The Troggs were a British rock band that gained prominence in the mid-1960s. Formed in Andover, Hampshire, in 1964, the original lineup included Reg Presley (vocals), Chris Britton (lead guitar), Pete Staples (bass guitar), and Ronnie Bond (drums). The Troggs are best known for their raw, primitive sound and a series of hit singles that left an indelible mark on the garage rock and proto-punk genres.
The band’s breakthrough came in 1966 with the release of “Wild Thing,” a song characterized by its simple, powerful riff and Presley’s distinctive vocals. “Wild Thing” became a global smash hit, reaching the top of the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The song’s rebellious energy and primal nature made it a classic in the rock genre.
Following the success of “Wild Thing,” The Troggs continued to produce hits like “With a Girl Like You” and “Love Is All Around.” The latter became a hit again in the 1990s when it was covered by Wet Wet Wet for the soundtrack of the film “Four Weddings and a Funeral.”
The Troggs’ music, characterized by its simplicity, directness, and infectious energy, has left a lasting impact on the rock and punk scenes. Despite lineup changes over the years, The Troggs’ influence endures, and their classic hits remain celebrated examples of 1960s rock and roll.
1. Wild Thing
“Wild Thing” is a classic rock song that became a massive hit for The Troggs in 1966. The song, known for its raw and primal energy, is considered one of the quintessential garage rock and proto-punk tracks. Written by American songwriter Chip Taylor, “Wild Thing” features a simple but iconic guitar riff and is characterized by its straightforward and rebellious style.
The Troggs’ version of “Wild Thing” is particularly famous for Reg Presley’s distinctive, gruff vocals and the primal intensity of the performance. The song’s lyrics are relatively straightforward, expressing a sense of wild and carefree abandon in the context of a romantic relationship.
“Wild Thing” quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Its success was propelled by its infectious energy and rebellious spirit, making it an anthem for the emerging counterculture of the 1960s.
Over the years, “Wild Thing” has been covered by numerous artists, further solidifying its status as a rock classic. Jimi Hendrix’s electrifying performance of the song at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 is particularly memorable. The enduring popularity of “Wild Thing” attests to its timeless appeal and its place in the pantheon of rock and roll history.
2. Love Is All Around
“Love Is All Around” is a classic rock ballad by The Troggs, written by lead singer Reg Presley. It was released as a single in 1967 and became one of the band’s most well-known and successful songs. The Troggs were a British rock band known for their raw and straightforward rock and roll sound, and “Love Is All Around” showcased a softer, more melodic side of their musical repertoire.
The song features a simple yet memorable melody, with lyrics that express the universal theme of love. The emotional and romantic nature of the song contributed to its widespread popularity. “Love Is All Around” reached notable chart success, including reaching the number 5 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
Notably, the song experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1990s when it was prominently featured in the soundtrack of the romantic comedy film “Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994), performed by Wet Wet Wet. The cover by Wet Wet Wet became a massive hit, staying at the top of the UK Singles Chart for an impressive 15 consecutive weeks.
Overall, “Love Is All Around” remains a timeless love ballad, appreciated for its simplicity, sincerity, and the enduring appeal of The Troggs’ original version, as well as the successful cover by Wet Wet Wet.
3. With a Girl Like You
“With a Girl Like You” is a song by the British rock band The Troggs, released in 1966. The Troggs, known for their straightforward rock and roll style, gained popularity during the 1960s with hits like “Wild Thing” and “Love Is All Around.”
“With a Girl Like You” is a catchy and upbeat song with a jangly guitar sound. It features the distinctive vocals of lead singer Reg Presley. The lyrics express the joy and excitement of being in love and spending time with a special girl. The song has a light and carefree feel, making it a classic representation of the upbeat and energetic side of 1960s rock music.
The track achieved commercial success, reaching high positions on the charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States. “With a Girl Like You” remains one of The Troggs’ well-remembered hits, capturing the spirit of the mid-1960s rock scene with its infectious melody and simple yet effective arrangements. The song’s enduring popularity has cemented its status as a classic from the heyday of British Invasion rock.
4. I Can’t Control Myself
“I Can’t Control Myself” is another hit song by The Troggs, released in 1966. This energetic track, written by Reg Presley, showcases The Troggs’ signature raw and rebellious sound. With its infectious beat and catchy melody, “I Can’t Control Myself” captures the essence of the band’s garage rock and proto-punk style.
The lyrics of the song reflect a theme of uncontrollable desire and passion, conveyed through Presley’s distinctive vocals. The repetitive refrain of “I can’t control myself” adds to the primal and visceral nature of the track. The simplicity of the composition, along with its high energy, contributed to its popularity during the mid-1960s music scene.
“I Can’t Control Myself” achieved success on both sides of the Atlantic, reaching the Top 10 in the UK and the Top 50 in the United States. The song’s raucous and rebellious vibe made it a favorite among fans of the burgeoning garage rock movement.
