were known for their provocative and often controversial lyrics, and “5 Minutes” is no exception, dealing with themes of violence and societal decay. The song showcases the band’s aggressive and rebellious style, which was a significant part of the punk and post-punk music scenes in the late 1970s.
“5 Minutes” is considered one of The Stranglers’ notable tracks and is a reflection of the punk ethos that the band embodied during their early years.
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.