Like “Wild Thing,” “I Can’t Control Myself” remains a classic representation of The Troggs’ contribution to the rock and roll landscape of the 1960s. The band’s ability to deliver straightforward, powerful rock music with an edge helped solidify their place in the history of garage rock and influenced later generations of rock and punk musicians.
5. Any Way That You Want Me
“Any Way That You Want Me” is a song originally written by Chip Taylor and first recorded by The American Breed in 1966. However, the version that became more widely known is the cover by The Troggs, released in 1966 as well. The Troggs’ rendition of the song is often considered the definitive version.
With its straightforward rock and roll style, “Any Way That You Want Me” features the distinctive vocals of Troggs’ lead singer Reg Presley. The song expresses a longing for love and a willingness to conform to the desires of a romantic partner. The simplicity of the lyrics and the catchy melody contribute to the song’s appeal.
The Troggs’ version of “Any Way That You Want Me” enjoyed moderate success on the charts, reaching notable positions in the United Kingdom and the United States. While not as widely recognized as some of their other hits, the song remains a noteworthy example of The Troggs’ contributions to the rock music scene during the 1960s. The band’s ability to infuse emotion into their performances and the enduring charm of their straightforward rock sound can be appreciated in this track.
6. I Want You
“I Want You” is a song by the British rock band The Troggs, known for their raw and primal sound. Released in 1966, the song was written by the band’s lead vocalist Reg Presley. While “I Want You” didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of their other hits like “Wild Thing” and “With a Girl Like You,” it remains notable for its contribution to the garage rock and proto-punk genres.
The song features the characteristic simplicity and directness of The Troggs’ style. With its infectious beat and Presley’s distinctive vocals, “I Want You” captures the essence of youthful desire and longing. The repetitive and urgent nature of the lyrics adds to the overall intensity of the song.
Despite not reaching the same chart heights as some of their other releases, “I Want You” has endured as a cult classic and is appreciated for its raw energy and straightforward approach. The Troggs’ influence on the rock and punk movements of the 1960s and beyond is evident in songs like “I Want You,” where their primal sound contributed to the evolving landscape of rock music during that era.
7. Night of the Long Grass
“Night of the Long Grass” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. It’s one of the tracks from their album of the same name. The Troggs, known for their raw and straightforward rock sound, gained popularity during the 1960s with hits like “Wild Thing” and “Love Is All Around.”
“Night of the Long Grass” features a bluesy and psychedelic vibe, showcasing a different musical direction compared to some of their earlier, more straightforward rock hits. The song is characterized by its moody atmosphere, driven by a prominent rhythm section and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Reg Presley. The lyrics are somewhat cryptic, contributing to the psychedelic feel of the track.
While “Night of the Long Grass” may not be as widely known as some of The Troggs’ more mainstream hits, it remains appreciated by fans of the band for its experimentation with different musical elements. The song reflects the band’s willingness to explore diverse styles during a time when the music landscape was evolving rapidly, with artists delving into various genres and experimenting with new sounds and approaches.
8. Give It to Me
“Give It to Me” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. It’s a part of their album “Cellophane.” While not as commercially successful as some of their earlier hits like “Wild Thing” and “With a Girl Like You,” the song showcases The Troggs’ continued commitment to their raw and energetic style.
“Give It to Me” features the band’s characteristic simplicity, with a driving beat and Reg Presley’s distinctive vocals. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of desire and urgency, aligning with the band’s typical themes of youthful passion and longing.
While The Troggs may not have achieved the same level of chart success with “Give It to Me” as they did with their earlier hits, the song still holds a place in the band’s catalog and resonates with fans of their raw and unpolished rock sound.
The Troggs’ influence on the rock and punk movements of the 1960s is evident in songs like “Give It to Me,” where their straightforward and primal approach to music contributed to the evolving landscape of rock during that era.
9. Cousin Jane
“Cousin Jane” is a timeless song by The Troggs, renowned for their influential rock music. Originally released in 1967, it highlights the band’s distinct raw sound and memorable melodies. The song’s contagious guitar riffs and lively vocals make it a standout in their collection of songs. With its upbeat rhythm and unforgettable lyrics, “Cousin Jane” is a must-listen for both fans of The Troggs and lovers of rock music.
10. Girl in Black
“Girl in Black” by The Troggs is a classic rock song that showcases the band’s signature raw sound and catchy melodies. With its infectious guitar riffs and powerful vocals, it is a standout track in their discography. The song tells the story of a mysterious and alluring woman dressed in black, captivating the narrator’s attention. Its timeless appeal and memorable lyrics make it a fan favorite.
The Troggs were a British rock band formed in the 1960s. They gained international success with hits like “Wild Thing” and “Love Is All Around.” Their music continues to be celebrated and influence rock bands to this day.
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.
